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University of North Carolina Athletics
Former Tar Heel Bobby Galloway Passes Away At Age 78
August 28, 2015 | Men's Golf, Women's Golf
Robert Galloway, a member of the 1960 Atlantic Coast Conference champion golf team, passed away at the age of 78 on August 21st after a short illness. He died peacefully at his home in Chapel Hill surrounded by loving family.
He was born on June 13, 1937, in Winston-Salem to Alexander Henderson Galloway III and Martha Bull Erckman Galloway. Bobby was the second of their three sons.
He was a graduate of Woodberry Forest and the University of North Carolina. He played for the golf team at both schools. Bobby was the fifth inductee into the Order of Merit at UNC. He lettered for the Tar Heels in 1959 and 1960 and was captain in 1960 when Carolina won the ACC title. That same year, he was a quarterfinalist at the NCAA Championships and led the Tar Heels to a fourth-place finish.
“I met Bobby my freshman year,” says Andrew Sapp, head coach of the Carolina men's golf team. “He was a wonderful ambassador for Carolina golf and always was willing to share his knowledge and experience. Whether he was helping with club repair, officiating one of our tournaments as a rules official, or simply sharing Carolina golf history while back at the practice facility chipping and hitting balls himself, he was always a proud supporter. We will definitely miss Bobby and what he has meant to Tar Heel golf.”
Galloway turned professional in 1964 after winning the Winston-Salem City-County Championship four times. He had his best PGA Tour finish in 1965 when he placed 10th in Memphis. He was the Carolinas PGA champion in 1971, won the North Carolina Open in 1972, the National PGA Club Pro title in 1976 and was the Carolinas Professional Golfer of the Year in 1976.
In 1980, he regained his amateur status and subsequently won 10 tournament titles.
He also served as the assistant director to the Carolinas PGA and ran a custom-made golf club business for many years.
He was immensely proud of his alma mater and made sure to plan each day so that he could catch whatever game might be on, either in person cheering them on or in his living room providing helpful commentary.
He spent many years supporting the men's and women's golf teams at UNC and made lasting impressions and friendships with those he met along the way. His patience and mentorship were always appreciated.
“Bobby was a great friend to our women's golf program,” says Jan Mann, head coach of the UNC women's golf team. “He served for many years as the head rules official for not only our home tournament but for countless events throughout the Carolinas. Bobby loved giving back to his university and to the game of golf. There was always a twinkle in his eye when he spoke about the game of golf and the wonderful experiences he had as a player. He will be missed.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Jill Craver Galloway; his son Charlie Galloway, daughter-in-law Parul Galloway and grandson Kethan, all of Chapel Hill; his daughter Meg Galloway Clark, son-in-law Shane Clark, and grandsons Drew, Trey, and Matt, all of Browns Summit, N.C.; his first wife Marilyn Galloway of Greensboro, mother of his two children; his stepson George Craver of Durham; his stepson David Craver, daughter-in-law Vicki Craver, and grandchildren Katie, Ainsley, and Eliza of Riverside, CT; and his brother Alex Galloway and wife Barbara of Winston-Salem.
He is predeceased by his brother James Galloway of Charlotte, and his beloved dog, Colby.
A private family memorial service was held in accordance with his wishes.
His quiet, sharp wit, his love and dedication to his family, his patience on and off the golf course, and his loyalty to his team will be missed by all.
The family would like to thank UNC Medical Center's Hospice Care for their care during his last days, as well as the many friends and neighbors who have shown their love and support.
Memorial donations may be made to either the UNC golf teams through The Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 2466, Chapel Hill, NC 27515, or to UNC Hospice through UNC Chapel Hill, P.O. Box 309, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-0309.