K. Gayle English's Obituary
Kenneth GAYLE English ran through the finish line in this life as he was ushered into the glorious presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on March 25, 2026.
Born to Charlie and Blanche English on July 1, 1937, Gayle grew up in the company village of the carbon black plant in a small, shotgun home in Sterlington, Louisiana. He was surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Being proficient in math and science, he earned his graduation bricks at Louisiana Tech obtaining both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering. It was also at the school’s infirmary where he was visiting a sick friend that he managed to meet Faye Carolyn Goodwin. They would court and then marry on June 6, 1959, a love story that lasted for almost 52 years until Faye passed away in 2011. That union would produce three boys – Mark, David and John. One of his crowning achievements was first earning his Eagle Scout and then witnessing his three sons and two grandsons earn their Eagle Scout awards.
Having personally yielded his life to Jesus at a young age through his repentance and profession of faith in Jesus as Lord, Gayle was active in First Baptist Church, Longview, teaching adult Sunday School from 1962 until 2025 (63 years!) and serving as deacon since 1966. He was elected deacon chair in 1985 and 2015 and served on numerous committees. He firmly believed in regular, anonymous giving to the ministries of the church through the approved budget.
Gayle was involved in the betterment of the Longview community serving one year as scoutmaster, several as a baseball coach, plus as a director for the Salvation Army Board for three years, a director of United Way for three years and fundraiser for over 40, a trustee for the East Texas Boy Scout Foundation in Tyler for six years, a director of Stewart Blood Bank for seven years and as a director for the Good Shepherd Medical Center for 10 years.
Gayle wore out Eastman Road traveling to Texas Eastman daily for the better part of 39 years serving in various capacities as chemical engineer, director of administration, coordinator of quality programs that directed the effort to achieve the national Malcolm Baldridge Award for Excellence, superintendent of the plastics division his last few years there, and numerous other assignments during his career. He retired December 1, 1999.
During retirement, Gayle found time to enjoy golf and regular lunches with various groups who were important to him. Additionally, he continued ministry through his church. He also courted and married Claire Roberts on January 14, 2012. This happy couple, who just celebrated 14 years together, enjoyed traveling and being together with their friends. Claire became an answer to our family’s prayers for Dad as she reinvigorated him, providing him a new lease on life.
Preceding Gayle in death are his parents and his wife of 51 years, Faye English. Those left to honor his legacy include his wife, Claire, sons Dr. Mark (Alison) English of College Station; Dr. David (Cindy) English of Hallsville; and Dr. John (Dr. Grace) English of Tyler. Granddaughters include Dr. Brittney (Austin) Hawkins; Abigayle (Caleb) Haynes; Carley English (fiancé Dr. Sam Wang); Gretchen English; and Dr. Sarah (Austin) Ratliff. Grandsons include Daniel (Jocelyn) English and Matthew (Abby) English. He also leaves a great legacy in seven great grandsons.
January 14, 2012, also increased Gayle’s family both in quantity and quality via Claire through two loving stepdaughters, Miriam (George, deceased) Jones, of Dallas; Melissa (Scott) McDonald of Dallas; and stepson Houston (Dawn) Harris of Dallas. In addition, he was blessed through this marriage with six more step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren. They truly became an important part of his family!
A Celebration of Life will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Longview, on Monday, March 30, at one p.m. The family would like to thank Drs. Ben Mack, Shayne Skarda and Matei Socoteanu for their quick responses in diagnosing Dad’s condition. Also, the family appreciates Dr. Holman, along with Staci and Jessica and the team of Hospice of East Texas for their sincere compassion and professionalism. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial gifts be made to First Baptist Church of Longview (209 E. South St., Longview, TX 75601; https://www.fbcl.org).
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