Gayle E. Rice passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, May 24, 2014. Gayle was a devoted and caring husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed by all. Gayle was born to Marvin and Louise Rice in Walla Walla on June 26, 1935. At an early age his family settled in Clarkston, where Gayle attended school for 12 years, graduating from Clarkston High School in 1953. He attended Whitman College for one year and then transferred to Whitworth College in Spokane. At Whitworth, Gayle studied music education and was the standout performer of school choirs and musical groups. Gayle began singing publicly at a very early age and continued performing through much of his life. He sang popular, sacred, and operatic styles with a booming tenor and baritone voice. During college years in Spokane, he won regional and state vocal performance awards and sang in several groups and choirs. On June 6, 1959, Gayle married Rena Dixon, whom he had dated off and on since 12th grade. Their love lasted a lifetime, celebrating 50 years of marriage before Rena's death in 2010. Their sons Greg and Doug enjoyed a loving and cohesive family life with close contact with grandparents and extended family. Following graduation at Whitworth, Gayle returned to Clarkston where he began work as band director for the Clarkston school district. Gayle was a dedicated educator and had an easy rapport with students. His students often became lifelong friends. He earned a Master's Degree in Education Administration from Washington State University, and in 1967 became vice-principal at Clarkston High School. In 1972 he became principal at Kamiakin High School in Kennewick. At the time, Kamiakin was a new school, with a new design and educational system, and a young staff. His 19 years of leadership grew Kamiakin into one of the top performing high schools in the State of Washington, in academic excellence as well as athletics and arts performance. Gayle was a master mechanic and handyman, doing his own auto, home, and yard repairs throughout his life. He loved to grow tomatoes every summer and was very generous with his neighbors, family and friends. He served as deacon and elder at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church. One of the highlights of Gayle's life was traveling with family and friends during their RV vacations. Their trips around the West and to the Oregon Coast were particular favorites. Traveling with their church travel group, Gayle and Rena enjoyed trips to Great Britain, Ireland, continental Europe, and New England. Gayle is survived by his two sons: Greg, his wife Terri, their sons Craig and Eric, and great granddaughter Cloe; and Doug, his wife France, and their sons Josh and Nick. Gayle's family would like thank all of the caregivers Gayle had these past 4 months: Julie and the staff at Richland Rehab and the wonderful care he received from Bernadette and her amazing staff at Legacy House in Kennewick. We sincerely thank you all for your compassion for Dad during his last days. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, June 8th, at Kennewick First Presbyterian Church, 2001 W. Kennewick Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice Organization, 1480 Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352.