The soul of Raymond Edward Gallaway, of Lytle, Texas, was received into heaven on May 26, 2023. Although we will no longer hear his many stories and laughter or feel his genuinely warm greetings, the difference he made in the lives of others here on earth will continue. Raymond, also known as Ray (and affectionately as “Uncle Buddy”), was born to Homer and Mary Ellen Gallaway on May 19, 1939 in San Antonio, Texas. He was a proud graduate of Luther Burbank Vocational High School after attending St. John Berchmans Catholic School and Parish.
Ray’s devotion to Charlotte Ann DeCock began on September 17, 1960, when they wed at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church in San Antonio. Ray and Charlotte settled in Somerset, Texas in 1969 where he and his brother Patrick established Gallaway Brothers Feed, Seed & Hardware Store that was a landmark for 36 years. Ray retired from the store in 2005 and made many new friends in Lytle, Texas while continuing his lifelong passion of raising livestock. He was a founding shareholder of Somerset National Bank, served faithfully as the St. Mary’s Catholic Church council president and sang in the choir, was a Somerset City Council Alderman, was president of Somerset Little League, served two terms on the Texas Pork Producers Association, was vice president of the Somerset Lions Club and was president of the Somerset Young Farmers. He positively impacted and touched the lives of generations in the Somerset community and beyond.
Ray is survived by the love of his life and wife, of 62 years, Charlotte Gallaway, and their loving family of six children and their spouses: Joan and Marc McGaffigan, Ray Jr. and Lori Gallaway, Michael and Ann Gallaway, Claudette and Billy Jordan, Jessica and Chris Schimelpfening, and Karen and Scott Rankin. Ray is also survived by fourteen grandchildren (and spouses): Blaine (Kate) McGaffigan, Brett McGaffigan, Lauren (Patrick) Cooper, Ty Gallaway, Elizabeth Gallaway, Christi (Clynton) Knox, Kimberly (Tyler) Hardy, Blair, Jacob and Brooke Rankin, Skylar and Sadie Schimelpfening, and Hunter and Chase Rankin, along with three great-grandchildren, Fiona and Dylan McGaffigan and Layne Hardy.
Ray is, also, survived by his brother, Patrick Gallaway and his wife Janice; his sister, Janice Potter and her husband, Tom; his brother-in-law, Bobby Springer, plus many loving, nieces and nephews, who were his pride and joy, as were his many friends whom he considered his extended family.
Ray is preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Diane (Persyn) Springer, brother-in-law Rene DeCock Jr., and son-in-law, Lance Rankin.
We know Ray will be watching over us from heaven and we will remember him as we emulate his warmth toward others and his faithful love of God.
Friends and family will be received at a visitation at Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas on June 12, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Lytle on June 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Somerset. A reception will follow at St. Mary’s Parish Hall in Somerset.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Lytle, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Somerset, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children or your favorite charity.
If you wish to share a memory or express your condolences to the family, you may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Lytle, Texas.