Joe Atkerson Gayle, Jr.

Joe Atkerson Gayle Jr., 81, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at his residence in Greenwood, Virginia. He was born on February 2, 1944, in Jacksonville, NC, to the late Joe Atkerson Gayle, Sr., and Connette Robinson Gayle. Joe moved to Malatchie Farms near Perry, Georgia in 1953, which remained a special place for him even in his later years. In 1961 the family moved to the town of Perry, and he was a graduate of Perry High School. He decided to take his passion for horticulture, which was passed on to him from his beloved grand-father Hubbard K. (Hub) Gayle, and continued his education at the University of Georgia where he received a degree in horticulture. Prior to graduating from University of Georgia, he married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Deason, on New Year's Day in 1967 and together they began building a life rooted in hard work, creativity, and family. Joe spent 26 years as owner and president of Classic Nursery, Inc. (1966-1992) in Athens, Georgia, where he managed a landscape design-build and maintenance company that also handled both retail and wholesale groundcover production. After leaving Classic Nursery, he established Joe A. Gayle & Associates in 1992 to pursue his passion for landscape design and consultancy. Joe and Sylvia moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1993 where he dedicated over 29 years to landscape design, site planning, and construction management services. Joe focused on serving clients in the Southeast, but his work eventually earned recognition both throughout the United States and internationally. He was also an active member (with some leadership roles) in the Southern Nursery Association and the Georgia Nursery Association (now Georgia Green Industry Association) throughout his career. He was often invited to serve as a guest lecturer at the University of Georgia College of Environment + Design. Joe's vision and expertise left a lasting imprint on countless properties and their owners, reflecting his remarkable talent, dedication, and vision. In early 2022, after retirement, Joe and Sylvia moved to Greenwood, Virginia to be closer to their family, a transition that brought Joe great joy and peace. A man of many interests, Joe had a deep appreciation and knowledge for architecture, horticulture, and landscape design. He was also an avid collector of primitive antiques and antique decoys, finding beauty and history in the craftsmanship of the past. Joe's legacy lives on through his innovative and artistic designs, passionate spirit, and the unwavering commitment he showed to his clients and loved ones. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sylvia ; his brother Richard (wife, Melissa) of Augusta, Georgia; his brother-in-law Isaac Davis of Perry, Georgia: his sister-in-law, Pat Gayle of Marietta, Georgia; his sons, Joe A. Gayle III (wife, Kim) and Ted Gayle (wife, Liz); his grandchildren, Emma, Jacob, and Julianne Gayle and Jessica Harvey (husband, Jonathan); and his great-grandchildren, Andrew and Lauren Harvey. Details regarding a celebration of Joe's life will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers we request that a donation be made to the following: 1. The University of Georgia State Botanical Garden of Georgia (Please select from either the Horticulture Fund or Memorial and Tribute Gifts) 2. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation () in Memory of Joe A. Gayle Jr. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com www.compassionatecremationva.com/obituaries/joe-gayle/ Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.

Joe Atkerson Gayle, Jr.

February 2, 1944 - November 13, 2025