Ranelle A Gaw

Ranelle was born in Neilsville, WI on 8/10/1934 to Dr. Will Taylor Austin and Jeneva Echlin Austin. She was their sixth child and she grew up primarily in Millington, TN just north of Memphis. When she was a sophomore in high school, her mother died and she lived with her sisters and at David Lipscomb High School in Nashville. It was during her time at Lipscomb that she met the love of her life, Doyle Gaw. They were married on June 28th, 1953. They had five children and settled in Nashville, TN.

Ranelle was a member of Otter Creek Church of Christ for 63 years and was active at church, at home, and in the community. She and Doyle were equal partners in everything they did, and they were able to bless many lives. They helped to found Otter Creek Kindergarten and Agape of Nashville. They hosted several unwed mothers in their home and Ranelle also worked in the Women’s Prison Ministry.

In business, Ranelle owned a greenhouse business called Plant Lan and also had her real estate license and started a real estate development business called Wickem & Stickem. She was also active in all of Doyle’s business ventures.

She has remained an active supporter of BrightStone, Wayne Reed Christian Childcare, and Faith Family Medical Center.

Ranelle was pre-deceased by her husband, Doyle, and her oldest son, Jay, as well as all five of her siblings. She leaves behind her children: Holly Gaw (Jay), Mark (Pat) Gaw, Amanda Gaw, Tyler Gaw, and Turner (Suzanne) Gaw. She also leaves behind 6 grandchildren: Tara Chrisitan, Lauren (Jared) Attig, Bailey (Dale) Sutherland, Christopher (Chappell) Gaw, Taylor (Harrison) Williams and Turner Gaw II. She had 10 great grandchildren: Cassidy, Evelyn, Walt, Henry, Felix, Hugo, Willa, Laird, Baker and Miller Grey.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Ranelle will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Otter Creek Church of Christ, 409 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027. A Celebration of Life will follow the visitation beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN 37204.