Gale Lee Galloway, a devoted husband, father, distinguished business leader, military veteran, and beloved Baylor Bear, passed away on September 25, 2026, at the age of 96. His life was defined by faith, perseverance, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to family, community, and the causes he held dear.
Born in Pearsall, Texas, Gale learned the meaning of hard work and responsibility at an early age. Following the death of his father when Gale was just four years old, he and his mother, along with his four siblings, faced the challenges of the Great Depression together. Those early experiences helped shape the determination, resilience, and strong sense of responsibility that would guide him throughout his remarkable life.
Gale found a home at Baylor University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1952 and distinguished himself as a student-athlete on the football field. A co-captain of Baylor’s 1951 Orange Bowl team, he developed a lifelong bond with the university that would become one of the defining passions of his life.
Following graduation, Gale answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. His military service reflected his deep sense of duty and commitment to others. That commitment to helping people would later be demonstrated in a remarkable act of heroism at Houston’s Hobby Airport, where Gale and his pilots rescued three people from the wreckage of a burning commuter plane. For his courage, he received the Carnegie Foundation’s Medal for Personal Heroism.
After completing his military service, Gale briefly coached football at Texas A&I before embarking on a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry. Through talent, determination, and integrity, he rose to the highest leadership positions at three Fortune 500 corporations. His professional success was matched by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Yet, among Gale’s greatest joys was his enduring love for Baylor University. Over the course of nearly seven decades, he gave generously of his time, leadership, and resources to support students, student-athletes, and the university’s future. He served on Baylor’s Board of Regents from 1990 to 1998, including as chair in 1994–1995. His many honors included induction into the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame and Wall of Honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, and the W. R. White Meritorious Service Award.
Together, Gale and his beloved wife, Connie Bird Galloway, built a life grounded in faith, family, service, and generosity. Married for 64 years, they shared a deep commitment to one another and to the people and institutions they loved. In recognition of their extraordinary contributions, Baylor University awarded them the Founders Medal in 2014. Their legacy of giving continues through the scholarships and university programs they supported, opening doors of opportunity for generations of students.
Gale was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie, who passed away on July 3, 2026. He is survived by his children, Tara Lee Galloway, Georgia Gayle Elmore and Michael Will Galloway, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many dear friends who will cherish his memory.
Gale’s life was a testament to the power of faith, hard work, courage, and generosity. He believed in giving back, standing by family, serving others, and making opportunities possible for those who followed. His influence reached far beyond the boardroom and the football field, touching countless lives through his leadership, kindness, and steadfast devotion to the people and institutions he loved.
Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will endure in his family, in the students whose lives were changed by his generosity, in the Baylor and Austin Baptist Church communities he cherished, and in the many people inspired by the example he set.
A joint celebration of the lives of Gale and Connie Galloway will be held November 1,2026 at 2:00 pm at Austin Baptist Church 7016 Ribelin Ranch Dr. Austin, Texas 78750