Gayle E. “Shorty” Nunnery, Sr., 74, of Centralia, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. Gayle was an avid Centralia Orphan’s Basketball Fan, he had season tickets for 20 plus years. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. Gayle served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Eternity Baptist Church in Centralia. He enjoyed cooking and making BBQ. Gayle assisted with the Carpenters for Christ, where he cooked for all the other volunteers.
Per Gayle’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, February 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Karl Barnfield officiating and burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. Military Honors will be accorded at the gravesite by the American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055. A Visitation will be held Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the serivce at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Carpenters for Christ and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Nunnery Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.
Gayle is survived by his four children: Gayle Nunnery, Jr. of Centralia, Stephanie Nunnery of Mt. Vernon, Brian Nunnery and wife Jamie of Mt. Vernon, Tricia Summers and husband Matt of Decatur; ex-wife Linda Nunnery and step children: Donald Trumbo and wife Jennalee of Centralia, James Trumbo and wife Ginger of Columbia, Tennessee, Tammy Nowakowski and husband Ron of Tamaroe, Amanda Alcorn of Centralia and Brooks Alcorn of Centralia; 23 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; a sister: Elizabeth Ann Lynch and husband Darrell of West Salem, Illinois; two nephews, two nieces, several great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was born December 14, 1946 in Kennett, Missouri, the son of Ollie L. Nunnery and Martha L. (Tilley) Spencer. He was preceded in death by his parents: Ollie and Martha Nunnery and a granddaughter: Brittany Bailey.