William Garney Gambrell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026. He was known as Garney as a child and Bill in his adult years. His journey began on March 12, 1942, in Hamilton, Ohio, where he was born to Duke and Naomi Gambrell. Though his earliest years were marked by the steady rhythm of family life in Ohio, Bill’s story grew into one marked by service, accomplishment, joy, and lasting love.

From a young age, Bill displayed the quiet strength and steadfast character that would come to define his life. In 1960, inspired by duty and patriotism, Bill answered his nation’s call and served honorably in the United States Army until 1963. As a Specialist E-5 with the 9th Engineer Battalion, stationed in Aschaffenburg, Germany, he forged friendships and cultivated discipline that remained with him always. His pride in serving his country was lifelong, and his family remembers with deep gratitude the selflessness he embodied during those formative years.

After leaving the service, Bill’s career blossomed as he entered the manufactured housing industry, earning the respect of his peers and rising to become President of the Missouri Manufactured Housing Association. Guided by hard work and integrity, Bill was a devoted mentor and leader—qualities reflected in both his professional pursuits and his many years spent coaching youth baseball. Always committed to lifting others and fostering camaraderie, he was also a proud, active member of the Jaycees, forever seeking ways to build community and support good causes.

Beyond his devotion to service and career, Bill had a gift for making every gathering memorable. A natural entertainer, he loved to bring people together, throwing parties for friends and neighbors that were always filled with laughter and warmth. His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and his bright spirit lives on in the countless stories shared by all who knew him.

A man of many talents and interests, Bill was an avid golfer—a passion that gave him many joyful hours. Perhaps his proudest sporting moment was when he accomplished every golfer’s dream: a hole-in-one at Raven Golf Club at Verado in Phoenix, Arizona. Off the course, he was found enthusiastically cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes, a lifelong fan whose love for the game was matched only by his love for those around him.

Central to Bill’s life was his beloved family, who knew him both as a pillar of unwavering strength and as “Mr. Bill”—a doting grandfather, great-grandfather, and source of wisdom and laughter. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Phyllis Gambrell, whose companionship was his steady joy. His children, Terry (Jon) Spencer and David (Katrekia) Gambrell, carry forward not only his name but his enduring spirit. His memory lives on proudly through his cherished grandchildren, Garrod Myers, Corbin Spencer, Jeremy Drake, and Drew Gambrell, each of whom inherited his character and kindness. Bill’s legacy extends to great-grandchildren Skylar, Robbie, Layla, Clark, and Genevieve, who will forever know him as the loving “Mr. Bill.” His sister, Carolyn Gee, remains as a reminder of the lifelong bond of family.

In addition to those who survive him, Bill is welcomed into peaceful rest by his parents, Duke and Naomi Gambrell, whose lessons and love carried him throughout his days.

Every chapter of Bill’s life was marked by generosity, humility, and an abiding sense of humor. He lived each day with gratitude and left a legacy defined by compassion, dedication, and joy. He will be deeply missed, but his stories, wisdom, and laughter will continue to echo in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.

A graveside service at Georgia National Cemetery is being planned to honor Bill and his family invites those whose lives he touched to join them in celebrating a truly remarkable life.

In lieu of additional floral arrangements, the family will have a floral tribute at the graveside service. Those who wish to honor Bill's memory are invited to make a donation to a  veteran's charity of their choice or simply join us in celebrating his life.

Care of The Gambrell Family has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.