Gerald Francis Gamble

Gerald Francis Gamble was born on April 21, 1932, to Curtis and Erma Gamble in Luraville, FL. He passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice in Lake City, FL on August 28, 2024. Gerald and his wife, Helen, lived by the motto, "That everything we have is a gift from God". So now their children, Paul, Jane and Angela and their families have given their gift of him as their earthly father and grandfather back to their Heavenly Father.
Gerald was married to Helen Scott Gamble for sixty-four years. He said "The best investment I ever made was secretly borrowing money from my grandmother to marry Helen." He and Helen believed in earning money the old fashioned way through hard work. Farming came naturally to Gerald. He began farming by cutting down trees and building the first chicken houses in Suwannee County. He had chicken houses, farmed row crops, cows and hay. He and Helen always relied on God to see them through.
In 1963, in recognition of his exceptional progress in agricultural contributions to the community, Gerald was honored with the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in Florida. In 1969, he was named Outstanding Farm Conservationist of the year by the Soil and Water Conservation Service. At 32 years of age, Gerald was elected to the Board of Directors of the Farmers Mutual Exchange which later became Farmers Cooperative in Live Oak. He has been the longest serving individual on the board serving for 39 years. Many changes took place during his service with the CO-OP: Gold Kist Poultry Operation came to Suwannee County; the purchase of the LP Gas Plant; and the purchase of the Big Bend Farmers Cooperative, to name a few.
Gerald was baptized at 12 years old at Baptizing Springs and has been a life long member of the Luraville Baptist Church in Luraville, FL, and served as a deacon for many years.
He was not one to sit around. On Saturday, August 17, he was on his tractor, moving equipment around his farm. He also loved to deer hunt. For many years he hunted with dogs and knew all the areas where the deer would cross. He and his son, Paul, built and enjoyed what they called their "condo deer stand". This past hunting season, Gerald was proud to have killed a deer and a turkey.
Gerald, Daddy, Papa lived his life to the fullest. As long as he lived, he had his quick wit and great personality, and all who knew him loved him and will miss him dearly.
Gerald was proceeded in death by his parents, Curtis A. Gamble and Erma Lanier Gamble, his wife, Helen, his brother, John Gamble, and his sister, Eloise Harrell.
He is survived by his son, Paul (Nancy) Gamble, daughters, Jane (Reed) Moore and Angela Hurst, as well as his sisters, Rita Burnett and Marlene Smith, and his brother, Danny Gamble. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and many unofficially adopted children.
The family wants to thank Bob, Penny, and Alicia for their caregiving service over the last several years. We also want to thank everyone for their prayers, food, cards, calls, texts, and visits during this most difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Luraville Baptist Church, 18791 168th Street, Live Oak, FL 32060 or Haven Hospice, 6037 West US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32055.
Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, August 31st at Luraville Baptist Church with interment being held in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 30th from 5:00-7:00 pm at Daniels Funeral Home.
Please sign the online guestbook and keep the family in your prayers.