Gale Maxey graduated from Payette High School. He received his BA from Northwest Nazarene College and his MS from the University of Idaho. He began his teaching career at Central Jr. High in Nampa (10 years). He then taught at Vallivue (7 years), Boise High School (3 years), and Caldwell (13 years). In 1988 he became the Education Specialist for the Arts and Humanities at the State Department of Education. He currently is the director of the First Nazarene Church English Hand Bell Choir and is a trombonist in the Treasure Valley Concert Band.

Gale has been a Member of MENC and IMEA since 1956. He has served in many positions, including, President of District III, Organizing Chair for the All-State Band, President of IMEA, and served on the Idaho High School Activities Association Board for ten years.

Gale and his wife, Betty, have one daughter and three grandchildren. They now spend their time showing their restored 1930 Model A Ford Tudor Sedan at various "Old Car" events.