FRANKLIN — Russell Sage Gayle Jr., 87, passed away on March 31, 2018, in the Salem Veterans Medical Center.

Mr. Gayle was a longtime resident of Franklin, and was a son of the late Russell Sage Gayle Sr. and Lena Moore Gayle. He was also predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Shirley Story Gayle; and three sisters, Dorothy “Dot” McDonald, Mildred Whitfield and Catherine “Bookey” Lanier.
Mr. Gayle was a Marine Corps veteran serving in the Korean War, a member of High Street United Methodist Church and was a retired State Farm Insurance agent of 40 years.
He was a member of the Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 151 A.F. & A.M., past Commander of American Legion Post No.73, and was a Shriner, member of the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club and Rotary Club.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Robin Gayle Rudd; two sons, Michael “Mike” Craig Gayle and Troy Marshall Gayle (Krissi;) five grandchildren, Kristin Rudd, Jordan, Peyton and Avery Gayle and Russ Gayle; and one great-grandchild, Jayden Chatman.
The graveside service with military and Masonic rites will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, in Poplar Spring Cemetery with the Rev. Nathan Decker officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post #73, P.O. Box 873, Franklin, VA 23851.
www.wrightfuneralhome.org.