Zay William Gilbreath

Zay William Gilbreath, 82, died peacefully on April 19, 2022, surrounded by his family, at his home in Dallas.

Mr. Gilbreath was born on October 25, 1939, in a second-story doctor’s office in Dimmitt, TX, the second son of J.C. (Sam) and Virginia Gilbreath. They lived on the family farm until Zay was in junior high, then Sam built a house “in town”. Upon graduation from Dimmitt High in 1958, Zay entered Texas A&M University, Class of ’62. He married Charlotte Mears of Dimmitt on December 23^rd, 1960. Zay graduated from A&M in 1962, received his Master’s degree from Kansas State University in 1963, and went to work for Cargill in their soybean processing division. He was with Cargill until his retirement in 2004. While with Cargill, he lived in Memphis TN, Des Moines IA, Minneapolis MN, Sioux City IA, Gruver TX, and Amarillo TX. He finished the last 28 years of his career as President of Caprock Industries, the Cargill-owned cattle feeding subsidiary at the time. During these years he also served as President and Board member of the Texas Cattle Feeders Assn, and the National Cattlemen’s Assn. He and Charlotte retired to College Station, TX, in 2007. His last year was spent in Dallas TX with Charlotte, near his family.

Zay was always active in the United Methodist Church wherever he lived. Faith was a private matter to him, but very important. He taught Sunday School, played the role of Thomas in “The Last Supper” performance for several years, and was always a dedicated church member and supporter wherever he lived. Always focused on serving others, he volunteered in many capacities over the years, including stints with the United Way and Special Olympics in Amarillo.

If Zay was anything, he was a life-long, dedicated Aggie. He took in all Aggie jokes with a grin. While living in the Midwest, he caught Aggie football games on the radio whenever he could find the broadcast. He and his family attended many games once moving back to Texas. He and Charlotte had season tickets in the Zone Club, as well as season tickets for basketball and baseball. He volunteered at NCAA indoor track events. He was a Class Agent, giving that up only upon making the final move to Dallas. He was selected as an Outstanding Alumnus for the College of Agriculture in 2003. He served as a member of the Ag Development Council at A&M. He and Charlotte donated funds to create the Zay and Charlotte Gilbreath Family Scholarship within the College of Agriculture. A true Aggie in every sense of the word.

Zay was pre-deceased by his parents Sam and Virginia, his beloved big brother John, and nephew Hal.

Survivors include his wife Charlotte of Dallas, and three sons – Gary and Cindy Gilbreath of Frisco TX, Alan and Sherri Gilbreath of Richardson TX, and Mark and Jennifer Gilbreath of Canyon TX, plus two nephews Coby and Matt of Dimmitt. Also – his true joy of being Grandad to 11 grandkids and 9 great grandkids (with a 10^th expected any day!)

Zay lived a full life of focus and care for others, with a perpetual and contagious positive spirit and outlook, and modeled an incomparable legacy of service, character, and integrity for his family and friends to attempt to follow. He will be forever missed, and forever remembered.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the Brazos Valley Boys and Girls Clubs or to the Amarillo Children’s Home.

Viewing will be on Sunday, April 24^th, from 1-3pm, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, 3001 S. College Ave, Bryan TX 77801. Services will be held Monday, April 25^th, 10 am, at A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Dr, College Station TX College Station, TX. Inurnment will follow at Aggie Field of Honor and Memorial Cemetery, 3800 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, TX 77845.