Gayle “Sapphire” Scifres, age 77 of Brownwood passed away Sunday, October 9, 2011 in Brownwood.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Thursday, October 13, 2011 in the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in Greenleaf Cemetery.  Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12, 2011 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.

Gayle Edwin Scifres, known to his friends as “Sapphire”, was born August 11, 1934 to George Elmer and Ola Mae Scifres, in Walnut Springs, TX.  After high school, Gayle served his country in the United States Navy.  He was a member of Victory Baptist Church and a lifelong member of the Brownwood Area.  Gayle was a Master Mason and a Member of the Shrine.  He worked at Brownwood Regional Medical Center for some time in Materials Management.  While there, Gayle received the Friest Award; which is the highest honor a hospital can give an individual.  Gayle was a people person.  He loved talking to people and telling stories.  He was able to do this regularly while he worked as a greeter at Wal-Mart.  Gayle also enjoyed hobbies such as reading and working Sudoku puzzles.  Gayle was a hard worker, a loving father, and a great friend.  He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.

Mr. Scifres was preceded in death by his parents; George Elmer and Ola Mae Scifres, and his sister Marjorie Anderson.

Survivors include his daughter Jennifer Scifres, three brothers; Travis Gunter and wife Faye, Don Gunter and wife Charlene, Wayne Gunter and wife Eva, and his sister Pat Westfall and husband Dwayne.