Retired Teacher, Veteran supports St. Jude

Call Gayle King, and you immediately hear his heart for children. On his voicemail, he has a quote that says, “A great man never ignores the simplicity of a child.”

This quote that stuck with him all these years is from a fortune cookie, and it captures his top charitable giving priority. 

“The last thing I add on my voicemail is ‘only for the children,’” says Gayle, an Army veteran and retired special education teacher. “It is important to me because God still has me here to serve the children.”

Gayle, now in his 60s, has found it meaningful to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the Partners In Hope monthly giving program. More recently, as he considered his legacy, Gayle made sure to take the time to include St. Jude in his estate plans. 

“It is through my investments that I decided I would leave a lump sum to St. Jude,” he says. “I want to help the children at St. Jude as much as possible.”

“I want St. Jude to be able to continue the research and find cures,” he said. 

When Gayle informed his St. Jude representative, Kristin, of his decision, he became a part of the Danny Thomas – St. Jude Society. In the spring of 2023, Gayle traveled from his home in South Central Texas to Memphis for the annual Danny Thomas – St. Jude Society event and was inspired by seeing firsthand the impact of support in unsurpassed care and research.

“It makes a big difference when you see the connection of your giving to what they are doing at St. Jude,” Gayle says. “I was so impressed to learn what they are doing, not just in Memphis but around the world with sharing information and the discoveries.” 

Gayle found it was wonderful to be with others who believe, as St. Jude does, that every child deserves a chance to live their best life and celebrate every moment. He also enjoyed hearing from St. Jude doctors and scientists, including a session on the St. Jude Survivorship programs that monitor pediatric cancer survivors.

“I want to see them healed and thriving in life,” he says, “and after I am long gone, I hope my gift helps.”