THOMAS GAYLE NAPIER
1933-2021
THOMAS GAYLE NAPIER, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021 in Houston, Texas at age 87. Gayle is preceded in death by parents and three siblings. Gayle is survived by his wife of 68 years, four daughters, two sons-in-law, two granddaughters and spouses, five siblings, two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.
Gayle was born in Cleaton, KY to a coal mining family, and grew up in Michigan, W. Virginia and Kentucky. Gayle played basketball in high school and attended college on a basketball scholarship. He earned a Master’s degree at Peabody-Vanderbilt University (Nashville TN), and a Doctorate at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln NE). Gayle retired to Houston after a lifelong career in Christian Ministry. His career included serving on faculty and administration of York College (York, NE), Lubbock Christian University (Lubbock TX) and David Lipscomb University (Nashville, TN). He also established two Counseling Centers and mentored Christian Family Therapists. He was a dedicated resource for national and international workshops guiding family relationships and parenting.
Gayle also was very skilled at using his hands and he enjoyed the challenge to rebuild, remodel and restore furniture and homes. Always available to help others, his talents and personality nurtured life-long friendships.
Gayle and his loving wife Grace dedicated their lives to assisting and blessing others. Their richest joy was manifested in nurturing each other and their family, and honoring God. Their lives served as role models for their family, and Gayle was especially proud of his daughters and grand-daughters.
Gayle, a greatly admired, dedicated man of faith, will be missed. Yet his influence will continue to inspire.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Gayle will held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 27th at West University Church of Christ, 3407 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to YORK COLLEGE, 1125 East 8th Street, York, Nebraska 68467; https:// www.york.edu/give.html