Walter Dudley Gabbard

86, died on November 4, 2016 in Tampa. Walt was born on October 17, 1930, and grew up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. He graduated from Lee County High School in 1948, and after attending Eastern Kentucky University, for 1 year, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corp. Walt did basic training at Parris Island, SC., and served honorably for the next 2 years. While in the Marines and on weekend leave in Walterboro, SC., he met his future bride, Redenia Crosby. After Walt was discharged from the Marines, he came back and asked Redenia "Dee", to become his bride. They were married on January 25, 1955. Walt and Dee moved to Detroit, M.I., where Walt then attended The Radio and Electronics College for the next 3 years, while he worked nights and weekends at the Wonderbread Bakery. Walt and Dee had one son, Walter Dale Gabbard. After graduating from school with a full class A FCC license, they decided to move to Florida. Walt ultimately took a job with the City of Tampa, in the old electronics division of the Tampa Police Department. Walt spent over 32 years with the City of Tampa, and rose to Superintendent of the entire electronics department for the city. Walt retired in 1994, and he and Dee traveled extensively over the next 10 years. They traveled throughout Europe, Alaska and the rest of the U.S. In the last 15 years they resided in Lutz, on 15 acres, complete with stables for horses. Walt was a combination of being tough as nails but yet compassionate. He loved animals, and gardening, including riding his John Deere Backhoe around his property. Walt leaves behind his wife of 62 years Dee, and their son, Dale, his wife, Alina, a step-grandson, Joseph Hajaistron, and a granddaughter, Audrey, who was the love of Walt's life. Also one brother, William Russell Gabbard, from Sterling Heights, Michigan, a sister in law, Loretta Gabbard of Beattyville, Kentucky, and over 20 nieces and nephews, all of whom he always adored. As well, predeceasing him are his parents, Dailey and Martha Gabbard, and 2 brothers, Eugene and Sam. During his last several years, he was blessed to have a loving caretaker, Maribelis Colon, whom he thought highly of. A visitation will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home 605 S. MacDill, Tampa, from 5-7pm on Thursday, November 10, with a short service at 7pm. Graveside services will be held at 1pm, on Monday, November 14, at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fl.