Edwin Olin Gayle, III

Edwin Olin Gayle, III of Greenwood, Louisiana, died peacefully at home Thursday, September 7, 2023. Mr. Gayle was born in Shreveport, July 31, 1928 to Edwin Olin Gayle, Jr. and Elizabeth Whitworth Agurs. His father died at an early age and he was raised by his mother, older brother, Jim, and grandparents, James Martin and Maggie Bell Kouns Agurs.

Mr. Gayle graduated from C.E. Byrd High School and went into business installing television antennas and equipment related to the new industry. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country during The Korean War, first in Japan as part of the 507^th Anti-Aircraft Artillery AW BM (M) “C” Battery and then in Korea as part of the 185^th Engineer Combat Battalion.

After his service, Mr. Gayle worked for International Paper Company Woodlands Division. He met and married his first wife, Joan Marie Conway, in December 1953. As they raised their three children, Mr. Gayle enjoyed a long career with IP, working in Blanchard, LA, Camden, AR and Springhill, LA. He made many lifelong friends in the company.

In 1986, Mr. Gayle retired from IP and returned to Shreveport. He married his second wife, Elaine Sample, in January 1995. They eventually moved to Mr. Gayle’s family farm outside of Greenwood, where they enjoyed many happy years together until his death.

Mr. Gayle is preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Agurs Gayle and his first wife, Joan Marie Conway. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Anna Clara Gayle; sons, Edwin Olin Gayle IV and wife, In Sook and John Whitworth Gayle and wife, Anne Gremillion; second wife, Elaine Sample Gayle; son, Michael David Sample; daughter, Megan Sample Henderson and husband, Ben, and grandchildren, Peyton, Parker and Benson.

Throughout his life, Mr. Gayle loved playing music with his friends – the guitar in his early years, then after he retired, he learned to play a very good bluegrass fiddle. He and his bluegrass friends entertained people in nursing homes, at festivals and farmer’s markets for many years.

Mr. Gayle was constantly inventing items to solve life’s little problems and he referred to these inventions as “Gayle’s Gadgets and Gizmos.” In addition to tinkering in his shop, he had an abiding curiosity of the natural world and appreciation for all creatures great and small, especially his beloved canine companions through the years.

On the serious side, Mr. Gayle will be remembered as an honorable man, a proud veteran and patriot, a loyal and devoted friend, husband and father. His word was his bond. On the lighter side, he will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and playfulness that he readily shared with all.

The family would like to thank Passages Hospice of North Louisiana for their loving care and Rose-Neath Funeral Home.