Gail Murphree Pinegar, 89 years old, died in faith in Jesus on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at her
residence among loving family and friends. Gail was born in Blount County on April 5, 1936, and she grew up on Straight Mountain near Oneonta, Alabama. She graduated Valedictorian from Oneonta High School in 1954 and later from Martin Methodist College. Her early work was in administrative services at a Birmingham Bank and later with the Civil Service at Sandia Base, New Mexico, while her husband, Luke served in the US Army there. After serving in the military, Gail and Luke returned to Alabama and began to raise their family. They moved to Arab, Alabama in 1967 and lived there for 51 years. Gail enjoyed being home with her family and raising her children. She did return to work at Redstone Arsenal as her children were nearing college age and retired in 1994. After a critical health incident in 2018, she and Luke moved to Regency Retirement Village in Huntsville, Alabama. Gail continued to live there after Luke’s death in 2019.
Gail was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and was an active member of Arab First United Methodist Church for 53 years. She was not one to be in the lead or in front of people; her ministry was serving alongside others. Gail was a faithful member of the Class of My Redeemer and enjoyed serving in her Women’s Circle, teaching a third grade Sunday School class, helping with Anchors and later with youth activities. Having always loved reading and studying the Bible, Gail began to take and co-teach Adult Bible Studies after her retirement. She also became certified as a Stephen Minister, a caring ministry where specially trained congregation members provide Christian care to those experiencing a life challenge or crisis.
Retirement also allowed her to have her grandchildren visit and stay with her. She loved this season. The five grandchildren all have fond memories of Grandmommy’s house as a wonderful place to play with cousins, enjoy her beautiful yard and learn about Jesus.
Gail was a loyal friend and a good, gentle listener. She was a nurturer and a comforter. She always had time for a friend and enjoyed their company. At heart, she was an encourager to everyone she knew and a sincere worshipper of God.
Gail was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years, Luther E. Pinegar, Sr., and two brothers, Lynn Murphree and Larry Murphree. She is survived by brother, Randall Murphree of Tupelo, MS; son, Luke Pinegar, Jr. (Michelle) of Panama City Beach, FL; daughter, Susan Walker (Ken) of Huntsville, AL; daughter Karen Bragg (Dan) of Peachtree City, GA; five grandchildren: Lawson Pinegar, Preston Pinegar, Christina Walker, Jack Bragg and Amy Bragg; great granddaughter, Violet; and a host of sisters-in-law, cousins, a niece and nephews.
Gail’s family will gather with friends to remember her earthly life and celebrate her new life in the presence of Christ. The family will receive friends with a visitation at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, November 5 th at 10:00am. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am with Pastor Nicky James officiating. The family will attend the burial afterward at Antioch Cemetery on Straight Mountain in Blount County. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.
