William Cyril Gallaspy

William Cyril Gallaspy passed from this earth on August 26th, 2026, from symptoms of a life well-lived. Having circled the sun for 91 years, he made an impact on the world and the people he loved.

On Nov. 17, 1934, George Gallaspy and Lottie Cuevas Gallaspy, welcomed their son Bill into the world at St. Anthony’s hospital in Oklahoma City. Bill often shared fond memories of his childhood at their family home on NW 11th street, of riding the streetcars and other childhood adventures with his siblings Irvin, Don and Myralin. In his youth, Bill particularly enjoyed train trips to visit extended family on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. A born “Mr. Fixit,” from and early age Bill could disassemble and fix almost anything mechanical or electrical, a skill he said he inherited from his mother, whom his father once said “could have built a railroad with a tack hammer.”

Graduating from Classen High School in 1952, Bill attended the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma A&M (OSU), earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from OU in 1958. Bill’s education was interrupted in 1956 when he was inducted into the U.S. Army where he served in the 10th Infantry Division. After attending Artillery Ballistic Meteorology school at Ft. Sill, OK he was deployed to Germany for the duration of his enlistment where he launched weather balloons and prepared meteorological reports. His time spent in West Germany fueled a lifelong love of German food, music and culture. After the Army, Bill worked in family businesses with his brothers. In 1964, Bill was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and served until 1971, finishing his Air Force career with the rank of Captain. Serving during the Vietnam War era, he was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines where he coordinated SE Asian communications for the 13th Air Force.

Bill’s professional career was primarily in the oil and natural gas industry where he and his siblings owned mineral rights and invested in natural gas exploration. Even in his 80s, Bill would say he never worked a full day — but that also meant he never got to retire.

From his first marriage, Bill had two daughters, Shannon Fudge and Elizabeth Kabrick. He loved the time he spent with them in their youth and never stopped caring for them or their families in later years.

In the mid-1970s Bill met Colleen Christian Gallaspy, and they married in 1983. With that relationship, Bill stepped into the role of stepfather to Colleen’s sons Mark, Brett, Todd and Lance Christian. Bill and Colleen lived a rich and adventurous life together. They loved travel, visiting Europe and all 50 states. A highlight for them was a voyage on the Queen Elizabeth II. They also enjoyed exploring Oklahoma’s byways and state parks in their class B RV, Winnie the Winnebago. Bill once shared, however, that his favorite RV adventures were sleepovers in the driveway with grandkids.

Most important to Bill and Colleen was being grandparents. Bill was a devoted grandfather and was called “Papaw” by his grandkids who fondly remember breakfasts at Papaw’s house and his famous waffles. With his belief in education, Papaw supported many grandchildren in attending college and furthering their life goals.

Bill and Colleen were founding members of Channing Unitarian Church and supported many charitable causes. When Colleen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Bill was beside her on every step of her journey and was a dedicated caregiver for her until her death in 2007.

While hearing loss impaired his ability over the years, those who knew him remember Bill’s wit, lively conversation and curiosity about others. His deafness was a challenge particularly given his love of music and musical theater. Some of the many remembrances’ family members have of Bill include his introducing grandkids to music with his foot-pumped player piano, his ability to clean anything (only ‘he’ was allowed to clean ‘his’ kitchen), his love of trains and train travel, his love for the elephants at the OKC Zoo, his affection for murder mystery novels, as well as his lead foot when driving.

Bill embraced life fully and will be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents George and Lottie Gallaspy, his brothers Irvin and Don Gallaspy, and grandson Kevin Christian. He is survived by his sister, Myralin Whitaker of Mill Valley, CA; his daughters, Shannon Fudge and Elizabeth Kabrick of Oklahoma City, OK, and their children; sons, Mark Christian of Stillwater, OK, Brett Christian and Todd Christian of Oklahoma City, OK, and Lance Christian of Portland, OR; daughters-in-law Carla Christian, and Cassandra Christian of Oklahoma City, and Stacey Moret of Portland, OR; niece, Sherrie Coughlin of Panama City Beach, FL; grandchildren Scott Christian of West Palm, FL, Teresa Richardson of Tulsa, OK, Matthew Christian of Albany, NY, Wendy Thompson of Guthrie, OK, and Samantha Hoffhines of Temecula, CA; as well as many nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren, cousins, loved ones and friends.

The family appreciates the many caregivers who helped Bill in his final years, with special appreciation to Shelly Roney. Per Bill’s request, there will be no memorial service. Family members suggest making donations to the charity of your choice in his memory.