Hundreds attend funeral for shooting victim
Gales was killed at work at a Mississippi Walmart
Some came alone, clad in black suits or dresses, to stand silently in the back of the sanctuary, the tissues in their hands the only visible signs of invisible pain. Others came in groups, family and friends laughing, crying, hugging and comforting one another. Old and young, new friends and old friends, family and coworkers all packed into a church in Hernando, each with a different reason for coming, each with a different connection to a local tragedy.
But each person among the hundreds of individuals who packed the West Oak Grove Church of Christ Saturday morning were united in at least one way —through the indescribable, all-consuming grief that fills the space left behind when a young life is claimed too soon.
Brandon Gales, 38, died on July 30 after being shot while at work at the Walmart in Southaven. Family, friends, colleagues and community members gathered at West Oak Grove church over the weekend to mourn the loss, celebrate Gales’ life and support his family in the wake of his death.
Friends who spoke during the services Saturday described him as a dedicated father to his three children, a hard worker, a compassionate friend and someone who brought happiness and energy to everything he did.
Alton Phillips described Gales as “the closest thing I ever had to a little brother.” The two grew up together and Phillips said he helped Gales get the job at Walmart. He described Gales as full of joy and energy even after getting off a long shift.
“If you knew him, you’d see him dancing and rapping up the streets,” he said. “At 38 years old, he still dancing.”
Phillips said Gales always had a kind word for anyone he met. Candice Mccook, representing Gales’ high school graduating class, said he was “someone so special who touched so many lives.” She told the family that she and all of Gales’ classmates wanted to support them in any way they could and that Gales was loved by many people.
“BG, you are missed,” she said.
In the days after the shooting, friends, relatives and community members left candles, balloons, flowers and mementos outside Walmart. More than 100 people gathered at multiple vigils to pay their respects to Gales and Anthony Brown, 40, who was also shot and killed at the store. Services were held for Brown Thursday and Friday.
Many of those attending Gales’ funeral Saturday were colleagues from Walmart. Some work shirts bearing the store logo and a black ribbon with Gales and Brown’s names. Representing workers from the Southaven Walmart, Texana Dotson said Gales had a strong work ethic and that you almost had to slow him down to be able to talk with him when he was working.
“He loved his job,” she said. “And Walmart loved BG.” Dotson, who said she previously worked for Hernando schools, said she had known Gales since he was young and that even in kindergarten he was a kind, funny person.
Rev. Terry Wallace, who founded the West Oak Grove Church of Christ, told those assembled Saturday “we live in a world gone seriously wrong and out of control” and that there is “deep anguish in our nation.” He talked about violence around the country claiming the lives of children and young people and said it was important for adults to raise children to respect others and care for fellow human beings.
He also implored them to pray for the Gales family and to support them in the weeks, months and years ahead. He said that life can be full of trials, but suffering can build character and strength.
“Brandon will live on in our hearts for years to come,” he said. “We want to thank God for loaning him to us for 38 years.”
Corinne Kennedy is a reporter for the Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Corinne .Kennedy@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @Corinneskennedy
Corinne S Kennedy