Donald Gallia Obituary

Donald Wayne Gallia, affectionately known as Don, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, in Garland, Texas, at the age of 70. Born on July 12, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, Don was a man of great passion and creativity who left an indelible mark on the world around him.
Don was preceded in death by his loving parents, Antone and Edith (Kocian) Gallia, who passed together in a tragic car accident in 1970, and by his former wife, Angela Marie Giles. He was also the proud descendant of Moravian Czech immigrants, Anton and Annie (Mensik) Gallia, and John and Frances Mary (Machac) Kocian, who instilled in him a deep appreciation for his heritage and the value of hard work.
Don's life was enriched by his surviving family, including his devoted wife, Belinda Ann Stephens, whom he married in Dallas on March 20, 2022. He also leaves behind his brother, James David Gallia and his wife Patricia, as well as his sister-in-law, Catherine Williams, and father-in-law, John Williams who held a special place in his heart and step-children, Joseph Gill and wife Amanda, Alisha Gill, and step-grandchildren Keller and Merit.
He was a proud graduate of Bishop Lynch High School, class of 1972. For 45 years, Don worked as a professional landscaper alongside his partner and dear friend, Mike Marshall, at Green Earth. His career was a testament to his love for nature and his exceptional ability to transform any space into a serene and beautiful sanctuary. Don's dedication to his craft was paralleled by his resilience. After a severe accident in May of 2021, he received outstanding care from the Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation and the Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Program at Pate Institute in Anna, TX, which greatly improved his quality of life. Ultimately, his struggle with Atypical Parkinsons, PSP, a neurological disease, was Don's cause of death.
Don's interests were as vibrant as the gardens he tended. His love for all things botanical was evident to anyone who visited his home or gardens. He had an innate ability to nurture plants and flowers, and he found joy in sharing the beauty of his bounty with others. His second passion was music. Don was a talented musician who played the guitar and, more notably, the harmonica. His musical prowess, with Darryl Lee Rush, was recognized when Darryl won the Shiner Bock songwriter's contest at Love and War in Texas, and he was an anchor and founding member of the Electric Campfire Acoustical Jam at the Sons of Herman Hall.
Those who knew Don would describe him as a kind and creative soul. His gentle demeanor and imaginative spirit were a comfort and inspiration to his family and friends. Don's legacy is one of beauty, music, and love. It is etched in the landscapes he crafted, the melodies he shared, and the hearts he touched.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Rest Haven Funeral Home Rowlett.
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