Wendol Ray Galloway

Wendol Ray Galloway

August 20, 1937 - April 1, 2025

Wendol Ray Galloway, 87, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, in Klamath Falls, OR. He was in hospice care following complications from kidney failure and a recent fall.

A viewing will be held at Myers Chapel, 248 N. "E" Street, Porterville, CA, on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 11:00AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Graveside Service at Vandalia Cemetery, 565 E Scranton Ave Porterville, CA at 2:00 PM.

A Life Well-Lived

Born on August 20, 1937, in Snyder, Texas, Wendol was the son of Sammie Redford Galloway and Maggie Lucille Gowens. He moved with his family to Huntington Beach, CA in 1942. Growing up, he and his siblings helped with the war effort by collecting iron. After school, Wendol and Royce worked at the local wrecking yard, earning $1 a day.

Before graduating from Huntington Beach High School in 1955, Wendol enlisted in the National Guard as a Corporal in the 1st Battalion of the 185th Armor, serving from 1954 to 1955. He joined the U.S. Air Force - Air Police (AP) as the Guard Captain during the Eisenhower Administration. Wendol was stationed at Thule Air Force Base in Greenland and later at a U.S. airbase in Japan as an E4 airman first class from 1955 to 1960.

Family and Work

Wendol married his first love, Mary Louise Hudson, on April 28, 1957, and together they had three children: Wendol Ray Jr., Randol Dale, and Linda Carol. After their divorce, he later married Sally Cathleen Raver and had a son, Curtis Charles Galloway.

In 1967, Wendol met Vicki Fowler while working at Montgomery Ward in Huntington Beach. They married on December 31, 1967, in Twin Falls, ID, and welcomed their daughter, Valerie Joyce. Over the years, Wendol's career took him and his family across the country, from Pasadena, TX, to Anchorage, AK, where he worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Later, he settled in Koshkonong, MO, purchasing a 40-acre farm.

When a back injury made farm life difficult, Wendol transitioned into working with Ozark Action Inc. in weatherization before moving back to Porterville, CA. He pursued real estate, joining Century 21, where he not only built a successful career but also trained and mentored others, forming many lasting friendships along the way.

Passions and Interests

Wendol was a man of many passions. He was an avid bowler, a dedicated sports fan-especially of boxing, football, and NASCAR-and an enthusiastic camper and fisherman, a love that was particularly strong during his years in Alaska. He also shared his wife Vicki's passion for genealogy, helping trace family history and preserve memories.

Legacy

Wendol leaves behind five beloved children: Wendol Ray Jr., Randol Dale, Linda Carol, Curtis Charles, and Valerie Joyce. He is also survived by six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great -grandchild, each of whom brought him immense joy and pride. His humor, resilience, and love for his family will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries <http://www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries>. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.