A native of Portsmouth, VA, Gayle was born to Fleetwood Lee and Lillian H. Ballance. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Etta Gray Ballance, two daughters, Virginia Blease (David Blease) and Gwen Girdler, five grandchildren, Ashley Dowey (Ted Dowey), Mitchell Higgins, Caleb Blease, Christian Blease and Addison Blease, and three great-grandchildren, Paisley Dowey, Henry Dowey, and Brodie Dowey.
Gayle was a retired salesman for CSX Transportation. He worked for the railroad for 40 years. He also served in the U.S. Airforce and earned the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He worked as an X-Ray technician in the U.S. Airforce. He was also in the U.S. Marine Reserves. He was a member of the Lake Drummond Masonic Lodge for over 60 years. He was a member at NE Presbyterian Church for over 25 years and enjoyed singing in the choir. Gayle loved his family dearly and he enjoyed visiting the beach, playing golf, petting his cat and spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Norma B. Gray (Walter Gray).
Celebration of Life Services will be held 10:30 a.m. at Northeast Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 20, 2021. Burial will follow in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Drummond Lodge No. 178 P.O. Box 6655 Chesapeake, VA 23323-0655.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
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