Wesley Gale Vineyard

Wesley Gale Vineyard passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in the comfort of his home in Lakeside Village, Texas, at the age of 84. His devoted wife, Judy Vineyard, cared for him through his battle with dementia, surrounding him with love and compassion until his final moments.

 A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Rosser Funeral Home, 1664 W. Henderson St., Cleburne, TX 76033.

 Gale was born on February 20, 1940, in Comanche, Texas, to William W. and Callie Mae Vineyard. He shared a unique bond with his twin brother, Dale Vineyard, and grew up alongside his sister, Jerry Nell Fuller, his younger brother James Vineyard, and baby sister Ann Reed. The Vineyard home was always filled with love, laughter, and an appreciation for family ties that would remain with Gale throughout his life.

 Known for his gentle nature and cheerful spirit, Gale greeted everyone with a warm smile, a friendly “hidy-hidy,” and the signature Vineyard giggle that brightened any room. Handsome and well-groomed, Gale was recognized by his blue eyes, his easy smile, and dimples. He took pride in looking his best, often in pressed jeans, a crisp shirt, and cologne. Later, he favored his well-kept caps, always carrying an air of charm and friendliness.

 Gale’s sense of humor was one of his greatest qualities, often delighting friends and family with jokes or playful pranks. When he received his Army draft notice in 1963, he joked about shooting off his big toe to avoid service. But in true Gale fashion, he kept his toe, his sense of duty, and his knack for taking care of everything he had. He completed basic training in Louisiana, then served at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, where he no doubt had the cleanest gun in the barracks—and perhaps picked up a few more jokes.

 On June 5, 1965, he married Sharon Sue Evans in Comanche, Texas. They eventually moved to Fort Worth and raised two children: Brian, whom Gale affectionately called “Bud,” and Lisa. He was a devoted father who loved singing to his children, telling bedtime stories, and letting them ride on his back. Though he and Sue divorced in 1975, they remained close friends and co-parents, creating cherished memories with their children. Gale made weekends with “Daddy” unforgettable, with adventures riding dune buggies, bowling, visiting family, or enjoying Frostie root beer and Hee Haw episodes at Grandma and Granddaddy Vineyard’s. His playfulness continued as his kids grew, including a legendary prank involving a walkie-talkie in Brian’s closet, leading him to believe a rat or something scary was scratching in his closet as he lay in bed. That led to one of Gale’s all-time best laughs.

 After the Army, Gale explored different careers, including working at General Dynamics, but his true gift was carpentry. Taught by his father, Gale learned to frame homes with skill and precision, a craft he continued with his brother Dale. Together, they built most of the homes in the Wedgwood neighborhood in Fort Worth, known for their exceptional quality.

 Family and friends were everything to Gale. A natural problem solver and handyman, he loved working on projects and could fix just about anything. His garage in Everman was a hub of activity, where he, James, Dale and neighbors worked on custom dune buggies, many of James’ Volkswagens and endlessly tuning engines to perfection. They shared a passion for cars, and revving engines was a favorite pastime—almost a symphony of camaraderie and craftsmanship. Not one to do things halfway, Gale even built custom, insulated deer stands and never shied away from lending a hand. During winter storms, he was the first out to help neighbors with a tow or jump-start.

 On April 16, 1990, Gale found his soulmate in Judy Powers, with whom he shared an inseparable bond. They never spent a night apart from the day they married until his passing. They had much in common, including both being twins, and enjoyed an active social life, gathering with their friends and family. A skilled dancer, Gale was often in high demand, and Judy was kind enough to share him with other wives on the dance floor. Together, they welcomed four grandchildren—Jordan, Joseph, Keaton, and Jaidyn—into their lives, and in 2024, the arrival of their great-granddaughter, Murphee, was an incredibly special moment.

 After retiring in 2001, Gale and Judy moved to Lakeside Village at Lake Whitney, where they were part of a close-knit community of retirees. Here, Gale built a garage for his prized tools, his riding lawn mower (which remained in perfect condition for 20 years), and an old golf cart that he used to visit friends, which he probably secretly hoped needed tuning. Although his body began to slow down, Judy was there for him through every surgery and ailment, putting him back together with unwavering dedication. Even as his hearing faded, Judy became his ears, and when dementia took his vocabulary, she became his voice.

 In his final years, dementia gradually took away many things, including his memories and, at times, even his awareness of family and himself. But Judy was there every step of the way, his safe place and constant support. When Gale could no longer use his hands, she became his hands; when his memory faded, she became his memory. And as dementia claimed his life, Judy was his life, holding onto his heart and soul while those who loved him now hold his memory close.

 Gale’s legacy of warmth, humor, and love will forever live in the hearts of his family and friends. We will remember his smile, his generosity, and his gentle spirit that left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

 Rest in Peace Daddy

 Gale was preceded in death by his parents, William and Callie Vineyard, Mother-in-Law Gladys Vinson, stepson Jerry Powers, brother James Vineyard, brother-in-law Ken Williams, nephews Ronnie Pennington and Ricky Pennington and niece Alicia.

 He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Vineyard, son Brian Vineyard, daughter Lisa Torres, grandchildren Jordan Torres, Joseph Torres and partner Jordain, Keaton Vineyard, Jaidyn Vineyard, great granddaughter Murphee Torres, brother Dale Vineyard and wife Liana, sisters Ann Reed and husband Wray and Jerry Nell Fuller, sister-in-law Jonnie Ruth Vineyard, brother-in-law Troy Vinson and wife Sharon, sister-in-law Doris Williams and many nieces and nephews.