Terry Galyean Obituary

Services for Terry Lee Galyean, 78, of Alba, are scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2025, at Enon Baptist Church , Alba, with Chaplain Robert Stovall, Bro. Michael Mize, and Bro. Byron George officiating, under the direction of Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home, Alba.

Interment will follow in Enon Cemetery, Alba.

On the morning of July 10, 2025, Terry Lee Galyean entered the presence of his Savior after a life well-lived, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Grand Saline, Texas, on May 10, 1947, to Travis Lee Galyean and Willie Mae Galyean, Terry was raised in Alba as an only child. From an early age, he helped with farming and household chores and spent much of his childhood playing with cousins and friends, forming lifelong bonds.

As a teenager, Terry endured the profound loss of his mother, Willie Mae. In the face of grief, he turned to hobbies and soon developed a passion for sports cars, eventually building quite a collection over the years.

A 1965 graduate of Alba High School, Terry went on to attend welding school in Dallas. In 1968, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Rising to the rank of Sergeant, he trained other NCOs while stationed in the 707th Maintenance Battalion at Camp Casey in Seoul, South Korea. He always noted that one of his favorite memories was investing time in the orphanage while he was stationed there, especially during the holidays.

Upon returning home, Terry furthered his education at Lincoln Tech, earning the title of certified mechanic. In 1974, he opened Terry’s Garage on the square in Alba, a business that served the community for many years.

In 1982, Terry met the love of his life, Angela Gail Parsons. They shared 43 years of marriage, grounded in faith, love, and service. Together, they were active in their church, where Terry served as a Royal Ambassadors (RA) leader for boys and operated the sound system on Sundays.

Terry’s heart for others led him to many forms of ministry and community leadership. He was the Fire Chief of the Alba Volunteer Fire Department, a Boy Scouts troop leader, a Royal Ambassadors (RA) leader, and an active church volunteer. He had a special gift for mentoring youth, driving church vans full of teenagers to camps, events, and participating in Promise Keepers conferences across Texas and Colorado. He volunteered time with the Alba-Golden FFA as a tractor mechanic and enjoyed taking the students to mechanic shows around the state.

His professional journey took him from the Wood County Precinct 1 Road and Bridge Division to a long and fulfilling career with People's Telephone, from which he retired in 2004 after being a construction crew foreman for many years.

As hard as he worked, he also embraced life with joy and enthusiasm. He loved riding four-wheelers and climbing into his side-by-side at Barnwell Mountain, later proudly serving on the board there. He enjoyed trout fishing in Arkansas, and some of his favorite memories were made gathered around the backyard fire ring during cookouts with his grandkids. He never missed a chance to cheer on his grandchildren at their games, and he was always quick to pull out photos to show off their latest accomplishments.

Terry had a personality everyone loved—he never met a stranger and was a friendly, welcoming face to all he encountered. His warmth, humor, and storytelling made everyone feel like family.

Even while navigating significant health challenges, Terry remained a steadfast father and loving Papaw. He rarely missed a family gathering and found deep pride and joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In his later years, Terry found joy in worshiping with his church family at Amazing Grace Fellowship in Alba, grabbing Saturday breakfast with the Yantis Crew, and continuing to support his grandkids in all their endeavors.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Travis Lee and Willie Mae Galyean of Alba, and many beloved family members and friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Angela Gail Parsons Galyean; daughter Tammy Key and husband Jody, son Tony Galyean and wife Angie, daughter Amanda Galyean and boyfriend Kevin Fitzgerald. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Kirsten Key, Alexander Key and wife Emilie, Megan Fuerte and husband Javier, Evan Galyean and wife Brooke, Cameron Galyean and fiancé Ellie Simons, Jedidiah, and Georgia Galyean. Great-grandchildren include: Lily Virgel, Evvie and Annie Galyean; Loretta and Eleanor Honzell, and Lincoln Key due to arrive in November.

Terry’s family celebrates his legacy and finds comfort in knowing he is with his Savior for eternity, a promise he held fast to through his faith in Christ alone.

Pallbearers are Tony Galyean, Jody Key, Alexander Key, Evan Galyean, Cameron Galyean, Kevin Fitzgerald, Jed Galyean, Javier Fuerte, Jerry Hinojosa, and David Butler.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Chad and Brad Lennon, The Yantis Breakfast Crew, and the Alba High School Class of 1965.

In place of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to: Enon Cemetery Association, 476 CR 1563, Alba, TX 75410

The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Sunday, at Enon Baptist Church.