Charles R. Gallagher

Charles Ray Gallagher, 85, passed away on August 20, 2024 at his home in Ridge Farm in which he lived since April 10, 1965. He was born March 28, 1939 in Danville to the late Ray and Margaret [Paxton] Gallagher. He attended Ridge Farm High School, where he was a member of the FFA and on the basketball team. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Murray, on December 26, 1958 at the home of the bride’s parents.

Charles was a propane driver for the Ferrell Gas Company, formerly known as Skelgas, for 31 years before his retirement in 2001. He served the Ridge Farm Police Department for 28 years, eventually retiring from that position in 1998. He also served the Ridge Farm Fire Department for 40 years, retiring as Assistant Chief in 2014. Not one to stay still for long, he found a part time job working security for the coal mine until the final reclamation of the mine was completed. He enjoyed being outside, especially when it afforded him the opportunity to catch passersby for conversation. He also enjoyed cutting the grass and going for drives. It was not uncommon to find him working on a wordsearches or over a jigsaw puzzle. Charles attended Ridge Farm Methodist Church with his family.

Charles is survived by his wife, Carolyn Gallagher; their children Lucinda Gallagher of Ridge Farm, Steven (Cathy) Gallagher of Paris, Amanda Gallagher of Danville, Darcy (James) Vice of Georgetown, and Jenny (Royd) Amias of Tolono; his twin grandchildren he affectionately referred to as “The Boys” Samuel and Benjamin Vice, and Caleb and Anna Amias; his sister Sharon Cummins of Chipley, Florida, and his sister-in-law Katherine Gallagher of Worthington, Minnesota.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Norman Gallagher.

A visitation for Charles will take place from 4-6 pm on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home’s Houghton- Leasure Chapel, located at 200 E. West Street in Georgetown. A funeral service celebrating his life will take place the following day on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11 am, also at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery in Ridge Farm. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Ridge Farm Fire Department or St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with his family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.