John Russell Gayle Jr.

1928 - 2016

John R. Gayle, Jr.

Pearl, MS

John Russell Gayle, Jr was born in Smithville, Virginia to John Russell Gayle, Sr and Elizabeth Gayle. He is survived by his wife, Peggy, daughter Shawn, son Jim (Darla), Stepson Jeff (Beth) Pace, granddaughter Noe'l Griggs, grandson Trenton Gayle, and great-grandson Houston Griggs. He is also survived by his brother Jack Gayle and sister-in-law Pat, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Rena and LJ Carr.

He grew up in Suffolk Virginia, attending Chuckatuck High School and at the same time working on a farm, driving a school bus and in his uncle's grocery store. Except for his military service, he spent more than fifty years in the grocery business and had traveled all over the South as a salesman, store manager, and in supervision

He served his country as a Soldier in Korea, during the war, spending 1951-53 with the 45th Infantry Division as a Communication Specialist. After the war, he attended Michigan State University.

He loved to cook for his family and friends. He grilled burgers and steaks on many a weekend afternoon for family, friends and neighbors. He cooked breakfast for the Men's Club at Pearl United Methodist Church for several years until ill-health forced him to relinquish that task. He loved being an usher for the church and always had a piece of candy for everyone.

John never met a stranger and had a funny story or joke to tell about almost everything. He loved to laugh and to make other people laugh.

He met Peggy, the love of his life when he moved from Virginia to go to work for The Lewis Grocery Co. in the 1960's. They married in 1970 and rarely spent a day apart for the rest of his life.

He died, surrounded by his family, secure in the knowledge that Jesus is his Lord and he was heaven bound.

Funeral services for John will be held at 10 am Monday, May 16, 2016 at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS with the interment to be held following the service in the Kennedy Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Mendenhall, MS. Visitation will be held from 5 pm until 8 pm Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Pearl United Methodist Church, 226 S. Pearson Rd., Pearson, MS 39208