Gail David Dupree

Gail David Dupree, age 64, of Mesquite, Texas passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on November 28, 2022. Gail was born on March 13,1958 to Evereada (Jackson) Dupree and Dave Dupree in Sioux City, Iowa and was the middle of three children. After losing his father at a young age, the Boys Club played a central role in Gail’s childhood as he went there daily with friends to enjoy everything it had to offer throughout his growing years. He loved to brag that he was the first-ever member of the Sioux City branch and had his first paid job there handing out equipment. He spent his youth playing sports, being active in his church and choir, and spending time with his family, especially his beloved mother. He was a proud mama’s boy.

Gail attended West High School and graduated in 1976. After breaking his leg four times throughout his life, Gail’s childhood dreams of playing football were not meant to be. It was in high school that he decided that if he couldn’t play, he would coach - and his lifelong passion for education began. Gail continued his education at Iowa State University and received his B.S. in Education in 1981. It was after graduating college Gail moved to Dallas to be near his sister - and to live and work in a place where football was king. He was also drawn to Dallas’ representation of black teachers and coaches in school, something he saw little of where he grew up.

Gail accepted his first role as teacher and coach at Hillcrest High School in 1981. There, he coached boys’ football and basketball and helped lead the basketball team to a state championship in 1987 - one of his proudest moments. Through the guidance of several mentors, Gail changed his career path by becoming an administrator. He would attain a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University, Commerce. In 1997, he became assistant principal at Thomas Jefferson High School, moving in that role for a short time back to Hillcrest High School in 2005. In 2006, David W. Carter High School needed a new principal and someone to welcome refugees from New Orleans after Katrina. Gail was ready for the challenge, and as he liked to say, he got to work. After just one year at Carter, the school was no longer on the state’s low performing list. He was continuously focused on supporting others, facilitating everything from a fundraiser for a paralyzed student at a rival school to a donations drive for a teacher who lost everything to a tornado. After six years at Carter, he moved on to become principal at the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, and in 2016, he accepted a position as Executive Director for the Office of Student Discipline.

Throughout his time working in education, football remained a pillar of his life - not only as an interest, but as another part of his career. A hardworking and driven man, Gail held a second job with the Dallas Cowboys, where he ultimately became chief security officer. You could always spot him on the sidelines or walking the head coach off the field after the game. Then, after 40 years at Dallas ISD and just as many with the Cowboys, Gail retired in 2021. In a recent interview reflecting on his career, Gail cited three pieces of advice: Love what you do and who you work with; be flexible and understanding of change; and be fair and consistent, treating others the way you want to be treated. Anyone who knew him knew that he embodied these teachings in every aspect of his life.

Even though Gail’s career was a big part of his life, family always came first for him. After dating for several years, he married his wife, Sue, on February 22, 1986. They were together for a total of 45 years. They loved spending time traveling, being with friends, going to sporting events, taking long walks, and most importantly raising their three children - their pride and joy. They were truly best friends. They were opposites, but they were each other’s favorites. Gail always stressed the importance of family and no matter how busy his life became, he always made time to support his kids in their activities throughout their lives. He coached their teams, he was their mentor, role model and number one fan. He relished any gathering with extended family or best friends where he was often the life of the party. After retirement, one of his favorite roles was being a full-time grandfather.

Gail is survived by his wife Sue; sons Corey and Taylor Dupree, daughter Erika (Bryson) Myles, grandchildren Quincy and Ava Myles, step dad Olatheaus McDaniel, and 10 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Dale Dupree and Rita Mae Dupree Sobers.

A Celebration of Life will be held December 10, 2022, at 12 pm, at Hillcrest High School Gymnasium, 9924 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, TX, 75230. Fond memories or expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Crane.com for the Dupree Family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux City, Iowa or the Dallas ISD Dupree Scholarship Fund (in memoriam of beloved Gail David Dupree).