Gayle Todd

Gayle Todd, 83, humanist, educator and humorist, died Wednesday, December 9 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan.
Born and raised in Telephone, Texas, Gayle Todd was the son of Evert and Easter Todd. The young Gayle met the love of his life, Joyce, while pursuing his teaching career at Sam Houston State. Joyce and Gayle were married on May 25, 1951. They settled in Bryan where they raised a family and taught school for many years. Gayle taught biology and vocational education, influencing and encouraging many a student at SFA and Bryan High. He earned his MS in Industrial Education. Gayle had a deep belief in the dignity of work; as director of Vocational Education at Bryan ISD, he established the LVN program at Bryan High and was the first to create a PC computer class there. He taught Vocational Ed classes at A&M and became a BHS administrator and eventually went to work for the Private Industry Council where he developed adult vocational training; he finished his career at Brazos Transit District. After retirement from public service, Gayle and Joyce owned and ran The Brazos Trader antique store in downtown Bryan until 2005.

Gayle Todd, or “Flash” as his grandchildren know him, was admired for his wit, respected for his fairness and intellect, and loved for his warmth and sense of humor. A gifted wordsmith, Gayle was a master storyteller, avid reader, public speaker and gifted writer. He enjoyed nature and the outdoors; classic Country Western music; the Cowboys and the Astros; cattle raising; gardening; a good game of dominos, darts, washers, or horseshoes; and trips to the Brazos River with Joyce and his dog Red. His love of Bryan is epitomized in his response years ago to the suggestion that he travel to England. He declined, stating, “I don’t think so; I haven’t seen all of the Brazos Valley yet.” He did eventually enjoy touring Europe and traveling the US; Gayle was always ready for adventure.

In lieu of a memorial service, the Todd family will take an adventurous road trip to scatter Gayle’s ashes at Telephone, in the North Texas farmlands where it all began for Flash. Memorial donations in Gayle Todd’s name may be made to the various programs of Brazos Valley Community Action Agency at bvcaa.org.

Gayle leaves his wife of 64 years, Joyce Loraine Cline Todd; his brother TJ Todd; his daughter Toni Todd Arrington and partner Franklin Monroe; his daughter Susan Gayle Todd and husband Prentiss Riddle; his son Eric Vaughn Todd and wife Hazel Lorayne Todd. He is also survived by his grandchildren Zachary Todd Baker and wife Sarah Jacqueline Baker; Zane Thomas Baker; Hollie Gayle Baker and husband Kevin Lane Anderson; Baylee B. Arrington and partner Violet Rodriguez; Will Patrick Arrington; Andrei Christian Todd; Evaughn Reyn Todd; his great-granddaughter Olivia Susan Baker; and his sister, JoAnne Judice.

The family would like to thank these people: Ume Haney Kakwan, Fatty Smith, Delia Ochoa, Victor Trussell, and Natalie McClean.

Condolences

  1. I was so saddened to see that Mr. Todd had passed away. He was such an influence on me during my career with Bryan ISD. I will be forever grateful for his mentoring, his sense of humor, and his friendship. He was truly a great man. My condolences go out to all of the family.

  2. Dear Mimi and The Todd family,
    We are so sad to hear of the passing of Flash. He was a very nice man with a gentle soul. I remember the first time we met, he made me feel like we had been friends for years. Lela and Megan loved him like a grandfather.
    Our deepest condolences,
    The Kent and Heikamp families

  3. Wonderful teacher and counselor; its so sad that we only stop and reflect on the true impact
    and benefits of a person’s contributions until after they are gone.

    Larry Cathey
    Little Rock, Arkansas

  4. Dear Joyce and Family,
    Please forgive me for waiting so long to write this.

    When I think of Gayle Todd, first of all I think of him as a neighbor. Always kind, gentle, warmly greeting you when he saw you down the street and a good husband and father.
    Toni, Susan and Eric under Gayle’s and Joyce’s guidance grew up to be good citizens and role models for others
    their age.

    Then I think of Gayle Todd, Bryan High School teacher, well respected by his students,
    principal, fellow teachers, office staff and anyone else he came in contact with. The first year I worked as receptionist at the High School, Gayle was Master of Ceremonies at our Christmas Party. I can still picture us all sitting in the Library, laughing and giggling at what Gayle said. We all left the Party with smiles on our faces.

    Joyce, I know you miss Gayle but he is now resting in the Hands of God and probably entertaining the others who now live in Heaven.

    Joyce Cawley

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