John Alton Gamble

John Alton Gamble was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Tuesday, September 10, 1957 to the late Edward “Buster” Gamble and Shever Bossard. To this union ten (10) children were born: Eddie, Annie, Reader, Thomas, John, Darlene, Vernette, Larry, Delores, and Willie (Steve). Two of his sisters, Reader and Darlene preceded him in death. John was educated in the Broward County School System graduating from Boyd Anderson High School in 1976, during that time John was also able to complete his certification program in landscaping, while attending Atlantic Vocational Technical School. He trained for years, as a karate student, he mastered the art and eventually advanced to a black belt. John later went on to start his career, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1976. As a child, John attended Mount Calvary Baptist Church where he was baptised, at an early age. He later attended Church of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord, where he served for 20 plus years in various capacities. He faithfully served wherever he was needed. Later changing his membership to the Faith Center in Fort Lauderdale Florida, until his relocation to Atlanta in 2015. Upon relocating, he became a member of Shaw Temple African Methodist Episcopal in Austell, Georgia where he was later nominated and confirmed as a Steward. On October 21, 1978 John married Louise Smith and to this union were born 2 biological children: Tamieka Nicole, who preceded him in death and Takellia Louise. Their love for God first and for each other secured their union for 42 wonderful years. John worked as a journeyman for 32 and a half years in the Broward County School System at Lauderdale Lakes Middle School. He was also an entrepreneur while in Florida owning a catering, lawn care, and construction business. His entrepreneurial spirit began at the age of 13 where he worked his first job at Turner’s Corner, thus creating a passion of working with his hands. John in his leisure time enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling around the world with loved ones, and cooking. But most of all, John truly enjoyed spending quality time with his grandson Tyler. Traveling, shopping, and weekly breakfast and lunch outings were the norm, between John Alton and Tyler John. Tyler enjoyed his time with Papa and Papa enjoyed his time with Tyler. This was truly his life’s enjoyment! His favorite pastimes included watching old western cowboy movies, repairing things around the house, talking on the phone with his siblings, planning his next “get away”, grilling on Reader’s Grill, landscaping, working with his tools, making new memories with the family, and eating Kellia’s cooking. John was well-known in his community for his love of people, always wanting others and those around him to be at ease and just enjoy themselves. He always wanted to lend a helping hand; being very resourceful, and being an encouragement to others. He taught many young men in the community trades, taking them in as mentees and being very instrumental in their upbringing, being a “father figure” to many. John’s life and legacy will live on in those left to mourn; wife of 42 years, Louise Smith Gamble; one daughter; Takellia (Billy) Glover; Sisters: Annie Gamble Mobley (Thomas), Vernette Gamble McCray, and Delores Gamble Staten; Brothers: Eddie Lee Gamble, Thomas Gamble, Larry Jerome Gamble (Jacqueline), and Willie Steve Gamble; Sister-in-laws: Betty Jean Lovette, Josie Tiggs, Shirley Tiggs, and Sabrina Hatch; Brother-in-laws: Leslie Tiggs, Louis Tiggs, and Robert Smith; grandchild; Tyler John Cunigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, several best friends and many others that were very dear to him.

Tributes

John Alton Gamble

September 10, 1957 - August 28, 2021