Don William Gamble was born on January 20, 1941, in Fairmont, West Virginia, and passed away unexpectedly on August 10, 2024, in Moyock, North Carolina, at the age of 83.
Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who found joy in life’s simple pleasures.
He had a passion for music and an innate ability to play just about any brass instrument he touched. His love for music began during his early school years, when he played the trumpet in his school bands. He played and performed in college and went on to enjoy a 24-year career as a Navy musician, where his specialty was the screech trumpet. Chief Petty Officer Gamble retired from the Navy in 1985.
In more recent years, he was an active member performing with the Southside Community Band, the Hampton Roads Metro Band, and a former member of the Tidewater Concert Band. He was also a long-standing member of the Navy Musicians Association.
He was known to many for his playfulness and great sense of humor. For his children, many of their fondest childhood memories include activities with their dad, such as playing softball, archery, roller skating, flying kites, ice skating on a small dad-made pond in the backyard, or walking on the stilts he built for them.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira William Gamble and Nettie Olive (Efaw) Gamble, of Fairmont, West Virginia; his sister, Clara Lee Richards (Kenneth) of Clarksburg, West Virginia; and brothers, Ralph Gamble (Mary Jo) of Fairmont, West Virginia, and Glenn Gamble (Rebecca) of Amherst, New York. He leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth.
He is survived by his brother Carl Gamble (Patricia) of Forest, Ohio, and Jeri Lynne (Freeman) Gamble, his wife of 62 years; his three daughters: Donna Lynne Eason of Hoover, Alabama; Joni Louise Forsythe (David) of Herndon, Virginia; and Lynne Renee Gregory (Roy) of Smithfield, Virginia; his grandchildren William (Rachel), Ezra, David (Dounia), and Jonathan; his great-granddaughter, Lydia; extended family, and friends who love him and will miss him dearly.
Don will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors in recognition of his service. The ceremony willl be December 4, 2024 at 10:00AM. Guests are welcome to attend, and should plan to arrive 45 minutes before the start of the service.
Don’s love, kindness, and devotion to his family and friends will be cherished forever.
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man. I’m just a living legacy to the leader of the band. –Dan Fogelberg
