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John Gallins Obituary

GALLINS WINSTON-SALEM - Mr. John Paul Gallins, 59, of Winston-Salem a beloved husband, father, son and brother passed away unexpectedly Friday, October 29, 2010 at his home. He was born January 28, 1951 in Guilford County to Paul John and Maria Tsiolkas Gallins. John was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, the Velouchi, the Sillogos Kalesmenioton and the Association of Megalohoriton. He was the former part owner of the Jolly House Coffee Shop and Oyster Bay Restaurant. John was presently part owner of Dockside Seafood Restaurant. His education in electrical engineering and his gift as a woodworker enabled him to help relatives, friends and neighbors. He was also famous for his Christmas light display around his home. John was actively involved in the Greek Festival and previously served on the Parish Council. In 2009, John was the recipient of the Archangel Michael Award. He was preceded in death by his father in 2001. Surviving are his wife, Maria (Marika) Gallins; a son, Paul John Gallins; a daughter, Constantina Gallins, all of the home; his mother, of Winston-Salem; a sister, Georgia (Stavros) Bobotsiares; a brother, Teddy (Helen) Gallins; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and Godchildren. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. Demetri Kangelaris, Fr. Thomas Guerry, Fr. George Kiricoples and Fr. George Vlahos officiating. Burial will follow in Forsyth Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday at the Church with a Trisagion Service at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27104. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Oct. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gallins

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Natasha C.

November 7, 2010

I was so surprised to hear of John's passing. I was left speechless. My first job was at Dockside right out of high school. I absolutely adored the whole Gallins family, John and Teddy. I did alot of growing up there and it helped make me the person I am today. John was always there with a laugh and a smile. He was like an uncle who always made you laugh. I am so saddened by his passing. Even after I stopped working at Dockside I would still see John driving down Peace Haven Rd in his red truck with the rose on the front. I always knew it was him by the rose and that he always hung his arm out the window. I feel so much for his family because I know they have lost a truly tremendous man. May God receive his child and wrap him in his loving embrace.

Suzie Burchette Harvey

November 6, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with friends and family during this difficult time. I live right down the street from Dockside please don't hesitate to ask if you need help with anything. - Former Dockside employee

Jim, Eleanor,Olga and John Gallis

November 4, 2010

Dear Marika and family,
I am so sorry to hear about John.You and all of your family are in our prayers and may God give you the strength to deal with such a great loss.He always was so happy and made all of us laugh.May he rest in piece and forever he will be in our hearts and prayers.God bless you all.

John and Olga Gallis

November 2, 2010

Dear Maria and family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you and the whole family. May god give you strength in dealing with your great loss.

Dean Clark

November 2, 2010

Dear Marika,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved seeing John. He was like a thunderstorm, so big and full of life. When we talked we just got louder and louder. I'll miss him. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Love
Dean Clark

Caroline Gamble

November 1, 2010

John was always so joyful, it was a pleasure to be around him. Seeing him at his work surrounded by his family, friends, employees and customers let us see the warmth that he shared so freely with everyone. I wish you all comfort in your sadness and loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you,
Caroline Gamble and Shannon Hall

Christopher Gallis

November 1, 2010

Dear Maria and Family,

All of the family here in New York is very sad to hear the terrible news of John's passing, our deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your family, Teddy and Thea Maria.

With all of our love and prayers,

Rita Gallis, Christopher Gallis, Eleni Salony and Andrew Gallis

Eleni Gallis Gialas and family

November 1, 2010

Dear Thea Maria and family,

Very sorry to hear about the passing of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May he rest in peace.

Paul, Jackie, Lauren, Anthony & Chelsea Tsiolkas

November 1, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Marika, Paul & Tina. We have been so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family. Marika, you said John had given you a wonderful 33 years together...take comfort in knowning that John has gone ahead to prepare a beautiful home for the both of you to share eternity...with all the most glorious lights you could ever imagine...
~John, we love you and will miss you dearly...your memory will be eternal in our hearts always~

Robert Johnson

November 1, 2010

Dear Maria and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John helped us out so much while working at Dockside. John was a great man!

-Robert Johnson

Tina Craig

November 1, 2010

Dear Maria and family,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of John. I worked for him many years at Dockside and he was a pleasure to work for. John always knew what o say to put a smile on your face. He was truly a awesome man.

Lambros Balatsias

October 31, 2010

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Gallins family. John was one of the finest men I have ever met and he will be missed by many... May his laughter and joyous nature remain with us always, and may his memory be eternal..

Tommy Ballas and family

October 31, 2010

We have lost a great member of our Greek Community in Winston Salem this week. This has been a shock to our entire community. We are deeply saddened by this loss and we continue to pray for the family in this time of sorrow. He will truly be missed and never replaced.

Tommy and Dora Ballas and family.

October 31, 2010

Maria & kids, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing! My dad just called to let me know about it! I worked for you all in the late 80's and early 90's! Loved working fo John & Teddy. I also remember coming to your house to babysit your kids. You both were always so good to me! Hasn't been that long since I saw him in his little red truck. I laughed because he drove that truck for ever!! Will definately keep your family and Teddy & Helen in my prayers.

Paula Transou

October 31, 2010

To the Gallins Family, we are deeply saddened by you loss and we are in prayer for you and your family. May God give you the peace that surpasses all understanding in your time of loss.

Kathy Taylor

October 31, 2010

I had the privilege of working with John and the Gallins family at Dockside many years ago. His smile and laughter was always contagious. May God be with John's family, friends, and loved ones. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

? Te?? ?a??? e??a? µe sa?

David Joy

October 31, 2010

I worked for the Gallins brothers from an early age, and was hired during a very tough time in my home life. In many ways, John and Teddy became my other family, as they did for so many people who were lucky enough to work for them.

I can have a very odd sense of humor at times, which is very random and hard to follow for most people. John was one of the few people in my life who not only understood it, but could hang with the banter and make me laugh profusely. I never had a bad memory of John. He always made me laugh, and as I think back to "growing up" at Dockside Seafood, I couldn't have had a better boss/friend to look up to.

John used to always call us "Warriors". "You're a warrior!", he would always say, usually to get you to do something you really didn't want to. But we all know, John was the warrior. And he will be missed by all those who knew him.

You never know how to say goodbye to someone so loved and so young, because you don't think you will ever have to. So I will only say "see you soon", and I hope to share some more ridiculously random banter with my friend someday.

My deepest condolences to Maria, the children, and Teddy. He was truly a part of my family, just as you are.

Cindy and Ron Martin

October 31, 2010

Cindy and I were shocked to learn of this. We had gotten to know him from the Dockside and he always had a smile on his face. If he were outside of the kitchen, you were assured that he would have something to say to you especially if he recognized you as a "regular" customer.

Lauren Betson

October 31, 2010

I had the pleasure of working with John Gallins for many years at Dockside and those were some of the best years. John was like a second father to many of us, he always took the time to sit down and talk with us about life, our goals and always encouraged us to go on and fulfill our dreams. He always had a bright smile on his face that was contagious and without a doubt would do anything for anyone. John was such a good humble man with a heart of gold. The staff at Dockside was like a second family to me and he will missed by many. My prayers go out to the Gallins family and I'm deeply sorry for your loss.

Caroline Stopyra

October 31, 2010

Our morning walks and runs will never be the same again at the Par Course, without the wide smiles and funny comments of John Paul Gallins. We never saw him without a smile on his face and the ability to make us laugh as we jogged by. We will miss his joy, sense of humor, and greetings across the Par Course daily. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. Love, from the Stopyra Family.

Jim and Tammy Tsiolkas

October 31, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Gary Thomas

October 31, 2010

A very neat guy always with a smile and great attitude.
He was a good family man and I wish the best for his family in dealing with his loss.
Gary Thomas

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