of Helena, AR
October 6, 1941 - January 9, 2011
Raymond Forrest Galloway, 69, of Helena Arkansas died Sunday, January 9, 2011. Ray was born October 6, 1941 in Helena, Arkansas to the late Captain Dwight and Hazel Galloway.
Ray was a founding member of the Sonny Boy Blues Society as well as a founding member to the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas. He volunteered 25 years of his life to KBBF and ran the main stage for most of those 25 years. He was an attorney at Galloway Law Firm and had been practicing law for 40 years.
He leaves behind two daughters, Leslie Akers Galloway and Amy Galloway Graves both of Helena, and a son, Raymond Forrest Galloway, Jr. of Little Rock. He also leaves behind his two grandchildren, Drew and Claire Graves, whom he adored so much.
He is preceded in death by his parents Captain Dwight and Hazel Galloway and his brother, Don Galloway.
He leaves behind a brother, Tommy Galloway (Carrie) of Houston, Texas and a sister, Carol Stone (Charlie) of Memphis, Tennessee and a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
He was a lover of life, blues, Sigma Chi, the Razorbacks, and mostly his friends and family.
Graveside services will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery at 11a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2011.
Memorials to be made to Sonny Boy Blues Society or the First United Methodist Church of Helena.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
Leslie, Tommy, Carrie and family, I just found out about Ray. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. I first met Ray when Tommy owned the Kream Freeze in Helena. He was an inspiration and a great man that most people will never know. He could always make anyone smile. I will keep all of the Galloway family in my prayers, we have lost a great man, but he has gone to be together with his mom and dad once again.
I still look for Ray jogging every morning when I drive to work. The ladies of the Phillips County Library really miss his smile in the early morning when he would come in for a new book. May God supply him with many good books and a long track..
Dad, you are the greatest man I have ever known. Thank you for everything you have ever taught me about life, music, love, and family. You have been my best friend, companion, and teacher. But most of all, I have been blessed to call you my Dad. I wish every child could have a father as supportive and loving as you. I love you more than you will ever know. I will carry you in my heart daily. You are missed every second of the day but I know I will see you again someday. May God hold you in the palm of his hand... I love you, Leslie
Leslie, Amy, Forrest and the Galloway Family. We are so sorry abour Ray. I have great menories of Ray when we worked together in the court system in Helena. God Bless
They say, "Only the good die young." Ray was both too good and too young to die. Always had a smile and a helping hand for anyone who needed one.
I just wanted to let all the family know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Growing up in Helena down the street from the Galloway family was special.
Carol and Tommy, my love for Ray goes back to pre-school days and he was an big part of my young life. I have wonderful memories of playing with him and walking to Beach Crest together. My dog even bit him on the playground because he recognized Ray and wanted to play with him and got too excited. My love for your family is one of my best memories and always thank Hazel for teaching me to play poker. My thoughts and prayers are with you. How quickly time passes but memories last forever.
I would like to express my condolences to the entire Galloway family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Forrest, Leslie and Amy - I'm so sorry about your loss and have you in my prayers always. Mr Ray was a great man and has 3 great children to carry on his legacy. Only time can heal a wound such as this, but hold your heads up and know he's in a better place and watching over you each and every day. My deepest sympathies and prayers.
Brett Johns
Helena and the world was a better place for Ray having been in it. Both will sure miss him.
Ray was one of the first people I met when I moved to Helena in 1971. Although I was not in Arkansas but a few years, Ray and I had the opportunity to become friends. He welcomed me to town, and I was grateful to have Ray for a friend. He was a great guy, and he will be sorely missed.
You have my deepest sympathy.
My "Blues Brother", you / your friendship / your love of the "Blues" & people can never be replaced or forgotten. I will take with me forever my memory of you in my heart & in my mind. And, to the Galloway Family, please take comfort in knowing that we all have suffered a great lose. But, in time, I hope we can all heal. If I can be of assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to call upon me. "Stack"
Ray Galloway was one of the finest people I have ever known, and the world is a better place for his having been in it.
Forest,Tommy and the Galloway Family. I would like to offer my depest condolences to you at this time. Having known Ray-Ray for the last three years I know you have lost a wonderful Father,Brother,Husband, and Friend. He is one of the Finest Human Beings I have ever met in my life. I will never foget him and I pray that you find comfort in knowing how loved he was.
We are so sorry for your loss. Ray was a great, fun man to be around. He will really be missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers will be with each of you during this horrible time in your lives. Know that lots of people are praying for you all to have peace and understanding during this time. Extra prayers are being said for Drew and Claire Bear !!
Sean, Deb, Jillian & Mollie
Roxann and I extend our deepest condolences to all the family. We had great times together and Ray will be remembered always.
All our love,
Bill and Roxann Hartley
LESLIE, AMY, FORREST AND GALLOWAY FAMILY We are so sorry about Ray. We enjoyed knowing him very much, he was always fun to be around. We raised our children at the same time, so we have many good memories of Ray and you kids. GOD bless you in your loss.
We were so sorrow to hear about Ray. I know what you are all going through, so we are sending our deepest regrets. When we lose a loved one it always leaves a hole in your heart. Think of the good times you enjoyed and loved with him. I know he would want it that way. Sorry we can't make the services, but you will be in our prayers. Mike, Sue, Todd and Joe Breton.
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I certainly enjoyed seeing Ray at the blues festival every year. It won't be the same without him.
Leslie, So sorry, but your Dad is in a better place than we are. Time heals. Love You May God Bless you and your family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God comfort you all
Melanie and I want all of you to know that we will miss
Ray and that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
IT was my pleasure to have met and known Ray. Met Ray in Houston ,along with his brother Tommy at Willie G's in 1981. One of the most positive persons that I've ever known.Always smiling and happy. I know it is a Galloway trait. My prayers are with all the Galloway family.
Carol and Tommy, we all loved Ray and are so glad we had him in our lives. I never saw him when he wasn't having a good time and making others happy. All of the Galloways have been precious to us. We are so sorry for your loss. Leslie, Amy, and Forrest, please know how fortunate you were to have such a great man for your daddy. You are in our prayers and we wish we could be with you tomorrow.
Much love,
Alice and Blake Robertson
Leslie, Amy, Forrest:
Pat and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during the coming days. We are so sorry for the loss of your dad.
Leslie, Amy & Forrest, was really shocked and saddened by the loss of your Dad. I still have that note the 3 of you sent me years ago !! (which dosen't seem like years ago now !!) My Love to all of you and please tell your Mom hello for me. Hope to see all of you Thursday.God Bless
JG
To the Gallowy Family:
We will truly miss an old friend! Prayers are with ya'll.
John & Linda Campbell
;
Forrest to you and your family, Uncle Tommy and all of our extended Cajun family we send our sincere condolences and know that Ray will always be with us in spirit. One of the finest gentlemen I have had the pleaseure to call my friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you celebrate his life as a great Dad and friend to so many people. God Bless. SHADE
Ray's smiling face will be missed.
The Beautiful Galloway Family,
Ray, your loved one was a blessing...though his time here on earth is gone, the many ways HE made a difference in so many lives will continue to live on!
In much Christian Love, Levoria
Forrest, I cannot begin to tell you how much my heart hurts for you during this difficult time. I have been praying daily that God will wrap you in his loving arms and give you the strength and peace you need. Time will help to heal the pain and you will once again be able to remember your dad and all the wonderful memories you shared. God bless you and your family and please let us know if we can help in any way.
sincere condolences to Forest, Tommy, and all of Ray's family
Tommy
Lynn and I were so sorry to hear about Ray. We are thinking of you and your family and pray that you all find peace. I know Ray will be greatly missed.
Lynn and Becky (Pilkington) Phares
To the entire Galloway family, Judie and I want you to know how special Ray was to all fomer classmates and friends. Please know we will be thinking of you during this time of sadness.
Katie and I were so saddened to learn of the loss of Ray. Katie didn't get the chance to know Ray like I did and for that I am sorry. She would have enjoyed his company just like everyone did. I always looked forward to Ray coming to visit in Fayetteville or going to Helena to play golf with Ray and Tommy. He will be missed by all.
Carol and I are so sorry for your loss. All of our love and thoughs are with all always. May God keep all in his hands.
Leslie, so sorry for your loss, Chuck had told me he was not well. Will keep you and family in our prayers.
He will be missed greatly.
Leslie, Amy, Forrest and Family,
Bud and I are sorry for your loss and want you to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy, Drew and Claire.
My heart goes out to you during this time of loss. I'm only a phone call away. When everyone leaves I'm here. Always. RayRay loved ya'll so much. Remember the good things and that ya'll were very much loved by a wonderful man.
We love all of you,
Mamaw and Uncle Bobby
We were so shocked and saddened when we hear this news. We send our thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
Carol, Tommy & family, Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Ray. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and the community.
Love to all of you.
Sheila
Ray was a wonderful person and will be missed greatly.
He made me feel welcomed when I first moved to Helena. The entire blues world is saddened I know because he was so much a part of it. Goodbye friend.
Galloway family: We share your sorrow for the untimely loss of Ray. We shall always remember the good times with you and him. You are in our prayers. We love you all.
Leslie:
So sorry abour your dad .
You and your family are in my prayers always.
Laurie Mc
To The Family of Ray Galloway I was sorry to hear of your loss Mr Galloway and I worked over 30 yrs in Helena-West Helena in the court system and I was at a loss when I heard about his passing. May God keep you and your family in perfect peace until you meet again.
Leslie, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. May God continue to bless and keep you is my prayer.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Ray was such a fun and loving guy. I always loved his smile and laugh. I pray that during this time of separation from him, God will heal and comfort you until you see him again. God Bless you all.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, MR RAY WAS A GREAT PERSON AND WILL BE VERY MISSED. ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE WHEN I SAW HIM AT WORK. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY IF YOU ALL NEED ANYTHING..
Just want you to know that your family is in my prayers.. jane
My prayers go out to the family.God Bless.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, MR RAY WAS A GREAT PERSON AND WILL BE VERY MISSED. ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE WHEN I SAW HIM AT WORK. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY IF YOU ALL NEED ANYTHING..
My heart goes out to the entire Galloway family. Having known Ray for only for past 12 years (4 days each yr) I feel like I have known him my whole life. Always joyful, entertaining and genuine to everyone he met. I will remember most of all his kind heart, bright smile and entertaining stories. I consider myself lucky to have met Ray and fortunate to call him a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ray and I were Sigma Chi brothers at Miss. State. We kept in touch by e mail.
We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was an amazing person. We are so honored we had the pleasure of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always! Much Love, Ken and Meg
Sending our Deepest Sympathy.
Don and Lois Buroker
You are in my thoughts and prayers! He was very blessed to have such wonderful kids and grand kids and I know he knew it! God will wrap his arms around you and fill the empty space with his love and peace!
Thoughts and prayers with each of you, special hug to little Claire. May God wrap each of you in his arms at this time.
Carol, holding you close today ~ in my heart & in my prayers ~ and sending my love so you know I care! May God give you peace! Love you!
Our family & class are so sorry to hear about Ray's death.He was involved with so many lives and made such a lasting impression that he will be greatly missed...Know that he, the familes, and all who knew him are in our prayers...We will miss him....Larry & Margery Morris--Selma, Alabama
Forrest, Tommy and the rest of this awesome family,
Please know that we are saddened by the lost of Ray-Ray. He was truly an honorable man and always a joy to be around. I will always remember the great smiles and the kindest hugs anyone would want. As we all wonder why, only God has the real answer, but if you want my take on why he took Ray, I think that he just needed an awesome angel that gets things done. Please know that you are all in our prayers and if there is anything that the Dubuc's can do, please know that we are a phone call away. Take care and God Bless you.
Lesile, Amy, Forrest, Tommy, & Carol,
Words cannot express how sorry I am at the passing of "Uncle" Ray. I pray that God comforts you and gives you strenght to get through this most difficult time. All my love to you all. Jenny
MY SINCERE BEST WISHES TO FOREST AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY AND TO TOMMY. WE WILL
MISS RAY AT GULF SHORES BUT HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
I always considered Ray my brother.
He will be mssed and will remain in my prayers.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Walter Sr., Dennis, Walter, Addie, Nikki, Pam, Juanita, Liz, Pat, Brittany, Tommy, George, Willie, Robert, Johnny, Dj and Zack!.
So very sorry to hear about your dad. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers and that we love you very much. If we can do anything to make this time easier for you all please let us know.
To the Galloway family: we are so very sorry for your loss. May God bless each of you with HIS peace and comfort is our prayer.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Galloway family.
You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Ray will be missed by many. A true blues fan. He so loved his family & would drop everything for those grandchildren.
Leslie, Amy, Forrest, Carol, Tommy and your families~We were so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. We are keeping you in our hearts and prayers.
After reading the "Tribute" to Ray posted on Ameriblues.com this comes to mind:
As we pass through this life, the greatest honor a man can have is to have touched the lives of many who are better because they knew him. Clearly, he was such a man, and will be missed by many.
Carol, Tommy and families, we will miss Ray. We all have great memories of our times together. Know he is in each of his classmates hearts.
Carol and Tommy, Bill and i are so sorry to hear of Ray's death. He will be missed and he left us with many memories, high school, and all our reunions. Carol, you hold a special place in my heart. Love , Liz
Leslie, Forrest, Carol and family: All of the post on the guestbook show a true tribute to Ray. He was a great leader in Helena and admired by everyone. God be with you during this time as you go through the grieving process. Ray is in a wonderful place, there is no doubt about that. My prayers are with you all.
May the Lord comfort you at this time and help you with this great loss. Will keep you in my prayers daily.
Judy Travis
John and I were so shocked to hear the news of our dear friend Ray. We loved that guy the minute we met Ray and Debbie at Moon Lake. He was such a great and fun loving person who entertained us with all of his funny stories. We love the photo you posted of him with the rainbow in the background. He is now in a much better place where rainbows appear daily. He is going to be missed by everyone who knew him, especially during next yr's King Bisquit!! . There will never be another like him and we know how much he loved you all. Keeping you in our prayers.
Leslie, Amy, Forrest, Drew, & Claire: Ray was a great man and he will be missed terribly. I learned a lot from him in the past 13 years. It sure isn't going to be the same not working with him. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.
Our condolances go to the entire Galloway family. We were fortunate to get to know the Galloways thru Jim Rose III. We will miss seeing Ray on the Fayetteville trips. He was a fine person and great fun to be with.
Our prayers are with you. Ray will be missed.
Leslie, Amy and Forrest. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for your family.
Amy, Leslie, Forrest, and Family. I'm very sorry to hear about Mr. Ray. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Love to all!
We are so distressed to hear about Ray's passing. Many happy memories of days gone by that included him. He will be missed terribly by so many.
Ray will be missed soo very much! We saw him almost everyday at work! He was such a kind hearted guy and very easy to talk to! We are remembering the family in our prayers during this time of great loss!
Leslie and Family, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. I am praying for you and that God will bring peace to your hearts. Thinking of you and praying for you. Bonnie and family
Much love to Carol & Tommy & all the Galloways at this time. I have special memories of Ray helping me thru a tough time many years ago. Like all the Galloway siblings, he was a wonderful, caring person. Cherish the good & happy memories.
Suzie (Yount) Fehr
So sorry to hear about Mr. Galloway. Every Sunday morning he was in the high school Sunday School class waiting for us to show up. Been a couple of years since I've been to Blues Festival, but always looked forward to seeing him. He was a good guy and he'll be missed.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Ray. My thoughts and prayers are with all the Galloway family!!!!I know he will be greatly missed in the Helena/West Helena community. Sincerely, Gayle Tamburo Moffett
Leslie, Amy, and Forrest.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Ray. Such a kind, nice man. He will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Carol;Tommy;Debbie you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers. Ray &allthe Gaslloways were such caring& civic minded family.JIm& Diane Mayer
Tommy,Carol, Leslie, Amy, Forrest, and family. My heart is broken for you, and there is nothing I can say to make it better. Just know you all are in mine and Henry's prayers, and we are here for you. Love you, Henry and Billie Sue
The Galloways and the Hickeys were very close when I was growing up - just like family. As I got older I depended on Ray as my attorney, and a friend. He will be missed. May God be with the family as they deal with the pain.....
For the Galloway Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I always found Ray and his family to be especially precious God bless each of you.
Carol Weaver Ragsdale
Ray was such a sweet, caring, loving man. Always so helpful and friendly to me, as a friend and as a lawyer. I will certainly miss him.
Pat Williams
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ray and all the Galloway family were lifelong best friends. Our paryers go out for all of his family.
Carol & Tommy, There's not much anyone can say right now. Just know that our hearts & prayers are with you & the kids & Debbie..Ray was a class act. I'll bring the picture I told you about to give to you..Weather permiting, we'll be there Tuesday night..May the Good Lord help you through this painful time..Love you both
Ray was such a character and wonderful guy. I have many fond memories of Ray and his family, he will be missed my many. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and Ray go be with God!