Mr. Elgie Lee McGalliard Jr., 84, of Connelly Springs, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Elgie lived a life full of service, friendship, and passion for his community and the outdoors.
Elgie was born on June 11, 1940, in Burke County to the late Elgie McGalliard Sr. and Annie Elizabeth Harris McGalliard. He was a proud founding member, former commander, and acting adjutant of the Burke Tigers Camp 2162, where he devoted countless hours to honoring heritage and supporting fellow members. His commitment and leadership helped shape the camp into the respected organization it remains today.
A natural entrepreneur, Elgie owned and operated LNG Sports in Valdese, where he built a loyal customer base and shared his love of sports. He also ran a thriving business at Jamestown Flea Market in Morganton, where he was known for his warm personality and friendly conversations with patrons and fellow vendors. In his younger years, Elgie coached Little League baseball, guiding and inspiring local youth both on and off the field. His passion for sports extended to the gridiron, where he traveled extensively across North Carolina as a football referee, earning the respect of players, coaches, and fellow officials. Elgie had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was an avid duck and geese hunter who treasured early mornings spent in nature. He also had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued. He loved to sit and talk with friends, sharing stories and laughs for hours. His enjoyment of life was infectious, and he was often the first on the dance floor, always ready to celebrate with those he cared about.
Above all else, Elgie was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His greatest joy was his family, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and cherished memories.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Grifin and one brother, Sam McGalliard.
Surviving is the love of his life, Rheba Houser of the home, one son, Jeffrey McGalliard and girlfriend Brenna of Valdese and one granddaughter Keely McGalliard of Valdese. Also surviving are special Daughters, Rita Kidd and husband Ja and Jeannie Wylie and husband Scott, step-grandchildren, Alex, Stacia, Mason, Landon, Levi, and Jacob, and great-grandchildren, Abby, Timmy, Hannah, Caroline and Naomi.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Rev. Tim Crouse officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
Memorials may be sent to Burke Tigers, Sons of Confederate Soldiers, 6417 St. Johns Ch. Ave, Connelly Springs, NC 28612.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the McGalliard family.