Gayley Lunday, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, at the age of 92 in McKinney, Texas. Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1931, in Ozona, Texas, Gayley was the cherished son of Estel Lunday and Lila (Metts) Lunday.
Gayley attended Phillips High School. On July 15, 1955, he married the love of his life, Ruby Holley Lunday, in Dumas, Texas. Their marriage was beautiful, filled with love, devotion, and cherished memories.
Professionally, Gayley had a long and successful career with Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, eventually becoming a foreman for Occidental. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army, a service he was deeply honored to fulfill.
Gayley was a man of many talents and passions. An avid Ham radio operator, he loved spending time tinkering, building things, and working with his hands. His love for bluegrass music was a lifelong passion, and he delighted in playing instruments, singing, and sharing his music with family and friends. He was a devoted member of the Lake Meredith Lifehouse Church, where he found spiritual community and fellowship.
Gayley is survived by his loving children, Michael Lunday and wife Lorie of Melissa, Texas, and Gaylea Lunday of Aubrey, Texas; his sister, Debra Lunday Wells and husband Derrill of Fritch, Texas; his grandchildren, Jessica Garoutte Summer and husband Bryan of Celina, Texas, Micah Garoutte and wife Lauren of Aubrey, Texas, Allison Lunday of Austin, Texas, and Elizabeth Lunday of New York City; two great grandchildren, Morgan Sumner and Ayden Hebert and a large, loving extended family and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Holley Lunday; parents, Estel and Lila Lunday; his sisters, Marlene Cunningham and Lily Rawlins; and his brother, Harold Joe Lunday.
A graveside service to honor Gayley's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Boonsville Cemetery, in Boonsville, Texas at the intersection of Farm Road 920 and CR 3840.