Gayle Clark Williams died on November 2, 2026, at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital in Murfreesboro, TN after a brief illness, surrounded by family and friends.
Gayle was born to Herbert and Estelle (Goodman) Clark of Huntland, TN and grew up on their family farm. She was a basketball player, cheerleader, and homecoming queen for the Huntland Hornets prior to going to Tullahoma Beauty School. She married Wayne “Duck” Williams in 1962 and had two daughters, Kelly and Lori.
Gayle went on to open her own salon, Gayle’s Hair Fashions, and won multiple awards and accolades throughout her 50-plus-year career, in addition to building an extensive base of loyal customers. She was very proud to have mentored successful stylists to expand their clientele and open their own businesses as well.
Gayle and Duck raised their girls in their lake home where they hosted family and friends for boating, dinners, holidays, and fun. She loved filling her home with beautiful antiques, collectibles, and her overall design aesthetic. An avid gardener, she also had a passion for floral arranging. Gayle was fortunate to travel within the US and abroad with her husband and friends, including trips to the Panama Canal, Alaska, England, Italy, Greece, and France. She and her Bridge Club friends have enjoyed playing cards through the years—sharing laughs, building friendships, and watching each other’s families grow and prosper.
As an active member of Christ the King Anglican Church, she served on the Vestry and building committees. She also participated in fundraising for the National MS Society after both of her daughters were diagnosed with the disease in the 1990s.
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Doris and Sandy, and her brothers Marlon and Doug. She
is survived by her daughters Kelly Williams and Lori (Jon) Stevenson; grandson Chet; brother Gary Clark; and beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday 11/20/2026 from 4-7 p.m. at Christ the King, 1231 Cumberland St, Decherd, TN 37324. On 11/21/2026, visitation will begin at 12 noon with funeral services following at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in celebration of Gayle’s life be made to Christ the King’s building fund.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.
