Tut was born in Clovis, NM, to T.J. Gamble, Jr., and Dorothy Cookson Gamble. As the son of a Baptist preacher, his family moved frequently, spending time in New Mexico, Mississippi and Texas. He knew he wanted a career in architecture by 8th grade and was senior class vice president in Alamorgordo, New Mexico. He read books to learn how to play tennis and became skilled enough to earn a spot on the Oklahoma Baptist University tennis team from 1949 - 51. He transferred to the University of Oklahoma to pursue his dream of a degree in architecture and structural engineering and graduated in 1955. Tut served in the Naval reserves for eight years, much of it during the Korean War.
Early in his life, Tut trusted Christ for his salvation and his faith remained strong throughout his life. Never was he more convinced of God's plan for his life than when he met Trecil Wagnon on the steps of First Baptist Church Norman.
They were married and established a home in OKC where Tut was with Frankfurt, Short, Bruza for 46 years. For 27 years, he headed the structural engineering department and led many major projects such as the Kerr McGee building headquarters in OKC - which withstood the Murrah bombing with no structural damage. He was trusted for structural engineering of airport hangers in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and other major U.S. cities as well as Johannesburg, South Africa. His local work also included Baptist Medical Center and church sanctuaries. In 2003, he was honored in a ceremony by OKC's mayor and City Council for chairing the OKC Building Code Commission for 38 years, recognizing his significant contributions to the safety of city buildings.
Tut and Trecil raised their family at Olivet Baptist Church where he was a deacon, Sunday School teacher and nursery worker. They were married for nearly 56 years. Tut was dedicated to his family and their well-being and the love was returned by Diana, Elena, Linda (Ron), Kent (Leslie) and Gina.
Papa Tut loved being with his grandchildren Josh (Whittney), Lindley (William), Hayley (Seth), Blake, Whitney (J.T.) and Michael. He especially thanked God that all the family lived nearby and were able to be together frequently.
A memorial service will occur at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Tuesday, 4/17, at 10 a.m.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18