Robert Harris Gayle

Robert Harris Gayle of Wesley Chapel, Florida passed away on Thursday, March 24th, 2022, at the age of 83. He was born in Richmond, Virginia and settled in Manatee County, Florida as an adolescent after traveling as a military child. He graduated from Manatee High School in 1957. Robert had a successful career at Florida Power Corporation in St. Petersburg, FL and retired after 25 years of service in 1994.

Robert was a history enthusiast and enjoyed reading about current events, politics, and suspense novels. As a younger man, he enjoyed traveling, sailing the Windjammer and taking cruises. His favorite pastimes were relaxing at the beach with his wife and spending time with his grandsons. They shared his passion for model cars, trains and fixing everything. Robert was often found tinkering around with tools in his hands as nothing was ever thrown out that could be fixed.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Florence Gayle, and his brother, Ronnie Gayle. He is survived by his wife of 30 years Lucy Gayle; daughter Jennifer Stover; son-in-law Michael Stover; grandchildren Reiner Stover and Tyler Stover; his son Michael Gayle; and younger sister Nancy Oswalt.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation. In 2013, Moffitt’s wonderful neurosurgical team was able to preserve is quality of life and allowed him many more years with his family.