Melvin “Pete” Galliamore, also called “Skeeter” by his co-workers, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 23, 2016 with his wife by his side. He had bravely battled asbestosis for the past two years.
Melvin was born in Blackfork, Ohio on August 26, 1942 to the late Edison and Nellie Galliamore. Melvin was known as an honest and shy little boy by family and friends, and continued those traits as an adult. He was saved, baptized, and became a member of Union Baptist Church when he was a young boy.
In his adult life, he worked for Horton-Dale Fruit Farms and for 32 years at Plibrico Refractories, retiring in 2005. He took pride in his work and received a commendation for never having missed a day without it being a vacation day. He was often referred to as the hardest worker in the plant. He was a member of the United Steel Workers for many years and was very proud to be a “union man”.
Melvin married Sharon Chinn on May 31, 1969 at his parents’ home in Blackfork.
He loved his family and was very proud of their work ethic and their being more educated than he was. He enjoyed taking care of his property, whether it was mowing, planting flowers, tending a garden, or shoveling snow. He truly loved Blackfork, and lived there his whole life. He also enjoyed visiting with friends and watching old western movies and sports, especially football. His favorite teams were The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Kentucky Wildcats.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sharon; daughters: Melody and Petty Officer 1st Class Brendan Antrea of San Diego, California and Melynda and Jamie Morse of Oak Hill, Ohio; grandchildren: Jared and Mariah Figgins of Jackson, Ohio and Aryel and Branson Maynard of Oak Hill, Ohio; three sisters: Altalena Harris of Fostoria, Ohio, Imogene Borden of Gallipolis, Ohio, and Lana (Dale) Howell of Oak Hill, Ohio; one brother, Leon (Diana) Galliamore of Gallipolis, Ohio; and a brother-in-law, Larry Chinn of Ironton, Ohio; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Doris Robinson, Gloria Johnson, and infant, Beverly Ann; and three brothers, William and Carlos Galliamore, and infant, Gerald Galliamore.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Oak Hill. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Union Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Union Baptist Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillumfuneralhomes.com