Visitation
Service
Roy Alexander McGalliard of Morganton, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, July 14 th , 2023 of end stage heart disease. He turned 86 on his birthday this past May 4 th ,2023. Born in Caldwell County, NC he was the son of the late William Russell McGalliard and Kathleen Clarke McGalliard.
McGalliard served in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 24th Special Forces, 1st Special Forces. He was a Green Beret in the United States Army. McGalliard had a long career as a teacher, first at the University of Guam then coming to Western Piedmont Community College in 1969. After retiring from WPCC McGalliard served as a PACE instructor for Central Texas College teaching on several Capital Ships of the United States Navy. McGalliard also had long tenure serving the State Employees of North Carolina as a member of SEANC. He was a certified parliamentarian for SEANC and many other organizations. He was very instrumental in making SEANC’s original Bylaws for the operations of the Association. In September 2010 McGalliard received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Beverly Perdue for his services to The State of North Carolina. McGalliard graduated from Lenoir High School, Lenoir-Rhyne College; B.A. degree, and The University of Hawaii; M.A. degree.
McGalliard is survived by his daughter, Barbara Ferrara (Bret), his son, Russell McGalliard (Tammy), five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his sister, Joyce Ervin (Louis), one niece and five nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm, Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Collier's United Methodist Church with the Father Logan Lovelace officiating.
In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship fund of Lenoir-Rhyne college, 625 7th Ave NE, Hickory NC 28601 or the Hospice Services Agency which served him: Medi-Home Health Agency 180 W Main Ave, Taylorsville NC 28681
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Roy Alexander McGalliard.
ROY WAS A GREAT FRIEND & MENTOR IN PARLIAMENTARIAN WORK. THE LEADERSHIP & EXPERIENCE THAT ROY GAVE TO SEANC WAS INVALUABLE. A GREAT EDUCATOR HAS NOW DEPARTED & WILL BE MISSED. RAY EVANS
God Bless your soul Roy! Roy was quite a character, great teacher and orator. I had the pleasure of taking his Old English literature course at WPCC. My first cousin once removed. Good man.
Met Mr. McGalliard in 1975 at WPCC as a work-study student. Will never forget his encouragement to further my education, which I did. He was a tough teacher but enjoyed being in his classes. So sorry for your loss
We enjoyed having Roy for a professor at WPCC; he was delightful as well as very knowledgeable. He encouraged me to go further and get my master's degree which I did later. He came to Garrison's Store for a sandwich and a visit from time to time. His company was enjoyed on each visit. We want to offer our sincere condolences to his family. Rama Jean and Bruce Franklin
Roy was one of a kind. Always loved talking to him. He will be truly missed.
Had the privilege of taking care of Mr. Roy. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Roy was a great instructor. Taking classes under him was always a learning experience. We often crossed paths at the SEANC convention. Talking about his childhood growing up was always a highlight of our conversations. May you rest in peace my friend. Gary Harbison
My sincere condolences to Roy's family. I worked with him at Western Piedmont Community College for ten years before I went to the Burke County Public Schools. May God bless each of you with strength and courage during this most difficult time in your lives.
Thank you for your service young man, God bless and God's speed "De Oppresso Liber".
Thank you for all you did to help me be a better parliamentarian. I still have my autographed copy of Robert’s. RIP, my friend. You will be missed.