of Little Rock, AR

August 31, 1940 - September 8, 2025

Gayle Linwood Noble, 85, of Little Rock, Arkansas went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 8, 2025 after a long journey with dementia. He was born on August 31, 1940 in Bastrop, Louisiana to Harry E.H. (Yates) Noble and Opal Elizabeth Upshaw Noble.

Gayle grew up in Bastrop and Hamburg, Arkansas, where he graduated with honors from Hamburg High School. He continued his studies at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and earned a fellowship to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. He taught history at Lawton Junior College before beginning a long career as an insurance adjustor. His work often took him into the aftermath of hurricanes and across the highways of America, where he specialized in investigating big truck accidents.

On July 31, 1964 Gayle married Marylee Smith at Trinity Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas, where her father, Pastor Chuck Smith officiated. Together they built a marriage of 61 years of faithfulness. They lived in Owensboro, Kentucky; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Lafayette, LA before they settled and lived in Little Rock for 55 years.

Gayle and Marylee were blessed with two children, Jeff Noble (born January 5, 1968) who is married to Carolyn, Jeff and Carolyn have two children, Samuel Noble (married to Sidney, with their son, John Shepherd born October 30, 2023) and Adelyn Wallace (married to Braeden) and Gayle's daughter, Amy (born July 7, 1972) is married to Casey Huie. Gayle was deeply grateful and prayed regularly for his children, their families and his nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sister, Imie Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Noble, Jr.

A man of deep faith, Gayle was an active member of Southern Baptist churches throughout his life. He was a staff member at Olivet Baptist Church in Little Rock as Minister of Education, a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock and in later years, a faithful online worshiper at his son, Jeff's church, Northstar Church in Blacksburg, Virginia. He was known as a professional potluck eater and even more as a man who loved the Lord and loved people.

Gayle's passions included cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks, reading history (especially the Civil War and World Wars I & II) and never missing the comics in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. His humor was legendary, he was quick with a joke and never minded laughing at himself. His family fondly remembers him as a ''great farter, we mean father'' and as someone who mowed the yard with his trademark red bandanna tied around his head. Gayle enjoyed the occasional Coors Light but later switched to Stella Artois because it sounded more refined. He rejoiced in the goings-on of his children and faithfully encouraged and reminded Marylee of her beauty until he was called home to heaven.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock, Arkansas, with visitation beforehand. His son, Pastor Jeff Noble, will officiate. Gayle will be laid to rest at Noble Cemetery in Hamburg, Arkansas.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Gayle's caregivers and hospice team for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northstar Church (Blacksburg, VA), Immanuel Baptist Church (Little Rock, AR) or a charity of your choice.

Gayle's life was marked by faith, laughter and love. As his family rests in the hope of Christ, they cling to the promise of John 11:25-26: ''Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'''

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com