Kathryn Scott (Wood) Gallagher

Kathryn Scott “Scottie” Gallagher (Wood) was born in Greenville, SC August 2, 1959, to Billy Richard Wood and Elizabeth “Betty” Wood, and returned peacefully to her Creator in the presence of dearest loved ones, on December 14, 2022, after a courageous and graceful 6-year battle with a debilitating auto-immune disorder.

Scottie is survived by her husband of 44 years, BMCM (SW) Edward F. Gallagher IV, USN (ret), her children, Lt Col Edward F. (Quinn) Gallagher V, USAF, and Mrs. Megan Hagler BSN, RN, OCN as well as her son-in-law, ML Hagler, her beloved grandchildren, Peyton Hagler (13), Tommy Gallagher (6) and Patrick Gallagher (2). She is also survived by her brother, Ric Wood, and nephew Brent Wood (Jessica), as well as a multitude of loving family members from the Gallagher, Jahna, Ferreri, Brunnemmer, and Ingram families. Scottie was also close to countless friends throughout her life while growing up in Greenville, SC, including her dearest friend, Susan Girard, who was with the family upon Scottie’s death. Longstanding friendships were established and cultivated while living and raising a family in Fort Mill, SC, as a church volunteer, working for Belmont Abbey College, and retiring to her last home at Carolina Orchards in Fort Mill.

Scottie’s life was always centered around family, from a love for the generations before her, demonstrated notably in the gentle and loving care for her mother, Betty, in her final years, to the love of cherished friends who were “like family.” As a child, her Aunt Pat McManaway, and cousins Juli Langford (Gary), Jeri Kleckley (Sam), and Joni Berry were very close and remained so into adulthood.

Scottie and Ed were married on November 11, 1978, in a joyful ceremony remembered fondly by many. Ed, a now-retired senior vice president with Good Will Publishers, Inc. and retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, remained the love of her life and was by her side throughout her illness.  As a Navy wife, Scottie was always ready and willing to offer other military families help in times of need, especially during deployments.  Her compassion for others was passed on to her children, her son becoming an Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter and Test Pilot, and her daughter a Registered Nurse, Nurse Navigator and Nurse Educator.

Scottie converted to Roman Catholicism early in her marriage and remained a faithful and devout Catholic, attending St. Philip Neri Church in Fort Mill, SC.  For several years, she was an employee of Belmont Abbey College, as manager of the on-campus book and gift store, serving students, faculty, and the monks themselves during her tenure there. She was a most devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend…always bringing joy to those around her. Hers was a charitable and selfless spirit, and even in the throes of severe suffering, her love and concern for others was always present and warmly expressed. She will be missed by the many lives she touched with such remarkable generosity of spirit and Christian love.

A 3:00 pm funeral Mass will be concelebrated by dear friend and pastor, Father Fabio Refosco, C.O. and Father John Giuliani, C.O. at St. Philip Neri Church in Fort Mill, SC on Tuesday, December 27th.  Scottie will lie in repose within the church daily chapel one hour prior to the funeral for those wishing to pay final respects.