Clarence Gallagher

Charlotte - Clarence True Gallagher, Jr. (Sonny), a Charlotte native, died Friday, June 19, 2015. Clarence was born August 18, 1920 to the late Myrtle Hinson Gallagher and Clarence True Gallagher, Sr.

After graduating from Central High School and attending Erskine College, he served in World War II for over four years while in the U.S. Navy. During his career life, he was associated with Douglas Aircraft and Universal Electric Southeastern Associates.

Clarence married Elizabeth Carpenter Gallagher, of Chester, SC, on August 4, 1956 at Purity Presbyterian Church. He was a long time member at the Tabernacle ARP Church in Charlotte, and after marriage, Clarence and Lib joined Myers Park Presbyterian Church in 1956.

Mr. Gallagher's beautiful tenor voice graced church services as a choir member and vocal soloist for over 30 years in the Charlotte area, singing under the direction of Dr. James Phofl and Dr. Robert Stigall. Also, he shared his singing talent with the J.C. Jollies on WBT radio.

At Myers Park Presbyterian Church, he was a member of the John Calvin Sunday School Class, served with Lib as co-secretary of the adult Sunday school classes, gathered weekly attendance for 40 years, assisted in serving others at the senior adult luncheons, ushered and greeted members and visitors, and was installed and ordained as Elder. He received the Honorary Life Membership from the Presbyterian Women of the Church in April 2009. Clarence and Lib received the Outstanding Older Adult Award from the Mecklenburg Presbytery in May 2009 for dedicated service. His love, commitment, and dedication to the ministry and service of the church was evident, as Clarence greeted members with a wonderful warm and welcoming smile each week.

In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by his brother, Lt. (jg) William Hinson Gallagher, who was a torpedo bomber pilot in the U.S. Naval Air Force.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Lib Gallagher, retired Charlotte Mecklenburg math teacher for over 30 years, and son, William H. Gallagher, II (Bill), owner of the Superior School of Real Estate.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, June 22nd, at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte.

Graveside services with Military Honors will take place 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23rd, at Sharon Memorial Park.

The service to celebrate the life of Clarence T. Gallagher, Jr. will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC, with the Reverend Von Clemans officiating. A reception will follow in Oxford Hall.

Memorials may be sent to the Clarence Gallagher Endowment Fund at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.