William "Billy" Gambrell

Obituary William "Billy" Don Gambrell, 83, of Morehead City, died Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Crystal Coast Hospice House, Newport. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:30 pm on Friday, January 13, 2017 at St. Egbert Catholic Church with the pastor, the Rev. Thomas R. Davis presiding. A wake celebrating his life will be held at his home following the service, all his friends are invited. He was born on November 13, 1933 in Winter Haven, Florida to the late William Clarence and Irene Hiers Gambrell. He grew up in Wauchula and Bradenton, Florida and graduated from Bradenton High School in 1952. He joined the Navy after high school and served as a Radioman in the Korean Conflict. He served from 1952 to 1955. Bill and Shirley moved to Carteret County in 1993 after their retirement from the Atlanta, Georgia area. Bill loved the Crystal Coast and made a happy home here. Bill was an avid history buff, especially the Civil War and World War II. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Fowler Gambrell of 46 years and his 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson: William Joseph Gambrell and wife Deirdre of Atlanta, Georgia and 2 grandchildren, Natalie Gambrell and Dane Gambrell; daughter Ann Marie Vannice and husband Derek of Des Moines, Iowa and 4 grandchildren, Sarah and Alain Belenger and great-grandson, Gabriel Robert, Rachel Vannice, Mary Vannice and Margaret Vannice; Richard Hiers Gambrell and wife Pamela of Carthage, Illinois and 5 grandchildren, Emily Gambrell, Katherine Gambrell, Maria Gambrell, Ellen Gambrell and Joseph Gambrell; and Carol Gambrell-Hughes, of Gainesville, Georgia and 3 grandchildren, Eilzabeth Hughes, Allison Hughes and William Hughes. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert and sister, Betty. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Carteret County Historical Association, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557. Mass of Christian Burial 3:30 PM ,Friday, January 13, 2017 St. Egbert Catholic Church 1706 Evans Steet Morehead City, NC 28557 Gathering of Family and Friends Friday, January 13, 2017 At the home following the service. Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of William "Billy" Gambrell