Benny Paul Gallaway

Benny Paul Gallaway, 92, of Abilene, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021 in his home. Visitation with family will be held Friday, May 7, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Home located at 733 Butternut Street in Abilene. A family graveside service will be held in Dublin, TX on Saturday May 8, at 10:30 a.m.

Benny was born on June 14, 1928 in Dublin, TX to Harry and Viola Stephen Gallaway.  He was raised in Dublin where he attended public school and later went to college at Tarleton in nearby Stephenville.  While serving in the Army he met Betty June Ripley from Comanche on a blind date. They later married on August 21, 1951 in Dublin.  They were married 65 years until her death in 2016.

In 1958 Benny and Betty moved to Abilene where Benny began his teaching career at Abilene Christian College. He taught United States History, Civil War History and Texas History for over 40 years.  He published two books, Texas: The Dark Corner of the Confederacy , and The Ragged Rebel . He was voted “Teacher of the Year” at Abilene Christian University in 1984.  He was a member at the University Church of Christ where he led a Nursing Home Ministry for many years.

He is survived by his sister, Janis Gallaway Mitchell of Levelland, TX.  Three children: Son Steve Gallaway and his wife Patricia of Abilene; son Brad Gallaway and his wife Janet of Abilene; and daughter Lori Reagan and her husband Greg of Potosi.  He is also survived by six grandchildren: Dr. Lacy Mankin of Abilene, Michael Gallaway of Abilene, Mason Gallaway of Chattanooga, TN, Lindsay Reagan of Abilene, Sarah Blazier of Lubbock, and Sam Gallaway of Abilene. Benny also has seven great-grandchildren.

The family requests that those who wish to offer memorials in Benny’s honor, consider the University Church of Christ, Meals on Wheels of Abilene, Visiting Angels, and Hendricks Hospice Care whose wonderful help as compassionate caregivers was invaluable.