Obituary of William J. Gallon

William J. Gallon was born in Syracuse, NY to Willie Gallon Sr. & Irene D. Gallon on April 2, 1948. The family then located to Camden, NJ. He spent his early years traveling back and forth from New Jersey to Blakely, Georgia during the summer to work on his grandparent’s farm.

William accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and was baptized at Mt. Olivet Seventh Day Adventist church in Camden where he also attended church school. He later moved his membership to the Jericho Seventh Day Adventist church in Deptford, NJ. God then gave him a vision to build the First Seventh Day Adventist church of Glassboro alongside his uncle Jesse Best where he was active member until his transition.

William attended Pine Forge Academy in Pottstown, PA before transferring to Pemberton High School where he received his diploma in 1966. In 1968, two years after graduating, he joined the United States Army during the Vietnam war as a communications officer.

In 1977, he met the love of his life Grace Jones (Gallon) affectionately known as Cookie, at Jericho SDA church where he spent his early years. From this union, they have 4 daughters - Kristy, Danielle, Jasmine, and Noelle.

In 1978, William received his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing & Communications from Glassboro State College, currently known as Rowan University. During this time, he began a student teaching rotation at Glassboro High School, where he received an offer of employment later that year and hired as the TV Tech teacher. He was a man of discipline and dedication, maintaining a perfect attendance record throughout his tenure. In other words, he never missed single day of work in 36 years.

William wore many hats. His family often said he held the keys to the city as he was often referred to as “The Mayor”. During his time at Glassboro High School, he earned numerous accolades including “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” in 1992, 1995, and 1996, the “Governor’s Teacher of the Year Award” in 2003, and the “Upstream Navigator Award” in 2006. He also oversaw the Glassboro High School Stage Crew, Morning Announcements Club, and was the videographer and historian for Glassboro Public Schools. In 2014, the Glassboro High School Sound Booth was dedicated in his honor as the William J. Gallon Sound Booth, recognizing his many years of service by the GHS Stage Crew. He had a love and passion for teaching and was a father figure to many of his students.

William was ordained as the First Elder of the First Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Glassboro on August 25, 2001, where he served for nearly 20 years. He was also an executive board member of the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh Day Adventists,a Pathfinder Leader, Master Guide, a member of It’s Your Best Shot charitable organization, and a true man of God.

William was known for his for his infectious smile, warm spirit, impressive work ethic and most importantly his love for God. He would take the word of God with him wherever he went and would not hesitate to stop and pray with you whenever he felt the Spirit moving. He enjoyed retired life, spending time with his wife, daughters and 11 grandchildren.  He was an awesome husband, father and Big Pop as his grandchildren lovingly referred to him.

William's Father, Willie Gallon Sr., Mother Irene D. Gallon, and Brother, Dennis Gallon all preceded him in death.

William leaves behind a tremendous legacy, and his family will continue to honor him while cherishing their precious memories. His wife of 46 years Grace Gallon; children, Jasmine A. Gallon, Danielle J. Gallon-Jones (Keith Jones), Kristy R. Taylor, and Noelle S. Gallon; grandchildren, Myles, Sabrina, Aja, Evan, Kelly, Eli, Ethan, Jayla, Delmar Joshua, Jurnee, Mellody; siblings, Jerome Gallon (Leatha Gallon), Vicki (Denise) Gallon-Clark (Bill Clark), Linda Gallon, Keith Gallon, Timothy Gallon (Judy Gallon) and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.