Dr. Kenneth Raynor Gallup Jr.

Dr. Kenneth Raynor Gallup Jr. “G Daddy”, 79, was released from his earthly body and passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026. Born on May 7, 1947, he was the eldest of two sons to Margaret Ella Farrar Gallup of Mount Holly and Kenneth Raynor Gallup Sr. of Fayetteville.

Ken was born and raised in Sanford, NC. A lifelong scholar and servant leader, Ken excelled academically from an early age, graduating as valedictorian of his high school class. He continued his education at Davidson College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969. He was awarded the prestigious Zachary Smith Reynolds Scholarship to attend medical school at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1973. Ken stayed at Bowman Gray where he completed his residency in 1975, fellowship in 1977 and remained on faculty until 1980.

Dr. Gallup was triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care Medicine, a testament to his brilliance, discipline, and unwavering dedication to patient care.

In 1980, Dr. Gallup co founded Salem Chest Specialists in Winston Salem alongside Dr. William O’Neal. The practice remains a trusted pillar of the Winston-Salem community to this day. His passion for medicine was matched by an equally strong passion for business. He approached both with curiosity, discipline, and a drive to build meaningful, lasting institutions. That business acumen was evident when he helped co found PARTNERS National Health Plans of NC, a health maintenance organization that broadened his impact on healthcare delivery across the region.

Ken was known for his fun sense of humor, frequent joke telling and his love of a good pun. He delighted in repeating his favorite lines, enjoyed his daily comics, and often joked about how much he “loved work, he could watch people work all day.”

Ken was also a passionate sports fan. He loved the Davidson Wildcats, cheered on the Carolina Panthers, and most of all, remained a proud and loyal Wake Forest Demon Deacon Club Member for decades, black and gold through and through.

Ken found deep joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. He often spoke fondly of his father’s hardware store, Gallup’s Hardware, where he spent many summers learning the value of hard work and community. He loved to sail and spend time on the water, a place where he felt most at peace. He especially cherished family gatherings at Buffalo Lake in Sanford, NC, in the beloved lake house his father built in 1961. That home remains a sanctuary of laughter, tradition, and togetherness, memories that will forever live in the hearts of those he loved.

Ken found great joy in his family. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and brother, Albert Durant Gallup and stepson Travis Lee Lucas.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon McMahan Gallup; daughter, Malinda Carole Gallup; son Kenneth Raynor Gallup III “Tripp” and wife Melanie Lawson Gallup; stepson Mark Edward Lucas and wife Randilee Rinkavage Lucas. He was a proud grandfather to Brielle Farrar Gallup, Kenneth Raynor Gallup IV “Kade”, Makayla Dawn Lucas, Avery Lee Lucas, and Kameron Travis Lucas. He is also survived by his sister in law, Linda Hoffman Gallup, along with extended family, colleagues, and friends who will forever carry his memory.

Dr. Gallup lived a life defined by intellect, humility, humor, and deep compassion. His legacy endures in the countless lives he healed, the students and colleagues he guided, the businesses he built, and the family he loved so dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at College Park Baptist Church, 1701 Polo Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27106, with Rev. Ramon E. Smith officiating. A visitation will follow the service in the church’s fellowship hall. A private graveside service is being held in honor of Ken. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trellis Supportive Care (www.TrellisSupport.org) or the American Lung Association (American Lung Association).

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family.