Gail Baskett

Gail Baskett passed on January 18, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Service: 10:00 AM, Monday, January 23, 2017, Wiley Funeral Home Chapel, Granbury, Texas.

Interment: Covington Cemetery, Covington, Texas.

Visitation: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Sunday, January 22, 2017, Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury, Texas.

Born Gail Marie Williams on July 30, 1939 in Avalon, Texas to William Wesley (Chunk) Williams and Zayda Mae Smith. Gail grew up in Hillsboro, Texas and attended Hillsboro High School where she was active in drama and sports. While in high school working at the Kai-Kai restaurant in Hillsboro, she met Burl Baskett, a young Air Force man that was on leave and visiting his parents in Covington, Texas. The attraction was immediate and when he returned to duty they began corresponding regularly. On May 27^th 1957 Gail graduated from high school and she and Burl were married the next morning in a small church in Hillsboro. The young couple moved frequently as Burl was sent where Uncle Sam needed him. This included Bellville, Illinois where their first child, Wynona Dell, was born on December 27, 1958.  Burl was then transferred to Altus, Ok where their second Molly Marie was born on December 19, 1961. Less than a year later, Gail gave birth to youngest child, Burney Keith on December 10, 1962.

In the summer of 1969, Burl retired after 28 years of service in the military and the family moved to Burleson, Texas where Gail devoted her attention to her children and their school activities. Gail was known and loved by many in Burleson as she served as Den mother, softball coach, and as a “second Mom” to the many, many kids that were a constant presence in the Baskett household. She will be fondly remembered for her joyful smile, outgoing charm, and her love of family, Neal McCoy, and Elvis Presley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Burl, parents, Chunk and Zayda Mae Williams, brother Smith Rodney Williams, and several brother and sister-in-laws.

She is survived by her daughter and son in law Nona and Bill Hendrix, daughter Molly Baskett Martin and her former husband Trey Martin, son and daughter in law, Burney and Michelle Baskett. Grandchildren Amber Hendrix Taylor and husband Cole, Hunter Hendrix and wife, Shalea. Alexis Martin Starry and husband Rick, Shelby Martin, Cassie Martin, Pilar Baskett, Connally Baskett and one great granddaughter Victoria (Tori) Taylor.