Roy Gayle Stewart's Obituary
Roy Gayle Stewart, 72, of Amarillo, died Thursday April 5th in Amarillo. Gayle was born February 28, 1947 in Groom, Texas to Roy Hutchinson and Ida A. Stewart. Gayle was raised in White Deer by Roy and Irene Stewart and is remembered for his youthful honesty and love for silly and practical jokes.
Gayle grew up in White Deer, Texas and graduated from White Deer High School. Gayle attended Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas and joined the US Navy in June of 1967. He served as a sonar tech and operator from 1967 to 1971, through two tours in Vietnam. He was always able to entertain with his colorful stories of life in the Navy. Upon discharge from the Navy Gayle repaired helicopters damaged in Vietnam, and later trained and worked as a master electrician for over 40 years. He frequently helped and worked with family, whether on their farms in Panhandle, or offering his electrical skills.
While in the Navy, Gayle married high school sweetheart from Pampa, Barbara Jane Hopkins, on November 11, 1969. They were married for 36 years before her death in 2005. They were long-time residents of Amarillo and easily portrayed their dedication for each other to those around them.
Gayle had a wonderful sense of humor and could always make you smile with a silly song or a funny joke. He was affectionately called Uncle Playground by his nieces and nephews. He could always talk politics and had a fantastic ability to keep up with current events.
Gayle was proceeded in death by his mother, Ida Stewart, father, Roy Stewart, wife Barbara, brothers Gilbert and Gary Stewart, and mom, Irene Stewart. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carolyn Panger and husband Steve of Amarillo, sister-in-law Jane Stewart of Dripping Springs, sister-in-law Joyce Stewart of Atlanta, nieces Angela, Carrie, Ticer, Meagan, and Dakota, nephews Alan, Brock, Jared, and Josh, many great nieces and nephews, and family and friends throughout the Texas panhandle.
A gathering for family and friends will be held Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Tanglewood Community Church, 106 Tanglewood Dr. #B, Amarillo, Texas, at 10:00 AM. Military graveside services to follow at 3:00 PM
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the VA would be appreciated, volunteer.va.gov
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