Sidney Young Galbreath

Sidney Young Galbreath, 81, of Paragould, Arkansas died peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side on Tuesday, January 12. Sid was born on February 6, 1939 in Memphis, Tennessee to Richard and Margaret Galbreath.  After graduating from Bartlett High School and being drafted by the U. S. Army, he was stationed in Saigon, Vietnam.  This is where Sid met and married the love of his life, Ut Thi Phan (aka Tiny).

After retiring from Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman/conductor for 40+ years, Sid continued his passion of driving to and socializing at street rod car shows.  As a longtime member of the Memphis Street Rod Association, he could be found traveling around the country in his beloved “35” (1935 Ford sedan) with Tiny in the passenger seat.

Many remember Sid as an avid storyteller, picture-taker and being socially active in many circles including the car club, railroad buddies, high school classmates among others.  Due to his endearing personality and compassionate demeanor several of his daughters’ friends fondly refer to Sid as their “second dad”.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, Tiny, Sid is survived by his two daughters, Anne (David) Gonya of Bartonville, Texas and Cathy (Ken) Schneider of Mooresville, North Carolina; one brother, Richard Galbreath of Albuquerque, New Mexico,  two sisters, Helen (Harold) Lipscomb of Simpsonville, South Carolina and Lynne Lane of Memphis, Tennessee; and four grandchildren, Trey Schneider, Hunter Gonya, Ethan Schneider and Ryan Gonya.

The family wishes a very special thank you to Richard Byandagara who lovingly and tirelessly cared for Sid over the past two and half years.  His broad shoulders carried Tiny and the girls until the very end.

Due to the current environment caused by the pandemic, the family has opted for no service at this time.  There will be a Celebration of Life planned in the near future as restrictions allow.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association in Sid’s honor.

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