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Gene Mills Gallivan

August 2, 1954 - April 21, 2022
Visitation
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown
639 North Main Steet
Greenville, SC 29601
Wednesday 4/27, 6:15 pm
Cemetery
St. Mary's Catholic Church
111 Hampton Ave.
Greenville, SC 29601
Thursday 4/28, 1:15 pm

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Columbarium.

Mass
St. Mary's Catholic Church
111 Hampton Ave.
Greenville, SC 29601
Thursday 4/28, 12:00 pm
Rosary
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown
639 North Main Steet
Greenville, SC 29601
Wednesday 4/27, 6:00 pm

Gene Mills Gallivan, 67, husband of Therese Thomson Gallivan, died Thursday April 21, 2022. Born in Greenville, SC, he was the son of Harold Francis Gallivan, Jr, and the late Genevieve Mills Gallivan.

An undergraduate of Hampden-Sydney College, Gene held an MS in Industrial Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University. He opened the career and leadership coaching and consulting firm Leadership Center East in 1997, and was a trailblazer in his industry until his retirement. However, his favorite roles in life were as a loving husband, father, uncle, and friend.

Gene cut a dashing figure and enjoyed nothing more than dressing to the nines and heading out for a night dancing with a “Big Band”. He loved to attempt to embarrass his family by waltzing down the aisles and boogieing to music in grocery stores, but we cherished him all the more for it. He adored beauty and color, and his garden was a labor of love.

Gene Gallivan was supportive, kind-hearted, and empathetic to a fault (if there is such a thing). A true Southern gentleman with impeccable manners and always considerate, Gene was forever thinking of what he could do for others.

Surviving in addition to his father, Harold, and his step-mother Martha Gould Gallivan, are his wife of forty-four years, his cherished daughter Mary Kate, and her husband Richard Tillman; brothers, Harold Francis “Gally” Gallivan, III and his wife Fielding Gallivan, Henry Mills Gallivan and his wife Carol Anne Gallivan, Ladson Thomson Gallivan and his fiancé Emilyn McNamara; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, lifelong friends, and his furry dachshund sidekick, Teek.

In addition to his mother, Gene was preceded in death by his son, Archie Gallivan.

There will be a Recitation of the Rosary Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 6:00 PM at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown, with visitation following until 8:00PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 12:00PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, or The Grey Muzzle Organization, 14460 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 149-269, Raleigh, NC 27614.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave a Message, Share a Memory” below.

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Visitation
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown
639 North Main Steet
Greenville, SC 29601
Map
Wednesday 4/27, 6:15 pm
Cemetery
St. Mary's Catholic Church
111 Hampton Ave.
Greenville, SC 29601
Map
Thursday 4/28, 1:15 pm

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Columbarium.

Mass
St. Mary's Catholic Church
111 Hampton Ave.
Greenville, SC 29601
Map
Thursday 4/28, 12:00 pm
Rosary
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown
639 North Main Steet
Greenville, SC 29601
Map
Wednesday 4/27, 6:00 pm

Gene Mills Gallivan, 67, husband of Therese Thomson Gallivan, died Thursday April 21, 2022. Born in Greenville, SC, he was the son of Harold Francis Gallivan, Jr, and the late Genevieve Mills Gallivan. An undergraduate of Hampden-Sydney College, Gene held an MS in Industrial Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University. He opened the career and leadershipContinue Reading

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Thornton Garrett left a message on May 30, 2022:
Therese. I cannot tell you how much I have thought about you. Rhonda told me she saw this on Facebook and we both were in shock. There are always a few friendships in life that last. Even though you don't see someone for years, when you do see them it feels like you never were apart. For me this was Gene. So many times I have reflected on the wonderful times we all shared. Gene was the glue that made all of those memories last. Hope this finds you well. Thornton
Sandy, Butch Kayse & Jenny Kayse Cox left a message on April 29, 2022:
To all of the Gallivan family, you are in our prayers. May the many memories sustain you and the peace of our Lord keep you in His embrace.
Rayandra Slonina and Elaine Slonina left a message on April 28, 2022:
We are truly sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a lovely person, full of grace and warmth. We send our deepest sympathies.
Amber Lollid left a message on April 28, 2022:
With deepest sympathy.
Amber Lollis left a message on April 28, 2022:
You won’t know my name but my life and my daughter’s life are one of the many that Gene’s life touched and made a profound impact. Gene provided life and career counseling for my daughter, Jordan, upon graduating college. His guidance has guided her professional path and has led her to ever increasing opportunities and career fulfillment without the usual missteps that one can often make in finding our footing. Without Gene, Jordan would not have the life she has now. It was more important than her college degree in my opinion. Gene also dropped everything to help my 52 year old husband forge a new career path after 20 years with Caterpillar after they shut the doors in Greenville. He readied my husband’s resume, tailoring it specifically to garner the most interest and provided testing to help him put his best foot forward. He garnered a position with a tier one automotive company and has since gone on to travel in Europe and is doing wonderful. I am disabled and lack of insurance would have devastated us. Gene was an angel on earth doing God’s work. Please know that your family is in our prayers and thoughts. God bless you and keep you! The Lollis Family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Chris and Jay Martinez left a message on April 28, 2022:
Therese and Mary Kate, We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. He was such a nice and fun-loving person. We had no idea he was sick. He always had a smile on his face, and we will always remember what a loving and gentle person he was. Please know we will keep you and your family in our prayers through this very difficult time.
Dave Clough left a message on April 27, 2022:
Therese and Mary Kate, Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband and father. Gene was a true southern gentleman and a fine fellow. We all will miss his wisdom and his humor. I hope that many fond memories will help to fill the void.
Susan May Plott left a message on April 26, 2022:
I am so so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and I certainly will keep you in my prayers. Susan May
Jane Allen Garner and Douglas Garner left a message on April 26, 2022:
Gene was a wonderful business partner, client and friend! In everything, he was a class act and so skilled at helping others understand themselves better!! And, most of all, he had an incredible sense of humor that delighted us. We will miss him!
Elizabeth Stephenson Don left a message on April 26, 2022:
Although I’ve not seen Gene in many years, I remember him as one of the kindest and most thoughtful classmates. My sincere condolences to his family.
Kathleen Jennings left a message on April 25, 2022:
Sending sympathy to this fine family in this sad time. Gone way too soon. RIP
Betsy Pickren left a message on April 25, 2022:
From Betsy Pickren and Walt Thompson We have lost our friend and brother. Our hearts ache as do the hearts of all who love Gene. Be well, all our souls, and remember how fortunate we are to have had Gene in our lives.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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