Gayle Williams Starrett

Gayle Williams Starrett, 85, went to be with the Lord on July 4, 2019. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Jessie (Sims) Starrett, his daughters, Lisa Bowers and husband Ken, Lori Scroggins and husband Stan, Lynn Frank and husband Ken along with 5 grandchildren Ryan, Allison and Delaney Scroggins, Nikolay and Derek Frank, brother Doyle Starrett and wife Helen along with numerous nephews, nieces and many close friends.

Gayle was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Cecil Starrett, 3 brothers Roy, James and Juble Starrett and 3 sisters Syble Summers, Francis Welborn and Bobbie McKissick.

Born in Reilly Springs, TX on January 31, 1934, Gayle relocated with his family to Sulphur Springs where he spent his teen years. Upon graduation, Gayle moved to Dallas where he attended Arlington Baptist College. He received his degree in Pastoral Ministry in 1964. Gayle then began his life’s work in the ministry of the church. He was a faithful servant until his death never missing an opportunity to share his testimony with others either through words or deeds. He will be remembered as a good friend to many in his later years calling daily to “checkup” on his friends, chat about gardening, church events and inquiring about their health.

Gayle met Jessie while working as a single’s Sunday School Leader at Marsh Lane Baptist Church. Gayle and Jessie were married on April 30, 1960 beginning their life of service together.

Gayle retired from Gulf Insurance in 2002 after 40 plus years of faithful service in the accounting department.

One of Gayle’s greatest joys was his grandchildren. He loved to share in their day to day lives. Gayle told Bible stores, taught them Bible verses along with teaching them a love of music.

Gayle loved gardening especially his rose garden. It was his love of gardening and his ability to talk to anyone that led him to strike up a friendship with Sanjoy Saha at Home Depot. This friendship eventually turned into an adoption of him, is wife Nitu and son Arnob becoming their American family.

A celebration of his life will be held at Northside Baptist Church in Carrollton, TX at 11 am on Tuesday July 9 with burial at Hilltop Memorial Park. Family visitation will be prior to the service at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Northside Baptist Pastoral Care Fund.