Buddy

William H. "Buddy" Gayle, Jr., 84, a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his residence on November 11, 2026.

Born on January 27, 1942, in Lake Charles, Buddy was a proud graduate of Landry Memorial High School, Class of 1960. He spent much of his life working as a rice farmer with W.J. Gayle & Sons and operating heavy equipment to build golf courses. He also dedicated 30 years to the Louisiana State Election Warehouse, working right up until September alongside coworkers who became like family and fondly joked that he always had the coffee made. Whenever he wasn't working, he loved being outdoors fishing and hunting, especially teaching his son and grandchildren how to hunt on their family farm.

A man of deep faith, Buddy was a devoted Catholic and a longtime parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Above all else, he cherished his family-from the 65 years of marriage he shared with his beloved wife, Carolyn Gayle, to every moment spent surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Together, Buddy and Carolyn also enjoyed being active in their community, including serving on the Mardi Gras court for Krewe du Feteurs. Buddy also treasured his Friday morning breakfast tradition with a close group of friends at Southern Spice. He enjoyed cooking and delighted in preparing Sunday meals for his family to gather around. When he wasn't in the kitchen, you could almost always find him relaxing in his favorite recliner, cheering on a football game or watching golf.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his daughter, Cindy Gayle; his son, Troy Gayle (wife Brittany); and his sister, Jean Decell (husband Henry). He also leaves behind a wonderful legacy through his five grandchildren: Brittany Billiot, Austin Billiot (wife Laura), Aaron Gayle (wife Kenzie), Alex Gayle (wife Hayle), and Lauren Sweezy (husband Christian), as well as six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Gayle, Sr. and Maggie Gayle.

Buddy will be honored with a visitation, Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 5pm until 8pm with a Rosary to be recited at 7pm at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St. Lake Charles, LA. 70605. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 11:30am at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church with burial to follow at Consolata Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Greenman, nurses Renee and Joy, Vital Care Home Health, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, and St. Joseph Hospice for their compassionate care and support of Buddy.