Richard Willie "Buddy, Louie, Dad, Uncle" Gamble Jr.

Retired Navy Veteran Richard Willie Gamble Jr., beloved son of the late Richard Sr. and Geneva Gamble, peacefully transitioned on January 21, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born on September 4, 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Richard was the youngest of five children and learned early how to hold his own-often with a quick wit and a story to match. After graduating from Greensboro Public Schools, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1972. That decision launched a 20-year career defined by discipline, dedication, and more than a few unforgettable sea stories-most of which he was more than happy to retell.

While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Richard met the love of his life, the beautiful Wilma Harrison. They married on November 19, 1977, beginning a nearly 50-year love story grounded in respect, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Together, they raised two cherished children, Atiya General (Charles Jr.) and Richard Gamble (Marlene), building a home filled with love and resilience.

After retiring from the Navy, Richard settled his family in Virginia Beach and embraced education as a non-traditional student, graduating with honors from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Social Work. He used his degree-and his life experience-to uplift others, serving as a mentor, advocate, counselor, and social worker, especially for troubled teens and young adults who needed someone to believe in them.

Richard was a devoted husband, a faithful father, and an exceptionally proud grandfather to Zhanay and Charles III General and Kailani and Kaison Gonzalez Gamble. He was preceded in heaven by his sisters, Sheila Cook and Lavern Cook, and is lovingly remembered by his siblings, Carolyn Evans and Walter Cook along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A man of many words-or sometimes very few-Richard had a gift for storytelling. Whether recounting his Navy days or the "crazy little things" that happened in an ordinary afternoon, his dark sense of humor and perfectly timed punchlines could turn any moment into a memory. If you needed a laugh, Richard was your guy-and the best part was, every unbelievable story was absolutely true.

In recent years, he made it a priority to stay connected, faithfully calling his children each week to talk about his dreams, his thoughts, or whatever adventure the day brought. He lived simply and found joy in life's everyday pleasures: spending time with his grandkids at Cracker Barrel, baking cakes and brownies for any occasion (or no occasion at all), preparing the perfect steak with onions, watching quirky movies, and listening to his favorite music by the Pet Shop Boys and Lisa Stansfield.

Above all, Richard loved deeply. Known affectionately as "Buddy," "Louie," "Dad," or "Uncle," he was a solid, steady presence-a genuinely good man whose legacy lives on through the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the laughter he shared.

Though he will be deeply missed, the stories, wisdom, and love of Richard Willie Gamble Jr. will continue to sail on in the hearts of all who knew him.