Born in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 8, 1943, Mayor John Gayle moved to Valdosta with his family in 1951. He attended Valdosta City Schools and graduated from Valdosta High School in 1961. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Valdosta State College in 1966. Mayor Gayle is an accomplished businessman. His career began at Prinsho Veneer Company in 1965, the company his father bought into when the family moved to Valdosta. Mayor Gayle was instrumental in opening branch offices in Tallahassee and Gainesville, and by 1979, he became a co-owner. After 20 years, he sold the company and began working for Capitoline Products in Rome, Georgia, as an independent representative. In 2005, he opened a branch office in Valdosta known as Capitoline Metro. He sold the branch in 2009 and retired. Mayor Gayle has served the community through several organizations as President of the Valdosta Jaycees, President of the Valdosta Country Club, and Chairman of the Board of Deacons of First Baptist Church. He has been included in the Outstanding Young Men of America and is a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Mayor Gayle married his high school sweetheart Peggy Elliott in 1965, to whom he has been married for over 46 years. The couple has three children who have all become productive members of society—something he considers one of his greatest accomplishments in life. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as his five wonderful grandchildren are showing great promise, as well. Last updated: 3/22/2012 8:38:57 AM