Wadie Deeb Gabriel Jr.

Wadie D. Gabriel passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the age of 78, after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. Wadie was born in Greensboro, N.C. to Emma Leen Kahalley Gabriel and Wadie Gabriel, Sr. and moved to Bay Minette, Al. with his family at the age of 15. He graduated from Baldwin County High School.

He attended and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1966 with a B.S. degree in Business Management, and was proud to have attended UA during Paul Bear Bryant’s time there. Even though Wadie loved all Alabama sports, he was passionate about football. Wadie served his country in the U.S. Army, as a First Lt., for 3 years after graduating from Alabama.

Wadie worked for J.C. Penney, Co. for 37 years, living in many different cities with his family. Wadie considered his Penney associates as family and maintained many close and lasting friendships over the years. He retired in 2004.

Wadie married Yvonne Sudiha Gabriel, on November 30, 1969, at Government Street Presbyterian Church. They shared a loving and devoted marriage for 53 years. They raised two children, a son, Michael, and a daughter, Lynette.

Wadie was a dedicated, longtime member of Kingswood United Methodist Church, where he participated in the Men’s Prayer Breakfast and other ministries. Wadie was a member of the Lebanese American Club of Mobile and as a volunteer, helped raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Wadie was a member of the Mobile International Festival, participating each year to make the festival a success.

Wadie was a loving husband, an amazing father, devoted brother, cousin and a wonderful friend to everyone. His caring nature, sense of humor and love of life made him loved by everyone. He lived by a code of Honor and carried it with him every day of his life. He will be dearly missed by his family and everyone who loved him.

Wadie was preceded in death by his parents, Emma Leen and Wadie Gabriel, Sr., his brother, Charles Victor Gabriel, and his daughter, Lynette Marie Gabriel. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Yvonne Sudiha Gabriel, his devoted son, Michael Gabriel, brother-in-law, Namy Sudiha, and many close cousins, other relatives and friends.

Visitation for Wadie will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, Alabama with a funeral service in the chapel immediately following.

If you would like to make a donation in Wadie’s name, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Kingswood United Methodist Church.