Singer-songwriter Bryan Wayne Galentine, died after a battle with ALS on Thursday (Oct. 22) in Lebanon, Tennessee. He was 53 years old.
Galentine was known in the Nashville music scene as the songwriter behind country hits like Tommy Shane Steiner’s “What If She’s an Angel” and Chris Cagle’s “Country by the Grace of God,” which peaked at No. 2 and 33 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 2002, respectively. Following his ALS diagnosis, he recorded his first-ever full-length album, While You Wait, dedicated to shed light and increase awareness to ALS.
“Bryan tried to teach each of us to live in the moment and make memories with the ones we love,” his wife, Staci Starnes Galentine, shared in a press statement.
The songwriter was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in 2017. Since then, he’s been a passionate advocate for those suffering with the degenerative illness.
He helped get Major League Baseball to have a National Lou Gehrig Day, and was a proud participant in I AM ALS as an Advisory Board Member. He also loved to keep a positive outlook and share happiness with his fans through his pages Find The Good Stuff and What’s Your Omelet?.
A“Bwayne” celebration will be held in honor of the songwriter on Wednesday (Oct. 28) starting at 5 p.m. at 103 Glen Haven Court, Lebanon, Tennessee. The celebration of his life will be held outside in a tent with masks and hand sanitizer provided. For those unable to attend, a request is made to send a special message about Bryan on Messenger to Staci for a special book her friends are compiling for their sons.