Gamble J. Palmer III

Gamble was born on July 31, 1976, in McAllen, TX, as the firstborn son of Martha and Jay Palmer.

Months after his birth, Gamble was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as well as other developmental challenges, and it became clear to his young parents that he would need a lifetime of special care. They considered Gamble to be a gift from God and his care to be their joy and privilege.

Through God’s help and leading, the family pursued efforts to enrich Gamble’s life, including years of sensory motor development, or patterning. This therapy required the daily help of many volunteers who are too many to name, but the family will be forever grateful for the way in which they embodied the love of God through their service.

By the time Gamble was four, two younger siblings had come along, Greg and Priscilla, and the three siblings spent their childhood in the Rio Grande Valley attending the First Baptist Church of McAllen. The church’s loving community served as a cornerstone of Gamble’s early life with a vibrant special needs program led by the dedicated service of Marlene & Sparky Steiner. Gamble spent many happy summers at South Padre Island, swimming for hours on end and playing in the sand.

Gamble was a bright, strong, and determined young man. Although he could not speak, he had effective ways of communicating with those around him, including for example, by pointing, pushing, forcibly pulling and vociferously exclaiming, all while singularly focusing his big blue eyes on whatever he might have wanted at the time. If he couldn’t get anyone to help him, he would figure out a way to get what he wanted himself. It was not difficult to know how Gamble felt about things, and he was the boss.

Gamble’s developmental differences gave him the endearing quality of being forever young. He loved balloons, balls, puzzles, car rides, music, stuffed animals, Icees and most especially, opening presents. Birthday and Christmas celebrations found Gamble at the center of attention with parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews surrounding him as he tore into one present after another. If a particular gift was not to his liking, Gamble would simply toss it aside and move on to the next one. His family never quite knew which gift would capture his special interest, but if it was your gift that year, you felt like you had won Christmas. His other two joys were eating delicious food and being surrounded by family.

In 2006, Ruth and Tim Wood came alongside Gamble’s parents to care for Gamble in their home along with other special needs individuals. The Wood family took wonderful care of Gamble, looking after his many needs and loving him as one of their own. They took him to church, on family vacations and to many fun activities that enriched his life. The Woods gave Gamble the gift of a second family, and for that, the Palmer Family is eternally grateful.

Above all else, the entirety of Gamble’s life was marked by God’s faithfulness and undeniable provision as each challenge faced was met with God’s goodness and grace. Gamble is deeply cherished by his entire family and will be continuously remembered and missed. His absence leaves an unfillable space in their hearts until they meet again.

Gamble was preceded in passing by grandparents Bernie and Merlin Longwell of McAllen, TX and Jean and Gamble J Palmer, Sr. of McAllen, aunt, Sandra Palmer Thompson of McAllen and cousin, Clifford T. White of Corpus Christi, TX.

Gamble is survived by his parents Martha and Gamble J. Palmer, Jr. of Austin, TX. Siblings Greg (Rebecca) Palmer of Austin, TX and Priscilla (Bobby) Oberle of Georgetown, TX as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 22nd at Austin Oaks Church, 4220 Monterey Oaks Blvd., Austin, TX 78749. A graveside service will be held that afternoon, 3:00 p.m. at Gamble’s Garden, Palmer Family Cemetery, 259 Heimer Lane, Blanco, TX 78606.