Todd Gale

TODD GALE

Robert Todd Gale entered into this world in Columbus, Mississippi on a blustery October 9, 1968.  From the very beginning, Todd, had a twinkle in his eye and a swagger in his step that never failed him until a cold, somber Friday, February 12, 2021 when he was taken way too soon.  The rawness of this day certainly fit the mood of everyone as they heard the tragic news.  The gift of gray hair would not be his but those that knew him would certainly chuckle by asking “What Hair”?

Todd ’s education began at Heritage Academy, here in Columbus and he would travel the halls of Heritage until his graduation day.  Later in life, Todd, would faithfully serve on the board of the school that had meant so much to him in his formative years.  After high school graduation, Todd could be found at Mississippi State University suppo rting the Dawgs and landing a degree in Landscape Architecture in 1992. Leaving St arkville, the call of wild got hold of Todd and h e joined the United States Forestry Service which landed him in Ketchikan , Alaska from 1992-1993 .  However, the call of home became louder than the cold days of the Alaskan tundra and he returned home to the city t hat he held close to his heart and he placed his roots, deep, in the prairie soil and never looked for better chance s.  He felt he had just the life he wanted and indeed, he did.

Todd fell hard and fast for his beloved wife, Stephanie McLain, and quickly made her a Gale on July 16, 1994. It coul d be said, though, by Stephanie’s parents, Judy and Ralph, “Let us make him a McLain”! When one thought of one family, the next thought was the other and an unbroken bond resulted in this marriage. Understanding the value of education, Todd with Stephanie’s support, completed his graduate degree with a Master’s in Economic Development at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi .  Of course, along this path t wo wonderful children came along and became the delight of their parents and grandparents.  Todd became the General Manager of Columbus Light and Water Department in February, 2006.  He was a boss, friend, mentor and a forward thinker and the City of Columbus will be at a loss without his input and humor, the lights dimmed.

Todd was widely recognized for his expertise and was awarded many seats at the table.  Throughout his career as General Manager for Columbus Light and Water, Todd served on the boards of Tennessee Valley Public Power Association and the national board of the American Public Power Association as the Mississippi representative.  In addition, he served on many committees, too numerous to mention, for the Tennessee Vall ey Authority.  It would have to be said that all saved Todd a seat so they could enjoy his personality and ability to frame any question to get to the heart of the matter.

Locally, Todd’s calendar was full, always serving others.  He took his rightful place and served on the boards of Main Street Columbus, Columbus Lowndes Humane Society, Mississippi University for Women Advisory Board and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Vestry and Junior Warden.

Todd was the only child of Mary Ruth Burns Gale and the late Bobby Gale. Stephanie, along with her and Todd’s children, Stormy (University of Alabama) and Gunnar (Ole Miss ) will remain to carry Todd’s legacy forward.  Choice of his children’s schools might not h ave been his choice but the love of the New Orleans Saints shined in all of their eyes. Stephanie’s sister Natalie and her husband Clint Hardy along with their sons, Thomas and Sawyer will find a void with their favorite “Uncle” gone too soon. There will be an empty seat at the many Burn’s family “get togethers” , with stories retold a nd shenanigans embellished of the antics of Todd .

Todd will be remembered by his Godchildren with stories told of him to their children.  Those holding these special memories are Hogan Drane, Andrew Gholson, Will Gholson, Harper and Hampton Hudnall and Smith Wolford.

Todd’ s love of animals is legendary.  Linda the Pug was often seen riding along with him and Teddy the Chesapeake was sent away to obedience school to no avail. Alas, Teddy proved to be similar to Todd, untrainable! Stray kittens and cats had a way of finding Todd and he could always persuade Stephanie that one more would not hurt.

A faithful servant of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Todd carried each and every heartache and happiness of the members and visitors on his shoulders.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home, 716 Second Avenue North in Columbus.  Visitation will begin at 10 :00 in the morning followed by a Memorial Service at 11:30.

Honoring Todd, by their last act together, and an honor it will be , are the following Honorary pallbearers ;  Web Gholson, Mark Gibson, Mike Bernsen, Clint Hardy, Joey Hudnall, J. D. Kizer, Roderick Sanders, Keith Savely, Louis Sharp and Tom Wolford , III .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. J ude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 318 College Street, Columbus, MS 39701 or the Columbus Lowndes Humane Society, 50 Airline Road, Columbus, MS  39701.

The outpouring of prayers , love, food, kind words and visits by all of you has been felt and has lifted us onto this path of recovery from the sudden grief we have faced. Words seem so little to describe Todd or to thank ea ch of you but we humbly offer them at this time.