George G. Galey of Germantown, Tennessee passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022, at the age of 90. After several months of declining health, George died peacefully with his beloved wife Sue and their children by his side.
George was born in Greenfield, Tennessee on April 30, 1932, to Allen McNairy Galey and Mary Lee Cantrell Galey. The oldest of two sons, George helped out on his family’s small farm and worked any odd job and at the drugstore soda fountain in Greenfield. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family led to him enlisting in the Navy at age 20. He was stationed aboard the USS Salem during the Korean War from 1952 - 1953.
At the end of the war, George returned to Greenfield to help his family and eventually met Sue Ann Witherspoon and they married on May 20, 1955. They moved to Memphis Tennessee one week later to pursue a career and to raise a family. George began working at the University of Tennessee and remained on their staff for 44 years. During and after his working years George was a deacon in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and an avid sportsman. He was an excellent fisherman, deer hunter and duck hunter and enjoyed these sports until about 2 years before his death. He was active in the West Tennessee Sportsman’s Association and served 4 years as their president. George served in the Boy Scouts of America as Institutional Representative for several years as his children earned Eagle Scout and Girl Scout First Class achievements. He was a Master Gardner and cultivated one of the most beautiful rose gardens many people had ever seen in his front yard. George was always friendly, kind, and helpful to everyone. He especially loved being around small children. George volunteered at the annual Henry Reynolds/Commercial Appeal fishing rodeo as well as the Plant Camp for children.
George was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Herbert L. Galey. He is survived by his wife Sue Ann Galey; children Lawrence Alan Galey (Veronica), Stephanie G. Haeger, and George Gordon Galey, II; grandchildren Jason Haeger (Aline), Daniel Galey, Allison Galey Stewart (Jason), Lauren Elizabeth Berretta (Jeremy), Elisa Galey Blauvac (Julien), Christina Marie Galey, as well as 8 great grandchildren.
A visitation for George is planned for Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 6 pm to 8 pm. The visitation will be at the Memphis Funeral Home 5595 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. On Thursday, December 29 there will be a Funeral Service from 10 am to 11 am at Memphis Funeral Home 5595 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. After the Funeral Service there will be a graveside burial service at Highland Cemetery at 215 Hatcher St. Greenfield, TN 38230. All are invited to attend all services.
People wishing to honor George’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Olive Branch, MS or send flowers to Memphis Funeral Home.
