Wallace M. Gamble, formerly of Davidson, died Aug. 29, 2010, at the Charlotte home of his nephew, Bill Gamble. He was 88 and had been a longtime deacon and elder at Davidson College Presbyterian Church and member of many local organizations. A graveside funeral service is planned Friday at Mimosa Cemetery on South Street. Details below.

Mr. Gamble was born Jan. 29, 1922, in Davidson, a son of the late Joseph G. and Connie Williamson Gamble. He was a graduate of Davidson High School and Davidson College. He retired as an administrative supervisor at the Mooresville Plant of Burlington Industries. During World War II, he served as a Navy Lieutenant (J.G.) in Europe and Asia.

He was a lifelong member of Davidson College Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and Elder. He had more than 50 years of membership in North Mecklenburg American Legion Post 86, which gave Lake Norman YMCA its first home and gave Legion Park to Cornelius.

For Davidson Lions Club, he was treasurer for many years and president for two terms. Mr. Gamble was a Past District Governor for Lions District 31-C, was a Jack Stickley and Melvin Jones Fellow. He loved to garden and to share his flowers and vegetables.

Mr. Gamble was one of the founders and contributors in starting The Pines at Davidson and provided the location for the new St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. In his mother’s honor, he established a book fund in her name at Davidson College, as she had been a school teacher.

Surviving are his brother, Joseph G. Gamble, of Fredricksburg, Va.; sister-in-law, Sue M. Gamble, of Charlotte; nephew, Bill Gamble, of Charlotte; and five nieces, Connie Koch, Cecelia Grosse Ray, Nancy Grosse Kelley, Mary Grosse Snizer, and Elizabeth Gamble Bryant. He was preceded in death by sisters, Laura M. Gamble, Mary E. Gamble, and Hilda G. Grosse and brother, Wayne W. Gamble.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3, at Mimosa Cemetery on South Street, with the Rev. Gary Steber, Rector, officiating.

The family wishes to express special thanks to his caregivers, Robertetta Diggs, Rita Foster, Julia Johnson, his Hospice nurse, Debbie Brindley and Dr. Phillip Hess for their wonderful care and devotion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Connie Williamson Gamble Library Fund at Davidson College Library, Box 7200, Davidson, N.C. 28035-7200.

J.B. Tallent Funeral Service is assisting his family.