William “Bill” Galloway was born to Jewel and Ira B. Galloway on August 25, 1941. His brother, Ira J. Galloway, was born six years earlier.
His parents were thrilled to finally have two sons as they had prayed for children to complete their family. His parents and older brother preceded him in death.
Growing up on the farm in Oklahoma, Bill developed a love for horticulture as a young boy. Ira and Bill were active in the local 4-H Club and their animals were always winners at the county fair. He was a perfectionist when it came to landscaping. He always gave his input with landscapers and found joy in landscaping properties.
After moving to California, Bill attended Washington Jr. High School and John Muir High School in Pasadena and Pasadena Community College.
Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 and was assigned to a military intelligence division based in Saigon, Vietnam for one year. His last tour of service took him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he met his wife, Brenda.
Bill and Brenda returned to California where they created a beautiful life. Their 54-year marriage produced two sons, six grandchildren, a soon-to-arrive great-grandson, and four grand puppies.
Bill had a strong faith in God and lived his Christian values as he enjoyed the blessings God bestowed on him and his family.
His real estate investments began at the age of 19 when he purchased his first property. While many people knew Bill as a successful real estate investor and manager, Bill began his professional life in drafting and structural engineering. He later worked for Home Savings as an appraiser and then First Federal Bank of Santa Monica where he managed various branches.
In 1976, he began his business as a real estate investor, which he named Summit Enterprises. Since 1976, Bill, Brenda and now their sons, Joey and Stephen, and granddaughter, Jessica, have rented residential and commercial properties in the greater Pasadena community.
Over the years, Bill’s many honors and recognitions included Pasadena Museum of History’s Community Service Award, Pasadena Police Foundation’s Citizens Community Award, Pasadena NAACP’s Community Leader Award, Pasadena Development Corporation’s Support our Schools Award, PCC Black Faculty Union’s Student Plaza Award, and Habitat for Humanity’s Homes for All Award.
Additionally, he was a member of the John Muir Hall of Fame and was acknowledged at Pasadena City College’s 75th Anniversary as one of 75 distinguished Alumni.
Bill and Brenda engaged in philanthropy both locally and nationally. They endowed the Galloway Plaza, a beautiful sculpture garden at Pasadena Community College. Galloway Plaza is the first facility named at Pasadena City College for an African American.
In May 2015, Bill was one of three honorees at Pasadena City College Foundation’s first scholarship fundraiser in honor of its 90th Anniversary. Education was important to Bill and he wanted to ensure that young people would have opportunities and access. He and Brenda established the Bill and Brenda Galloway Endowment for Education at the Pasadena Community College Foundation, which supports education organization in Pasadena.
Bill’s civic involvement was boundless. He was a member of the Smithsonian National Board and founding donor to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He served on several boards and committees including Pasadena Development Corporation, board member; Pasadena City College Foundation, board member; Friends of Cleveland Elementary School, founding member; Los Angeles County Judicial Procedures Commission; Pacific Oaks College Advisory Committee member; Pasadena Museum of California Art, founding board member; Pasadena Playhouse, board member; Pasadena Playhouse Diversity Project, committee member; Pasadena Police Citizens Academy, member; Pasadena Police Foundation, board member; Pasadena Chamber of Commerce; William H. Johnson Foundation for Arts, founding board member; and California Council on Criminal Justice Commission.
His other interests included gardening, reading, traveling, art collecting, and collecting fast classic cars. His car barn where he housed his collections was a treat to visit. Bill enjoyed traveling for pleasure. He always enjoyed traveling annually to Monterey Car Week to see the classic car race. An avid art collector, he maintained a beautiful art collection.
Just a few days ago, one of his friends observed how Bill would always want to know or say, “Are you good?” “Are you doing good?” and “You know I love you.” He would wait for a quiet moment to check on you as he sat in a chair. He genuinely cared and wanted to make sure you were okay.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Brenda; two sons, Joey and Stephen, and daughter-in-law, Ariana; grandchildren Jessica, Jennae, Joseph, Alaia, Austin, Aydin, grandson-in-law Brian Hamilton, and the grand puppies – Coco, Greta, Penelope, and Drake. And of course, many extended family members and friends dating back to Washington Jr. High School.
A memorial service was held for Bill at Lake Avenue Church on Wednesday, March 15.
The Galloway family rests in God’s word, because they know Dad is okay, he is good, and he is definitely loved as he rests in God’s Arms.
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have dept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV)
