BERLIN STANLEY GALFORD, age 82 years, a resident of Elkins, WV was called home by the Lord on Monday afternoon, December 12, 2011 at his home, surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice Care Corporation. Death was attributed to complications of a hemorrhagic stroke.
He was born Wednesday, June 19, 1929 in Pocahontas County, WV a son of the late Kent and Leona Sheets Galford. On October 12, 1952 at Boyer, WV he was married to the former Nellie Margaret Simmons, who survives in Elkins. They had celebrated fifty-nine years of marriage. Also surviving are one daughter, Robin Price and husband Michael, Elkins; one son-in-law, Duane DeFreese, Indialantic, FL; three grandchildren, Kristi Price, Sissonville; Erin Price, Washington, D.C.; Shawn Price, Elkins; five brothers, Sam Galford, Elkins; Richard Galford and wife Shirleymae, FL; Clark Galford and wife Helen, IN; Bob Galford and wife Brenda, TN; and David Galford and wife Cindy, IN; one sister, Margaret Galford Hurley, FL; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are one daughter, Vicki Lyn DeFreese; and two brothers, Arnie Ray; and Kent Galford, Jr.
Berlin began his education in a one-room school in Pocahontas County, graduated from Green Bank High School with the Class of 1948 and West Virginia University with the Class of 1952, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy Production.
Upon college graduation, he was employed as manager with the West Virginia Artificial Breeders Cooperative in Clarksburg, until 1955 at which time he served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he became manager of Producers Cooperative Dairy at Elkins. Upon closure of the plant, he began employment with Woodford Oil Company until his retirement in 1992.
After retiring he worked as a substitute van driver for the Senior Center and substitute van dispatcher for Country Roads Transit.
Berlin was involved in his home community. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and Sunday School Teacher. He served in the Elkins Rotary Club as a member and past president, member of Elkins Lodge # 1135, BPOE and the Elk’s Country Club, as well as on the board of Meals on Wheels, assisting with delivery of meals for many years. In his spare time, you could find him on the golf course pursuing his second love.
The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church of Elkins on Thursday, December 15, 2011 from 12 Noon to 2 PM, the funeral hour. The Rev. Barry R. Moll will officiate and interment will follow at the Elkins Memorial Gardens on the Airport Road Elkins, WV. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the First United Methodist Church, 315 Kerens Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241 or to Hospice Care Corporation, 169 Diamond Street, Elkins, WV 26241.
