Gayle Kinsey

1938 - 2025

Robert Gayle Kinsey, age 87, slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the North Mississippi Medical Center. Gayle was born January 13, 1938 in Corinth, the son of Hollis Kinsey and Mary Lucille Parish Kinsey. Gayle attended Tupelo Public Schools and was a 1955 graduate of the Columbia Military School which served him well as he proudly served in the Mississippi National Guard. He was married to his loving wife, Linda, and they enjoyed 47 happy years of marriage, traveling, and making their home a warm and welcoming place.

Gayle was known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up in the family Pepsi Cola business, he served as president of the Mississippi Bottler's Association. Later, he was involved in various businesses including hotels, restaurants, car washes and laundromats, as well as real estate ventures. Always active in his community, Gayle was a member of the Exchange Club, Jaycees, and Gideons International. He believed in supporting local endeavors and leaving his community a better place for future generations.

Gayle loved the outdoors and operated a farm in Arkansas until last year. He enjoyed spending time on the water at Piomingo, Pickwick, and the Waterway, creating many cherished memories for family and friends.

Gayle's family smiles as they remember his law abiding driving habits, always making full stops at stop signs, slowing down at green lights to anticipate yellow, and never ever exceeding the speed limit.

A man of abiding faith, he was a faithful and devoted member of Harrisburg Baptist Church for many years, recently returning to the church of his youth, Calvary Baptist Church. His faith was strengthened by the encouragement and fellowship of his Sunday School Classes at both churches.

Gayle is survived by his wife, Linda of Tupelo; his daughter, Lou Kinsey (Debora Murphy, MD) of Mimbres, New Mexico; two sons, Lance Napier (Sherri) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Greg Napier (Kimberly) of Belden; grandchildren, Lana Baxter of Tupelo, Drew Napier (Chelsea) of Tupelo, Tucker Napier (Destiny) of San Diego, California, Christopher Napier of Goteborg, Sweden, Lorin Oliver (Blake) of Baton Rouge, Katelyn Napier of Baton Rouge, and Jessica Stubbs (Cameron) of Oxford; great-grandchildren, Kate, Anna, Austin, Finnley, Grayson, Owen, Sophie, and Norah; step-sisters, Lottie Guttry of Longview, Texas and Diane Kimmel (Max) of New Braunfels, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a son, Hollis Kinsey II; his mother, Mary Lucille Parish Kinsey; his second mother, Viola King Lipscomb Kinsey; his father, Hollis Kinsey; son, Scott Napier; and his step-brother, Robert Lipscomb.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church

Services will be 12 p.m. Friday at the Calvary Baptist Church with Dr. John Boler and Dr. Dan Rupert officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park. Pegues Funeral Directors has been honored to assist the family with arrangements. This service for Gayle is not the end, but a mere pause in the story until the Day when all who hope in Christ will be raised bodily to enjoy eternal life in the new heaven and the new earth.

Pallbearers will be Scott Cochran, Jim Epps, Keith Kantack, Freddie Marshall, Bob Pilgrim, James Plunkett, John Smith, Derwood Tutor, and Cecil Weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 501 West Main St. Tupelo MS 38804; Gideons International, PO Box 2467, Tupelo MS 38803; or Northeast Mississippi Medical Center Hospice, 830 South Gloster St., Tupelo MS 38801.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com