My Condolences joy and Nan and his Mom ,Dad,and sister Cathy. John was a good man I miss his laugh and his energy.....Havnt seen him in years hate that  I cant talk to him and tell were life has took me and meet my twin boys....Love you  John Jr. Fly high brother.

#TakeTheHardline
If you take the easy way out you are wasting an opportunity to challenge yourself.

It's rare for me to not be able to sleep these days.  But tonight I can't.  We were riding nearly every weekend, and a lot of times John would make me lead.  He always wanted to see my lines, he would watch me, and very rarely tell me I did it wrong, even if I picked a bad line.  Well last year while he was sick, I sold my buggy.  He wasn't able to go anymore and I hit a brick wall with the "religion" of it.  Riding with others and without him present just wasn't "my church". I needed another outlet to my daily stresses and I funneled it into mountain biking.  Earlier this year I bought the buggy back with one simple intention:  To go to My Church whenever I needed to be with one of my Angels.  John is always with me, he's with me all of us, but when I'm climbing obstacles, he's watching me.  He's letting me go first.  I still talk to him a lot but especially when I work on the buggy just like we use to, and I've been getting it ready for the Cruiser Crawl in two weeks.  I know I'll have more of these sleepless nights as these two weeks can't come fast enough.  I get to ride the bike and ride the buggy this trip.  I'll go first John.  And yeah man, I'll even #TakeTheHardline. 
#AngelsWearPurple

Labor Day Monday 2 years ago...I was on my way home from riding in Tennessee when a spring broke on my trailer.  I happened to be only 10 or 15 miles from John Galbreath Jr.  I called him in hopes that I could at least get some help finding a place to stash my trailer and my rig so I can come back and get it fixed when businesses opened the next day.  He had been out riding that weekend too and I'm sure he was busy.  He came out with another trailer and helped me limp back to his place, made some calls and found another spring and took me across town to pick it up...Where nobody would take money for it.  We went back to his place where he humored me by giving me a small task to keep me busy (and out of his way...Lol) while he did all the real work himself to get my trailer fixed and back on the road.  He sent us on our way at 9:30 that night after spending most of the day helping us and of course wouldn't think of letting me pay for his help.  I'm sure it was "no big deal" for him, but is sure was for me.  That is the kind of man he was:  helping when he could, while making you feel comfortable, and expecting nothing in return.  I had hopes that I would be able to return the favor someday but that never happened and for that I am sorry.
I hope, John Galbreath, Jr, that you can still feel all the love, appreciation and respect flowing your way!  The southeast off-road community is forever changed because of your humble leadership and mentoring and will never be the same with your absence.  Crawl on though we will, and expect that you will still be there in spirit assuming the role of our diving spotter!

I learned a few things yesterday.

I learned that I needed to go to John Galbreath's funeral. While it may sound somewhat selfish to say that, allow me to explain.

I learned John had a giving, charitable heart and did things most folks didn't know about.

I learned John loved a lot of people but his wife, Nan, was number 1, always.

I learned that I was definitely not the only one that knew John was a excellent business man.

I learned John pushed a lot of people do be the best they could be - to make that leap to try things that they'd wanted to do but were afraid to.  Taking the #hardline was something more than just his path in rock crawling - it was his mantra in life even though he could at times come across as a man of leisure and play.  That drive to always take the hardline inspired people, myself included.  

I learned John had a very diverse base of friends from all walks of life.  He touched an enormous number of people and that reach had a sound, lasting impression on them.  He was just that kind of guy, had a gravity to hime and personality that we were all drawn to.

I learned John's faith wasn't worn on his sleeve but was very sound.  

I learned that I needed to take some time whenever possible and have a little more fun.

John, you'll be missed, no doubt about it.  But, the impact you made on so many people's lives if pretty astounding and that legacy is very honorable.  

Rest in peace, friend, and thank you.

This year's Shamrock Run 2017-John G Memorial Ride is very special because it is in memory of our dear friend John Galbreath, Jr.  As departure time draws nearer today I'm overwhelmed with feelings of seeing old friends.  I'm selfish though, because I want John to be there, to greet me like he has done possibly hundreds of times.  In the 5 years I spent wheeling with him, I can not remember a time that I beat him to the park.  He was always been there to help me park the RV.  

Everyone has faults, and no one is perfect, but he was up there on the scale.  I strive daily to be and live like this man.  He loved his family, his friends and adventure.  We're going to celebrate you this weekend, John.  I encourage anyone reading this, to brave the rain this weekend and come out and spend time with friends.  We never know when epic priceless trips will occur.  We just have to keep making them, until they happen

I was standing at the stove today, making eggs for my little boy when it hit me.  Glenn was frying eggs at Hawk Pride early one morning when John rolled up with his cup of coffee and one for me.  We asked if he wanted an egg sandwich and a couple of slices of bacon.  In the back of my mind, I didn't want to feed him food that was bad for his health, especially since he had lost some weight and was doing so well.  He then tells Glen it was so close to perfect a breakfast as he could have had and proceeded to tell some stories as only John could.

Looking back, I almost spoiled a great morning, all for the longterm health of someone who would leave us all prematurely.  I guess where I am going with this is to prepare for the long run, but not to ignore some short term indulgences.  Maybe not all the time we should over do it, but short term, some good memories can be made that will last a lifetime.

Anyone that knows me, knows that I can go to the extreme from time to time.  Too much drinking has happened, too much work has happened, pushing to get things done instead of sleeping, etc, etc.  John saw it too and I am guessing he was doing kindness to help me out.  Here is where to story begins in the middle of 2015.

I was looking for a bush hog and JohnG said he had one I could just have.  I argued that I would pay something, and he wasn't having it.  I had just finished up a brutal week of work, been up late nights working on my tractor, working on my truck and I was exhausted.  All my posts on HL made no sense and I agreed to pick up the bush hop in the morning, an hour plus drive from the house.  Rolling in to Johns house, I back the truck and trailer past his motorhome and in between his shop and trailer.  I was super tired and was very deliberate with my driving.  It took a few minutes longer to back it perfect, but I was tired and for sure not hitting anything valuable for the day.

John helped load it up, I cinched it down, tried to pay him and was about to set off.  He said let me show you something and started on the tour of his shop.  If you haven't been there, it is an absolute treat.  Organized, cool, like a JohnG museum.  He told me stories of things his mother had saved, and where he had gotten toys and rode this there and so forth and so on.  I was tired and ready to go, kinda rushing towards the door to get going.  For some reason, John kept slowing it down.  He didn't want me to leave yet and if you spent any time with him, he had a way of getting what he wanted.

I think I spent 3-4 hours talking with him.  Might have been only two, my mind was a little fuzzy, but it was just great conversation about life.  Slowing down to enjoy some things, taking care of myself, loving my wife and kids.  Why would this man do this?  He didn't owe me anything and just gave me a bush hog.  It took a while to wrap my head around it and it has helped to me stay truer to some Christian beliefs I hold dear.  A lot of people say they are Christian and do very little to show it.  It doesn't have to be praying together or going to church together.  Sometimes, it can be a little nudge in the right direction,  it can be kind words, sometimes it can be removing a fireball from ones grasp and handing them a Dasani.  Sometimes, it can be helping a struggling man, wrapped up in his own thoughts, take a step back and realize he needs to ease up.  Sometimes, it is listening to someone ramble about nonsense until it is all out and backfilling that void space with some wisdom and knowledge from someone that has been there before.  I told myself I would not cry anymore about this man, he is in a better place, but this memory hits hard and was integral in me taking a step back from work.

I quit working in August of 2015, I still own my store but took a pay cut to spend more time with my kids, wife and friends.  A huge portion of that decision came from that very conversation, most of it sitting on a very warm steel deck trailer, in Johns back yard.  I made time for my kids, have been more loving towards my wife and I have been able to make more rides (though with less money to fix my junk) all because of the decision to step back.  As well, I was blessed with a lot of spare time.  When John got sick, I made it a point to repay him for helping me through my tough times. I went to see him every chance I got, sent him flowers in the hospital and tried not to be around too much.  I may not have been blood related, but John was family to me.

Ramble, ramble.  My eyes are so watery I can't hardly type.  Knowing he is looking down and I have 20 projects to go, I am going to get up off the couch and to work on my truck.  I know John would be proud if I finished up one project today.

If it wasn't for John I wouldn't have known who Jimmy Buffett was and nor would I have listened to his music.  John introduced me to Buffett some 13 years ago.  He told me that morning at gray rock while we were at the propane palace that "listening to Jimmy Buffett's music is soothing to the mind and soul.  When I hear the words of his songs it clears my mid of any stress I have. I'm still listening to this day to his music.  Thank you my friend for the inspiration.

To know John for even a moment was to feel like you'd known him your entire life.  He was that kind of man, that kind of Brother, to any and all of us who shared words or a table with him.

I remember when I sent him a wedding invitation, he called to tell me he wouldn't be able to make it and I remember his voice.  He was genuinely happy for me and sad that he and Nan were unable to attend.  We must've spoken for an hour.  He never made it down to the Gulf that year for their Christmas trip.  We'd planned to have dinner when they did.

I've struggled to find the words for this.  I remember when Phillip died, then Paradise, and now John.  All I can think of, once I move beyond the pain of their passing, is how amazing it must be on the other side.  

I regret not being there in person today but know I was there in spirit.  We're all blessed for having known this unforgettable, amazing, one of a kind man.  I am humbled and honored to have called him Brother.

I won't say goodbye because I know I'll see you again so I'll just say, see you later.

Nan I never met you.  I'm Jon's Mom, Lesa and we live on Black Water in Walker County and in May of 2015 they all came here for a ride and it was one of the 1st times I had really gotten to talk to and know John.  I was doing chemo and fighting for my life and I'll never forget John telling me to keep up the faith because I had been doing chemo for 2 years and was tired and he was so encouraging and when I look back he had no idea he would be doing the same thing the following year.  I finally said enough in December of 2016 and did a final pet scan and received the news in January that it was in remission.  But I guess I just wanted you to know how nice he was to me from then on.  He always went out of his way to be encouraging and all doctors had told me there was no hope for a cure or remission and John told me the same thing I had been telling my doctors only God knows that so you had a wonderful man and I know he is missed by many including me.  So I know all his friends miss him and I hope he is never forgotten in the 4 wheeling community and I can tell you I don't know how long I have but I will never forget John.  Prayers for you and all your family.

He was a dang good guy.  He was a straight shooter for sure.  I always enjoyed seeing him and his wife on the trails.  The wheeling community lost a good one but we shall meet again some day.

My heart breaks for his family.  I barely knew John and have nothing but respect.  He will be truly missed by so many in the wheeling community.  RIP John, you were a class act.

Very sorry to hear, never met the man but heard great things about him and he seemed very well respected.  Our condolences

John will definitely be missed.  Glad to have known him and call him a friend.

Great Man, he was for sure one of the best I ever got to know in this riding community.  He will be missed.  Sorry to hear and my condolences to his family

Praying for his family, John touched so many in the facing world and off road community as well.  He will truly be missed.

John Galbreath,Jr gained his angel wings early this morning.  He was taken from us way to early by cancer and many people are left heart broken and feeling empty.  If you never had a chance to meet this great man you missed out.  All I can do now is tell you what he was to me.

The man simply known as John G. to many was a guy I would always think of a guy doing life right.  John made time in life for it all.  He worked hard and he played hard.

I had the unique opportunity of working with John on two turn key buggies.  When you build a buggy with some one its a long term relationship you have with the customer.  These things take time to build and the relationship between a customer and builder is tested in every way you can imagine.  During the time I spent with John building these buggies I learned a lot about the man.  I learned that John was fair.  John always did what he said and when issues came up during the build all that was needed to happen was a phone call or email and we could resolve the problem in a fair unbiased way.  We both gave and took from the build and in the end we both came out proud and happy.  John always had a way of looking forward.  I can't name all the times when John would take a poor situation and put a positive spin on something that was negative.

I watched the way John treated and regarded his family.  He always held Nan and Joy in such high regard when he was talking about them.  He was truly respectful of his wife.  They were best friends and partners.  Many times during a build when I would ask his opinion he would say Nan doesn't like that or she really likes this.  That showed me they were in it together.  She was always happy and supportive of him and he was always including her.  My heart breaks for them as I know they feel like John was taken to soon.  We all do but I hope they can feel a little peace in the legacy of positive things and actions that he left behind.

John was a guy that would give anyone help at anytime.  He had a knack for seeing when some one was down or struggling.  When I say help most of the time in came in the form of advice.  If you wanted it or not John was going to give you the advice you needed.  It may not have been what you wanted but it was what you needed.  He a guy that could tell you how bad your messing up and not sugarcoat it.  But you would thank him for the advice and appreciate every word of it.

He was also supportive.  Any time I ever asked John for anything it was done.  When I moved to a new shop John was there.  He showed up a couple of days early and camped out in his motor coach.  He did anything from talk to people that wanted to see the shop and show them.  

John G was a staple of the wheeling community.  He was known by many people and he was always somewhere riding.  The guy was a DRIVER. He was one of the best technical crawlers I have ever seen behind the wheel.  He was the guy that would sneak up on an obstacle, pull a calculated line and come out of the top with a grin on his face.  

I will miss my friend.

Fly High John G

John you be sorely missed. You did more for the off-road community than words can express. Thanks for the guidance and words of encouragement when needed most.

Nan, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing...I just heard tonight or I would have been there.  My prayers are with you and the family.  Rest in peace John Jr....you will be missed!

It was an honor to be a Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brother of yours John. The world was definitely a better place due to your existence. May God bless your family, hold them close,  and give them peace, strength, and comfort. I am truly sorry for your family's tremendous loss. RIP John. Sincerely yours in ZAX. Ron Boyd, SE #001.

 Only knew John for a couple of years, however in that time I seen how selfless and generous he was. He helped me not only by sharing his knowledge with me but also watched out for me. I felt a since of security knowing that John was spotting me. He once told me "take the hardline" implying if you take the easy way out you are wasting an opportunity to challenge yourself. 
You could tell that John loved his family with his antire heart as that was one of the only things I ever had long conversations with him about besides off roading. 
I had the pleasure of meeting his wife and children, he was very proud off his family. 
My deepest  condolences as I was unable to attend. 
Ed
Aka: Eddyj

Wish we could have been there today John. Thanks for all the laughs and memories out on the trails. Life is way too short. RIP,,, until we meet again.

Gonna miss you buddy. The world is a darker place without the light of John G. He always treated me with respect and kindness. My prayers to Nan and the family.

John, you will be missed brother. Always took time to speak no matter what and touched many lives with your kindness. "Take the Hardline" Rest in peace my friend.

Rest in peace John. You were an icon in the off-road world and will be greatly missed. Prayers to your family through this hard time.

You'll be missed, John. Rest In Peace. Praying for the family.

John G will be missed by the whole Offroad community. He was a tremendous asset for all of us and an amazing individual who always looked after others and had this inspiring "no man left behind on the trail" philosophy.
I feel blessed to have been able to know John and wheeled with him just a couple times. Still feels like I lost a friend.

John will greatly missed.  I only got to know John in the past 2 years.  Like many people, I met him when he stopped at Dixie Run to help out a stranger (me).  I was blessed to know him for the short time.  I hope to carry on his willingness to help out & hope his wisdom he shared with so many carries on to camp fires everywhere.

Rest in Peace, and I am praying for the family.

Way down in South Texas but followed the man and asked him plenty of questions.  Always helped me and I know he will be missed.   R.I.P.

My husband, Bruce, and I remember John fondly from our UM days.  Our condolences to the family.  John and Bruce reconnected years later when John helped Bruce with a public service project.  John was very dependable and a class act.  May he R.I.P.

John you will be missed. Never got the honor to meet face to face but knew you and your rigs through the off road world. Rest in peace.

John will be greatly missed.  He was a joy to be around and Nick and I were blessed to have him as a friend.  Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I met john in 2002 at one of the first rides a grayrock.he helped me build many obsticals,my shop,house and many other endeavors.everywhere I built a structure , I always put a plug for the home on wheels where he would show up and help a lot.he was the first to put together the song book that pam I play from .still got it.i will miss his dry humor, advice on many things and friend ship.i love my ol friend and will never forget you.

Always making the hard line for us and embarrassing us little guys.  Going to miss you on the trails.

Haley Williams

John, you will certainly be missed. May you rest in peace.

You will be missed John.  It was always great seeing you on the trails and around the camp fires.

Will miss seeing you on the trails making the hard line look easy.You will be missed.

John, you were someone very special. You will be missed. Nan, my heart is breaking for you & your family. My the lord give you strength.❤

John I wish I could be there to say good bye in person but I'm at my other job out west this week. RIP my friend until we meet again....I will alway wish we had more time together.  Please say hello to my mother for me!!!

I met John several times while out and about wheeling. I wish now I had taken the time to get to know him in more than just passing by.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

John lived life to the fullest like no one I've ever met before. The term "Never met a stranger" defines his presence in a crowd. He was one of a kind. I am honored to have watched, listened and learned from John over the last few years. He has shown me how to be a better person and man. I will miss our talks and trips. And I promise to use and pass along all the great things I've learned from you. Until we meet again

John was an absolute joy to be around. He was truly a great mentor and one of the few men I genuinely looked up to. My deepest condolences go out to friends and family. 

John, you will truly be missed on the trails and on Hardline. The sport of rock crawling has lost a great man. 

#TakeTheHardline

Truly one of the greatest guys I've ever met. The 6 years I've known JohnG will never be forgotten. My sympathy extends to the Galbreath family during this tough time. John impacted a great number of folks and his legacy will live on.

My heart is heavy for all of us in our family in the loss of John. We loved him and he means so much to all of us. Shared some beloved pictures of him,his sister , his mom and dad and our families when they were young. Brought back so many memories. God speed John, I feel this will be the best of all your rides. Love to you, Nan, Joy, Jaedon, Catherine, John L, Cathy Ann and Scott , 
Love Joan (Aunt Joan),

My heart is breaking for you Nan.  My prayers are with you. Will call you later.

The great times with John will never be forgotten.  Godspeed old Friend.

Make sure you meet up with Paradise in Heaven, John. I know he's waiting there for you. Prayers and Hugs to Joy, Nan and the family.

Will miss seeing you on the trail, and hearing your recommendations of "take the hardline".  

Happy trails bud,  will see you again someday.

Hated to hear of his passing.  Thoughts and prayers with the family during this time. John was a great man, and great for the sport of rock crawling. Will be dearly missed by all. 

Patrick O, 
Hardline Crawlers

We count it a blessing to have known John, Jr. He wasn't loud verbally, but his kindness was very loud. Praying for you, Nan.

Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.
JohnG was a pillar of the rock crawling community and I thank God for allowing me to have known John.
You'll be missed brother but never forgotten.
#takethehardline

So sorry for your loss, Nan, Joy, John! Catherine and Cathy.  John lived life to the fullness everyday. We will miss him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
With love, 
Harold and Margaret Davis

Our family are with the family at this difficult time.

John was a really great brother and friend and employer 

I worked for him for four years 
I wish i had stayed and worked longer for him 

Rest In Peace 
John

OBITUARIO

John Lonnie Galbreath Jr.

19 octubre, 1957 – 25 noviembre, 2016

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios