JACKSONVILLE  -  Dr. Edgar Givens Gallagher, Jr. went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 15, 2025. He passed peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and dementia.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville with Tommy Wilkerson and Danny Joe Humphrey officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A reception will also be held following the graveside service at 1004 Claymore Drive, Jacksonville, NC 28546.

Dr. Gallagher, known by many as "Dr. G," began life in Charlotte, NC. He attended college, played football and eventually graduated medical school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He graduated in the top 10 of his medical class! However, his residency was cut short when he answered the call summoning him to the United States Army and Vietnam. He was awarded medals for his heroic time in service as an Airborne soldier-doctor and later retired as a colonel. After retiring from active duty, Dr. Gallagher settled in to serve the community of Jacksonville, North Carolina, spending most of his waking hours at Onslow Memorial Hospital. He thoroughly enjoyed his work as a surgeon and worked more hours than any person should have the physical ability to do. But during his infrequent free time, he enjoyed completing marathons, hiking in the North Carolina mountains or fishing with his brother in Texas. While Dr. G often came across as a quiet and reserved individual, he was also known for what he called "corny" jokes, which he started sharing when he was in high school. The words, "Just kidding," still echo in our ears and hearts. He truly believed that "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Dr. G was known for making a tense situation a little more bearable with a simple joke or play on words, some of which he heard, others he'd come up with on his own.

But a story of Dr. Gallagher would not be complete if it did not mention his faith in Jesus Christ. He shared the love of Christ wherever he went. He was known for praying with his patients before surgery. He also regularly ministered at the Jacksonville City Jail every Sunday for decades, where eventually Bibles were not permitted, and he preached the Word of God from the many verses he had memorized. His entire goal in life was to be used by the Lord, and even in his decline, he did not fail to pray, and sing the beloved tune, "Amazing Grace," as long as he was able.  When asked about his life before his memory faded, Dr. G shared his story in a book, "Before I sleep: A conversational Life Story." His greatest advice to others was, "JP,'" Just Pray (he always loved an acronym!).

Dr. Gallagher is survived by his five children, Anna, Edgar III "Duke", Julie, Ricky and Hannah, eight grandchildren, and his beloved wife, Priscilla.

Dr. G's legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of all the lives he changed with a surgery, a joke, or a prayer. If you wish to bless the family or honor Dr. G's memory, here's some things to consider. He loved Jesus, his family, Coca Cola, desserts, and he loved flowers, too! In addition, he never spent lavishly on himself but gave generously to various charity organizations (either faith-based or those that benefited active-duty military or veterans and their families). Knowing this, Dr. G's family requests that you honor his memory in whatever way is most meaningful to you.

Finally, the family would like to thank the faithful CNA's who provided such excellent and loving care for Dr. G these last few years, Drena, Brandy, Rava, Marie, Annie, Sherry, Glenda, Kathryn, Kim, and Kourtney. Their support has meant more than words can say.

Thank you to all for your kind words and prayers during this time.