William Joseph Gallagher Jr.

William Joseph Gallagher, Jr., died on Tuesday March 28, 2017. Bill, ever the Irishman, was 80 years old.

Born in Dover NJ in 1936, he lived and worked in New Jersey for many years before moving to Afton, VA in 2003 with his wife Sandy.

Bill was an avid hawk watcher. He founded Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch in Rockaway Twp. NJ and continued to scan the skies of Virginia for eagles, merlins, red tails, and falcons.

He was an avid photographer, taking thousands of pictures of our natural world – rarely people!

He enjoyed hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains and maintained a section of the Appalachian Trail. He was widely known by the hikers as a trail angel. Bill could often be seen putting out fresh water for the hikers on their journey.

He has two children, Patti Caddell of Houston, TX and Kevin Gallagher of Dallas, TX. His sister Patsy Fitzpatrick lives in Chatham, NJ.

Bill loved his log home, strategically situated between two vineyards in Afton (remember he is Irish). He enjoyed the beautiful view of the Blue Ridge from his home, scanning the skies for birds and looking at the stars in the night sky.

His wife, Sandy, will miss his droll sense of humor, his ability to fix anything, and his huge appetite for good food and drink.

Bill now rests in peace, enjoying his role as a true “trail angel”.

A private memorial service will be held in the near future. Bill would be honored if friends would like to donate to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) at www.appalachiantrail.org.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.