Gregory M Gamble

Gregory Michael Gamble Sr. was born on August 24, 1954, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Naomi and James Gamble. From the very beginning, he was destined to be so much more than just a son—he became a God-fearing man, a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, partner, friend, and mentor.

Growing up in Wisconsin, Greg was a natural athlete and lover of sports. He excelled in both football and basketball, lettering in both and earning local recognition. On several occasions’ articles were written about him in the local newspaper one highlight includes a memorable game-winning shot for East Junior High with just two seconds left, securing a 54–52 victory. He also played on an undefeated football team, but his talents didn’t stop there. Greg had a gift for art and drawing, a beautiful singing voice that he used in the men’s ensemble, and a deep love for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played the baritone bugle. This passion took him across the country, even to New York during the construction of the Twin Towers.

As the firstborn, Greg took his role as big brother seriously. He adored his siblings Denise ("Charlie"), Cheryl ("Twigs"), and Eric, always sending cards, never missing a birthday or milestone, and ending every message with his signature: "Love, your big brother Greg."

After attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Greg married Lori Jeanne Brown and soon welcomed his first son, Gregory Michael Gamble II. He enlisted in the United States Navy, moving his family to San Diego, California. More importantly, during this time, Greg received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

In the years that followed, Greg expanded his family and his legacy. He lovingly took in and raised his nephew Kwame Brown as a son. He welcomed daughter Vennetta (a name he proudly thought he coined), followed by son Benjamin, daughter Lydia ("Buffy"), and son Timothy. His household became a home not only for his family but for others as well, including his cherished and most adored mother-in-law “Ma Brown,” who lived with the family until her passing in 1997. His home was a sanctuary—offering love, laughter, and stability to many, including his sister-in-law’s family with nephew Tomee. He had several beloved surrogate daughters: Khristi (“OTL” out to lunch) Zimika, Charity, and Shahida.

During his more than 20 years in the Navy, Greg served with honor and distinction. He was deployed over six times, witnessed the end of the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War, and visited more than ten countries. He competed in boxing and karate, winning first place in both disciplines, and earned the respect of his peers and superiors alike. After retiring, he continued to lead by example—earning degrees in Criminal Law and Workforce Education, graduating summa cum laude. He instilled in his children the value of education, excellence, and humility, always reminding them: “Be good at what you do but, don’t get a watermelon head.”

Greg worked as a teacher before transitioning into the security field, eventually taking on high-profile assignments that included celebrity clients including Cher and major events like the Super Bowl. His accolades and achievements are numerous, but a few of note include raising $15,000 for Navy fleet training, receiving the Presidential Sports Award signed by President Bill Clinton, and being named Patriot of the Year by the Disabled American Veterans.

Service to others defined Greg's life. He regularly donated to the San Diego Blood Bank, giving nearly 20 gallons of his universal O+ blood—potentially saving up to 480 lives. He walked and ran over 60 miles in support of causes like MS, cancer, and children's hospitals, always driven by gratitude: “Thank the good Lord all of my children are healthy.”

As a Navy man there were many things that Greg couldn’t shake like all of those adages and acronyms. His children knew “BWC” stood for “Brush your teeth, Wash your face, Comb your hair”—because you had to be “AJ squared away.” Whenever it was time to leave, you’d hear him say, “Underway—shift colors.” And you could always count on him to remind you of the 7 Ps: Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

Greg loved reading, jazz, and acappella music. He cherished his ball cap collection and autographed memorabilia. His humor and warmth earned him the nickname “Mr. Tickles” from his grandchildren, and he will forever be remembered as the quintessential “dad joke” guy.

To quote a modified version of D.L. Moody, which reflects the heart of who Greg was:

“Someday you will read in the papers that Gregory Michael Gamble Sr., of San Diego, California, is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment he shall be more alive than he ever was. He has gone up higher, that is all—into a house that is immortal, a body that death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint. He was born of the flesh in 1954. He was born of the Spirit in 1975. That which is born of the flesh may die. That which is born of the Spirit will live forever.”

Greg is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Dave Williams, aunts Evelyn and Dorothy, uncles and great-aunts, cousin Daryl, in-laws Clarence and Vivian Brown, and his brother and sister-in-law.

He is survived by:

Former wife and mother of his children, Lori Jeanne Gamble

Life partner of 20 years, Toni Harris of San Diego, CA

Children: Gregory Michael II (Sandra), nephew-son Kwamar (Jefflyn) Brown, Vennetta, Benjamin Monroe (Michelle), Lydia Faith, and Timothy Nathaniel Gamble

Surrogate daughters: Khristi, Charity, Zimika, and dear family friends

Grandchildren: Johnell, Isaiah, twins Azriel & Gabriel, Benjamin II, Naomi, Zaria

Great-grandson: Bishop Isaiah Gamble

Siblings: Denise Gamble Mikulak, Cheryl Williams, Eric Williams

Cousin: Derek Tyus

Thirteen nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and nephews, step-siblings, loving relatives, and countless friends

The family extends their sincere gratitude for your prayers, kind words, and support as we honor the life of a man whose legacy of love, service, faith, smile and laughter will never be forgotten.