Norman "Stormy" Winn Gayle III, 71, of South Amboy, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, after a courageous 23-year battle with brain cancer. Through every challenge, Stormy remained resilient, unfailingly positive, and quick to smile or joke - his sense of humor and optimism never waned, and he was beloved by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, on Wednesday, June 25, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. A celebration of life reception will follow at Old Overton Club. A private graveside service for the family will be held thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Stormy's memory to Mitchell's Place, an organization dedicated to helping children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on April 3, 1954, Stormy lived a life rich in experience, connection, and purpose. Over the years, he called many places home—Montgomery, Auburn, London, Atlanta, Birmingham, Brooklyn, Chapel Hill, New York City, and, most recently, South Amboy—but his friendships and influence reached far beyond geography.
Professionally, Stormy had a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years in the insurance and reinsurance industry. He was widely respected for his expertise and leadership and served as a director for several private and publicly traded corporations before retiring. His work took him around the world, and his warmth and insight left a lasting mark wherever he went.
Stormy had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. His warm, magnetic personality drew others to him, and he made fast friends and lasting bonds. He had an incredible zest for life, with a wide array of interests—but his favorite place was always near the water, whether boating on Lake Martin, fishing in the Gulf, or kayaking on the Raritan Bay. The water brought him peace and joy.
In retirement, he dedicated time to volunteer work, particularly with dementia and Alzheimer's organizations in New Jersey, giving back with the same compassion and generosity that defined his life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol of South Amboy, New Jersey; his sister, Patricia Gayle Seay (Jimmy) of Montgomery, and his brother, David Dunn Gayle (Sigrid) of Dothan. He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer Gayle Chapman (Scott) of Birmingham; his son, Michael Winn Gayle (Caroline) of Birmingham; his stepson, Ryan O'Donohue (Aimee) of Westfield, New Jersey; his stepdaughter, Tara O'Donohue Pusar (Andrew) of Hoboken, New Jersey; and his eight grandchildren, Grayson, Archer, Michael, Mary Isabel, Erin, Brady, Jack and Ollie.
Stormy lived a life full of purpose, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Published by AL.com (Birmingham) from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6, 2025.
https://obits.al.com/us/obituaries/birmingham/name/norman-gayle-obituary?id=58565763