Christopher Gayle Sr.

Christopher Gayle was born on the blessed and beautiful day November 22, in the year 1943, in Bessemer, Alabama, to parents Annie Lee and Wiley Gayle. He was the fifth of six children, being affectionately known as Baby Brother. His early childhood learning began in the home, the Gayle family believed that training had its inception in the home. He grew up attending Greater Fourteenth Street Missionary Baptist Church, accepting Christ at an early age. Chris graduated from Wenonah High School in 1962. During his time there he was quite popular among students as well as teachers. He also enjoyed playing on the football team and serving as the senior class treasurer. In addition, he worked with Mr. Bennett, a local accomplished photographer, often driving him to appointments. On May 19, 1965, he was united in marriage to Yvonne Byrd. From this union they were blessed with three children, Lisa, Christopher, Jr., Brian and grandson Alexander. Having moved to Toledo, Ohio on the advice of his oldest sister Mattie, he secured employment at Libbey Owens Ford and was a dedicated employee for 40 years, retiring in 2009. Chris achieved 33rd Degree Mason status in 2007, during a ceremony held in Rochester, New York, where he celebrated with family, friends and other Masons throughout the United States and abroad. He served as the Worshipful Master and Worthy Patron for the order of the Eastern Star. Chris attended several churches throughout his life in Toledo, his final church home being St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where he served as the Chairman of the Deacon’s Ministry. Chris’ journey on earth completed on August 29, 2026 in Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington D.C. He is survived by wife of 61 years, Yvonne Gayle, children, Lisa Gayle Williams, (Adolphus Williams, Jr.) Greenville, SC Christopher Gayle, Jr. (Tressa Gayle) Toledo, Ohio, Brian Gayle and grandson Alexander Gayle (Columbus, Ohio), Bonus granddaughters Taney High(Toledo, Ohio) and Tayler Walker (Atlanta, Georgia) Sisters Lenora Barry (Earl Barry) Toledo, Ohio, Annie C. Wilson (Culver City, CA) Godson Reverend Jaron Jackson (Toledo, Ohio) as well as a host of nieces and nephews and friends, including the St. Paul Church Baby Aufwiedersehen Agee and his beloved Golden Girls.

Christopher Gayle Sr.

November 22, 1943 - August 29, 2026