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1921 - 2008
 Today the world lost one of its very special people: Gale Murray Holloway who at the wonderful age of 86 went to Heaven on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008 in Kerrville, Texas. Christened Gordon Odessa Murray and born on Nov. 29, 1921 in Humble Oil's "million-dollar oil town" of Cisco, Texas. Gale was the only child of Gorden Bennett Murray & Alice Odessa (Lanham) Murray. She spent an interesting childhood moving around South Texas as her father worked for Humble Oil Co. Gale graduated from Corpus Christi HS in 1939, and attended the Great College (Del Mar) for two years, graduating with an AA degree in 1941. Instead of continuing her education at UT Austin, where she had been accepted, she went on to work for the U.S. Navy where in 1942 she met her love of her life on a blind date. He was a handsome Navel Officer stationed at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. They were married in the NAS Corpus Christi Chapel on March 19, 1943 a union that has lasted for 64 years (in spite of 21 military moves and four children!). Gale's life was a multi-faceted one. For the first 22 years of her marriage, she devoted herself to supporting her husband in his military career and being mother to their family. When Urcel retired to the Monterey Peninsula of California in 1962. Gale continued being the heart of the home. In addition to all the school and scouting activities involved with four children ranging from elementary through high school, she began the life-long love of rock hounding with her husband and family. Gale was a "plank owner" of the Carmel Valley Gem & Mineral Society, with a lifetime membership in that club. She also developed a deep interest in bonsai, becoming a member of the Monterey Bonsai Club in the early 1980's. In this all-male, primarily Japanese club, Gale became the first Caucasian and the first woman President. It is a rare honor of which she was always very proud. Gardening has always been Gale's biggest love (after her family). In addition to the Monterey Bonsai Club, she was a member of the Monterey Bay Rose Club and the Monterey Orchid Society. She was a Regular volunteer and donor to the Monterey Peninsula's Plant Day weekend. Gale also worked in various organizations of the Naval Postgraduate School Protestant Chapel Guild. She was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Gideons, International in Monterey and later also in Kerrville. In 1993, Gale Decided that it was time to return to the State of her roots. She moved home to Kerrville, a town that she had spent time in when she was a child. Here she joined the San Antonio Bonsai Club, the Native Plant Society of Texas, Kerrville chapter, the Kerr County Rock Club, and the Fredericksburg Rock Club. Gale joined the First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Keystone Sunday School class, the United Methodist Women, and an active worker at the church's annual rummage sale. She maintained a love of gardening and all things Texan until the end.
Gale is survived by her husband Urcel Byrnes Holloway of Kerrville; daughters Kathleen Gale Holloway and Patrice Diane (Holloway) Gregory and husband Dr. G.W. Gregory III all of Kerrville; sons Gary Byrnes Holloway and wife Lynda Lynn of San Luis Obispo, CA., and Mark Bennett Holloway and wife Dianna of Kerrville; 2 grandsons Byron Byrnes Holloway and Jason Murray Holloway of San Luis Obispo, CA. and many other family members and friends who love Gale will miss her deeply.
A Celebration of Gale's Life is being planed for later this month.
In lieu of flowers charitable donations may be given to the Gideons, International, the United Methodist Women of the First United Methodist Church or to a charity of choice. |
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There are currently 5 condolences.
Mildred E. Ferguson
fergusonmildred@sbcglobal.net
Thursday February 14, 2008 at
10:52 AM
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Dear Urcel...Please accept my deepest sympathy for you and your family. Because George died a year ago I know what you are, and will be, going through.
Stay strong in the ups and downs of the future. I know you are grateful for the support your children give you.
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Colleen Rosenthal
colleen@rosenthalphotography.com
Thursday February 7, 2008 at
4:05 PM
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What a lovely obituary. I am glad you spent the time to write something that conveyed some of her unique achievements in life. I can't imagine your loss. She was just such a great lady and full of love. What a lovely matriarch to have had in your family. No doubt she will occupy a special place in your hearts forever. Our sincere condolences.... Colleen Marc, Jen and Aaron Rosenthal
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Bill & Shirley Beckemeier
Thursday February 7, 2008 at
10:28 AM
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Dear Kathy, Patrice and Bill
We know this is a tough time for you, and particularly for you Dad, but hope you can take comfort in the fact that you are in the thoughts and prayers of your friends.
We read the obituary in the Daily Times today. Your mother certainly led a full and good life. We are sorry we didn't have the opportunity to know her better.
We are in El Paso tonight, on our way to Green Valley, AZ to visit friends, but hope to be back in Kerrville in time to attend the celebration of her life.
Love,
Bill and Shirley
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George & Virginia Adams
Wednesday February 6, 2008 at
12:22 PM
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We part with our loved one,but not forever.If we trust God's promise and doubt it never. All who believe in God's mercy and grace, will meet their loved one face to face, where time is endless and joy unbroken, and only the words of God's love are spoken.
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Pastsy Hodges
gerico@ktc.com
Tuesday February 5, 2008 at
2:00 PM
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What a lovely tribute to Gale. May your hearts be filled with peace and sweet memories of her.
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