Nancy Gallion

Nancy Evelyn Gallion (Newman) from Cookeville, Tennessee died on August 23, 2016 at the age of 75 peacefully at home with family. Nancy was born on January 8, 1941, the only child of Flemmons and Savannah Newman. She is survived by her daughter, Hollye Gallion of Nashville Tennesee and her husband Bob Palardy and her son, Michael Lee Gallion of Los Angeles, California. She is also survived by grandchildren, Ezra Scott, Aaron Palardy, Nicole Palardy and Nathan Palardy; great grandchildren, Rowan Scott and Ilyanan Palardy; adored son-n-law Paul Scott; her best friend, Brenda Smith who remained a close and caring companion throughout her illness, and her beloved dog, Josie. Nancy graduated Valedictorian from Cookeville Central High School in 1958, receiving numerous honors and awards. Nancy went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Tennessee Technological University in 1962 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. Nancy also enjoyed numerous pursuits outside the classroom, including dancing, hunting with her father, playing basketball, socializing with friends, playing card games and traveling. She was a voracious reader and had a lifelong love of animals. Nancy made friends easily, was kind to everyone she met and was extremely loyal to her family and close friends, many of whom spanned a lifetime. As disarming as she was intelligent, Nancy put everyone at ease. Shortly after President John F. Kennedy delivered his famous speech calling for America to explore space travel to the moon, Nancy was recruited by NASA to work on America's Space Program. Nancy heeded the call, commencing a career with NASA as a mathematician at the Agency's Langley Field, Virginia Headquarters. Quickly recognized as a rising star, Nancy was bestowed top secret government security clearance. This distinction has always been a rare honor. For a female beginning a career in the early 1960s, it was virtually unheard of. Nancy ultimately left NASA to marry her college sweetheart, Ray Gallion, a handsome Navy sailor who was completing an electrical engineering degree. From that moment forward, she dedicated herself to her children and her family. Nancy and Ray moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, settling initially into a quaint cottage on Lookout Mountain. The couple spent the next twenty-five years in the Scenic City, where they put down roots and raised their two children, Hollye and Michael. Nancy's adult life was always rooted in her role as a mother. She took an active role in her children's lives, but gave them freedom to be unique individuals. She supported their endeavors, encouraged them to follow their dreams and instilled the belief that anything is possible. Nancy served on numerous parent-teacher committees, chaperoned endless field trips and unwittingly became a primary mode of transportation for her children's large circle of friends. Nancy's door was always open and anyone was welcome in her home. Both Hollye and Michael felt the depth of her commitment to them and her unconditional love. She will be remembered with love and laughter by all who knew her. After raising two children, Nancy had a second successful career as a systems analyst, first with Unum Group in Chattanooga (formerly Provident Life Insurance Company), and later returning to her alma mater, Tennessee Tech. In retirement, Nancy and Ray returned to Cookeville where they spent a number of happy years reconnecting with friends and remaining close to their children. In keeping with her trailblazing exploits, Nancy's funeral service will be one of unique celebration. Her children and friends invite you to join them at Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home Friday, August 26, at noon for a service dedicated to capturing the essence of her memory through the eyes of her children. Friends and family are also invited to remain after the service for a small reception where they can greet the family and share memories of a life well lived. Memorial contributions may be made to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, 27 E Main St, Hohenwald, TN 38462. elephants.com