Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
ALLENDALE - Joseph (Joe) John Gallagher of Allendale, a dedicated American farmer, passed away on August 3, 2024, at Brookdale Senior Living in Charleston, S.C.
He is survived by his daughter and biggest fan, Rebecca (John Brandon) Gallagher of Meggett, S.C.; his bonus son, Lt. Col. William E. (Gracyn) Myrick IV of Southern Pines, N.C.; and his cherished grandchildren: Tristan Mole, Josephine Brandon, Wilkins Brandon, Liam Myrick, and Walker Myrick. Joe also leaves behind his lovely companion and sweetheart of 13 years, Gaynell McCaskey, whom he adored.
He was born on October 1, 1943 in Washington, D.C., and raised in Arlington, VA. He graduated from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA, in 1966 with a BS in Business and was a state champion in the St. Francis Competition Gun Club.
In 1971, while exploring Hampton County looking for a home in the country, the family set down roots and embraced farm life. As a manager of USS Agri-Chemical, and haying part-time, he became an active member of the Brunson United Methodist Church and Lions Club. Planting forage grasses began in the 80’s while working at Goldkist, before farming full-time for 33 years. Farming and the community were his life, He looked up to his many industry mentors and gave support and advice to all that asked. If it grew out of the dirt or ran on gas, “Dr. Dirt” was at your service.
For 12 years, he was also the finest purveyor of Christmas trees this side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Christmas Corner was a holiday jewel on a corner lot in Fairfax, S.C. Always ready with a handshake and a smile, he would invite all to warm up by the barrel fire, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and offer the children a candy cane from the tree. After hours were spent setting up trees for churches and charities throughout the area.
Joe lived for summer weekends water skiing on the Savannah River and boat trips exploring the Carolina coastal waterways with his longtime friends and fellow party revelers. If you ever made it onto his boat, you belong to “Cap’n Joe’s” lifelong crew of fun-loving friends. During race season he enjoyed Sundays taking turns at the grill with his fellow cutups. His rapid-fire wit and sense of humor was his calling card.
Generous and loyal, he was always calling to check on us or showing up at the door with a week's supply of paper towels from Costco, ready to mow grass, paint trim, haul trash, hold babies, wash dishes, or fluff hundreds of feet of Christmas garland. But, if it was Saturday afternoon, he would smile and say he had to get home soon because it was date night with Gaynell. He was an adoring PaPa, giving tractor rides to his grandkids, breaking in a new generation. At every holiday, birthday, graduation, game, wedding, baptism, recital and BBQ, he created memories our family will treasure forever.
A graveside service will be held at Great Salkehatchie Cemetery in Ulmer, S.C., on Saturday, August 17, at 11 a.m. In honor of Joe, please bring a handful of soil from your farm or place to sprinkle over his urn.
Keith Smith Funeral Service of Allendale is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.keithsmithfuneralservice.com.
