Jack Gayle

Jack Gayle, Jr., 95, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Heritage Healthcare. Born in New Liberty, Kentucky, a town the Gayle's founded in the 1800's, on January 2, 1917. He was the son of the late Jack, Sr., and Mallie Kate Peggs Gayle. In the mid 1930's he attended Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Order. While at Transylvania, he met and married Helen Prince Woodward. Jack began his career as a farmer, on the family farm, growing tobacco in the summer and grading tobacco in the winter. In 1952, Jack and Helen moved to Valdosta to work with Helen's father's family business, Prinsho Veneer Company. Jack worked with Prinsho until his retirement. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, chairman of many committees and Sunday school teacher. He was a faithful member who loved his church family.
Jack was active in the communities where he lived. While in Kentucky, he was inducted into the illustrious Kentucky Colonels. In Valdosta, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club for 50 years, and served on the Lowndes County Planning Commission of Valdosta for 15 years, was Past President of the Valdosta Country Club, was a member of the Heritage Foundation, the Historical Society, and the Covered Bridge Society. He loved gardening and bird watching, loved sports, especially the Kentucky Wildcats and the Kentucky Derby. Jack loved to travel, was a great photographer and an avid golfer. He was a true southern gentleman.
Survivors are his son and daughter in law, John and Peggy Gayle of Valdosta; grandchildren and their spouses, Helen (Gigi) and Brad Lastinger of Athens, Jarrett and Neil Anderson of Wilmington, North Carolina, John Woodward (Woody) and Catherine Gayle of Atlanta; great grandchildren, Gracyn Lastinger, Bradley Lastinger, Elliott Anderson, Smith Anderson, Mary Grace Anderson; brother in law and sister in law, J.C. and Mary Frances Woodward of Valdosta, sister in law, Mary Beth Watkins of Valdosta; niece, Betty June Gayle Lusby of Owenton, Kentucky, and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Helen Woodward Gayle, brother and sister in law, Bob and Harriett Gayle, sister and brother in law, Ollie and J.S. Lusby, sister in law and brother in law, Dorothy and Ben Stanaland.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 5 -7 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Reverend Mac Weaver and Dr. Phil West will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to First Baptist Church 200 W. Central Ave Valdosta GA 31601 or to Transylvania University 300 N. Broadway, Lexington, KY 40508. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602