George "Tom" Gamblin Jr.

George “Tom” Gamblin, Jr., 97, of East Ridge passed away on October 27, 2024. Tom was born on August 22, 1927 to the late George Thomas Gamblin, Sr., and Blanche Doak Gamblin. He grew up in Chickamauga, GA., and attended Gordon Lee High School. After high school he joined the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy he was swept off his feet by the love of his life, Marlene. They married in 1950. He and Marlene lived in Lafayette, GA., for several years and then moved here to Chattanooga in 1957. They settled in East Ridge and started a family. They had two sons, Jay and Mark. Tom worked for Chattanooga Welding and Machine Company and then afterwards he and his business partner bought Smith Elevator Company and Tom continued to operate it until his retirement. His boys took over and ran the company thereafter.

He and Marlene were active members of Jones Memorial Church and served in many different capacities with the church. Tom was an avid fisherman and he and Marlene enjoyed staying at their cabin at the Wolftever Fishing Club. Tom enjoyed reading and studying his bible.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his sons, Jay Thomas Gamblin and Mark Lanier Gamblin, a grandson, Thomas Craig Gamblin, and a sister, Mary Louise Anderson.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife of 74 years, Marlene Lanier Gamblin, several nieces and nephews, daughter-in-law, Cindy Gamblin, and a sister-in-law, Reita Lanier.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Friday November 1, 2024 at 12:00 pm with Pastor(s) Natalie Smart and Will Vest officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior beginning at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest privately in the Lakewood Memory Gardens South.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Hearth Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Tom.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Tom’s memory can be made to Jones Memorial, Hearth Hospice or to your favorite charity.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, TN., has been entrusted with the arrangements.