Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gayle family.

Juaine Van Horn Paravati & RoseMary Van Horn Alexander.

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Charles.  He was one of the most talented musicians I have known in my life.  I often accompanied him on the piano when he performed solos and our Junior High choir performed one of his compositions in the 9th grade.

The world has lost a brilliant artist and composer.

Mr. Gayle and I became friends after his illness.  I will miss our visits, talks and listening to his compositions.

He challanged me and made me better. When I was 11, Charles introduced me to odd-sounding sports, like javelin, shot put, and discus, and seemingly obscure sports like the 880 run, high-jumping, and pole vaulting. I learned that these were summer-olympic sports, pursued by the greatest athletes in the world; these sports were big. We pushed each other, competed and got better. But sports was not all for Charles. He showed a broad, varied personality. He twitched, bounced, jabbed, stared, lurched, joked, prodded, poked. And then he glided to his basement piano and composed new melodies, effortlessly and spontaneously, and played deep flowing calls on his french horn, and admired and imitated Brahms and Bach. But then his family moved him ten miles away. My visits became occasional overnights, and became less frequent, and stopped. But by then, Charles' breadth and competitiveness were a part of me; they still are, and they will be.

To Charles Gayle's Family,
The Richmond Symphony Family sends our heartfelt sympathy to you.  Those of us from the earlier years remember Charles and are saddened by this loss.

We were very saddened to hear of Charles passing. Those early days in Sandston as neighbors seem like just yesterday.  Your families will remain in our thougts and prayers.

I worked with Charles for a number of years at VCU Music.  Charlie had a warm sense of humor and we shared many good times.  I know that he has suffered and I hope that he is now at reast.

Thinking about you guys at this very difficult time.  My best to each of you.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss.  The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

I grew up on Jackson Avenue down the street from the Gayles. Dr. Gayle was my childhood dentist and Charles was a Sandston Elementary School classmate. I'm sorry to see this obituary as it both hurts to see a childhood friend pass and brings back fond memories of growing up in Sandston. As another childhood friend said, "Once a Sandston kid, always a Sandston kid. RIP, Charles.  Dave Morris. Mint Hill, North Carolina (but still a Sandston kid)

I was saddend to learn that Charles had passed away and extend my sincere condolences to the family. I sat next to Charels for many years in the french horn section of the school bands. He was a great guy and a  superb musician. May he rest in peace. Kindest Regards.

To the Gayle Boys,
I'm very sorry to hear about Charles.
He was younger than I, but finished HS
with my wife, Linda Yates and my brother 
Ronny. My thoughts are with all of you.
From all of us Hardy boys (5) to all of the Gayle boys (6), thanks for being
friends and neighbors.

I was so sorry to see where Charles had passed away.  As I grow older, I cherish the memories of growing up in Sandston and knowing the Gayle boys.  Charles was a dear member of that group and will be missed.  Best wishes to all of you during this time.

OBITUARY

Charles Gayle

June 5, 1949 – February 27, 2011

Woody Funeral Home-Atlee Chapel

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