Donnie Ray Gamble

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:4

Donnie Ray Gamble, 66, departed this life on Wednesday, September 26th following a lengthy illness. He passed away at his home while surrounded by his family, friends and loved ones.

He was born in Kingsport and lived his entire life in the Harmony and Eastern Star Community. Donnie was a faithful member of Eastern Star Freewill Baptist Church where he had served as a Deacon.

Donnie had retired from the TN Eastman C.E. division at an early age due to health problems. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Braves and VOL football fan. Throughout the years he had coached numerous youth sports and mentored countless children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Z.P. and Sara Edens Gamble, sisters, Mayme Whitley, Ada Calhoun, Nancy Jones and brothers, Zenith Z.P. Jr., Andy A.J. John, Bill, and Eugene.

Donnie leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Janice Grills Gamble and children, Ginger Cuddy and husband, Jeff Gray, TN, Pam Gamble Gray, TN, Tech Sergeant Donnie Dwain Gamble and wife, Tina McGuire AFB, NJ, and Tara McConnell and husband, Brett Dallas, GA.

He was the proud papaw of Leah Tilson and Lexy Cuddy Gray, TN, Riley and Brayden McConnell Dallas, GA, and twins, Luca and Lilianna Gamble McGuire AFB, NJ.

Donnie is also survived by his sisters, Emoline Fields and husband, Bob, Peggy Ellis and husband, Walter and Norma Snodgrass, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-8:00 pm on Saturday, September 29th at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport or at anytime at the residence.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 30th at Eastern Star Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Eddie Whitley and Pastor Kevin Rose officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Donnie Dwain Gamble, Brett McConnell, Jeff Cuddy, Mickey Archer, Buck Simpson, Mike Spears, Mike Carroll, and Terry Tilson.

The Gamble family would like to thank all family and friends for their, prayers, love, support, visits and food. An extra special thanks should go to Sandra Nadeau with Hospice.