Franklin – Wesley Cobb Gayle, 81, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Franklin and a son of the late Elezer Benjamin Gayle and Iona Joyner Gayle Gilliam. Mr. Gayle was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church where he was a member of the choir. He had retired from the Maintenance Department of Union Camp Corporation after 31 years of service. Mr. Gayle was a graduate of Franklin High School, a former Virginia National Guardsman, a former member of the Franklin Jaycees, and a member of Delaware Hunt Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working in his yard and garden and giving vegetables to his family and neighbors.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Agnes Kume Gayle, and a host of nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Talmadge, E. B., and Charles Gayle.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM Friday, October 3, at St. Jude Catholic Church with Fr. Charles Saglio officiating. Burial will follow at Poplar Spring Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Thursday, October 2, at Wright Funeral Home and suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church, 1014 Clay Street, Franklin, VA 23851.