Ralph Ernest Gambrell Sr.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our Patriarch Ralph Ernest Gambrell Sr. He was a few weeks short of 101 years of age. Ralph was the third child born to the union of Aaron and Esther Gambrell in Elkhart, Texas. Ralph is predeceased by sisters Etta Mae Jackson, Ora Lee Swancy, Emma Rentha Meador, Jimmie Ruth Russell and Brothers Herman Gambrell and Nathaniel Hawthorne Gambrell.

As a young man Ralph worked for the railroad and was drafted into the U.S Navy in 1945. His military travels took him to both the North and South poles, Europe and Asia. He attained the rank of Chief Petty officer and retired June 1966 after 20 years. His interest in Law Enforcement led him to obtain an AA college degree in Criminal Justice, and a second career with the Department of Defense as Police Officer for 20 years.

Ralph was musically inclined, wrote songs to his wife, and dabbled in playing the acoustic guitar.

Ralph and Willie Mae joined Eagles Wings Church in 1998 where he was a Deacon until his health limited his movement. He was a member of the American Legion and the V.F.W.

Ralph enjoyed gardening and contributed greatly to maintaining the church grounds. He loved his Family and Friends in Texas. He kept in close contact with his sister Ora Lee Swancy. Upon retirement to perris he had the time and space to raise Black Angus Cows, and Nubian Goats.

Ralph is predeceased by his wife of 67 years Willie Mae Turner Gambrell, and survived by his daughter Corliss Smith, Son Ralph E Gambrell Jr (Whereabouts unknown), Grandson Jason Smith (Emilia), Great Grandson Seth Smith (Selena) and Great Granddaughter Luna Smith, also many Nieces, Nephews other relatives and friends.

God graced Ralph with time to pit his feet up and think about the life he was blessed and privileged to have lived.

A Funeral Service will be held April 18th, 2024 at Miller Jones Mortuary Perris from 9:30am-10:30am, Followed by a Graveside Service at Riverside National Cemetery from 11:30am- 12:00pm.