CHARLES EDWARD GAMBRELL


GAMBRELL, CHARLES EDWARD Charles Edward Gambrell was born September 16, 1924 in Pell City, Alabama to Hiram Spurgeon and Anna Louise Coshatt Gambrell.

He attended public Schools in the Pell City, Fairfield, and Birmingham systems graduating from West End High School in 1943. He graduated from The University of Alabama in 1949 and earned a Masters Degree from Samford University in 1974. He retired from U.S. Pipe and Foundry Co. General Office in Birmingham, Alabama in 1979 where he served as an Accountant, Internal Audit Manager, and Controller. He was also an adjunct Professor of Accounting at Jefferson State College for 10 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife and sweetheart Martha.

He was blessed by a loving and caring family and many friendships. Redeemed by God's love, mercy, and grace, he was a long time, active participating member of East Lake United Methodist Church serving in numerous areas of the Church's ministries from Council President, Treasurer, to Pastor-Parrish relations. He especially enjoyed working with the MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) as a parent/youth counselor.

Charles served in the United States Marine Corps in World War II from July 1943 to January 1946, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He spent 16 months overseas in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and in other areas of Pacific operations. He was a charter member of the Tuscaloosa Marine Corps League - Mike Spann Detachment and the Alabama Marine Foundation.

He is survived by his son, Charles J. ( Jack) Gambrell and daughter-in-law, Louise Gambrell; daughter Donna Lushington and son-in-law, Alex Lushington, Jr., grandchildren, Russ ( Lauren) Gambrell, Vaughn Gambrell, Alex III and Martha Anna Lushington, loving brother-in-law Dr. Jack M. Whetstone and his wife Mary, nephews Dean (Ellen) Gambrell, Robert Gambrell, Jr., Bradford Jr. (Pam) Gambrell, Philip (Donna) Gambrell, and Neil Gambrell, nephew Brice (Hali) Whetstone, and nieces, Kathy (Paul) Spangler, Joy (Duncan) Black, and Elise (Dan) Wiggins; and Louise Howard, Shirley (Gerald) McLaughlin, Bernice Barr, and Betty Lou (Charles) Fulmer.

There will be a graveside service Saturday at 9:30 A.M. in Jefferson Memorial Gardens East, 1591 Gadsden Hwy., Trussville, Alabama. Reverend Sally Allocca officiating.

A visitation will be at 10:30 A.M. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 A.M. at East Lake United Methodist Church, 7753 1st Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35206.

Published in The Birmingham News from July 11 to July 12, 2013.