Thomas "Tom" Henry Gamble, Sr.

Thomas “Stick” Henry Gamble Sr., 82, passed away peacefully, and surrounded by his family, on August 23, 2024 at Watauga County Medical Center. Born on January 9, 1942, in Greeleyville, SC, he was the son of Sumter and Macauley Gamble.

Tom took a leave of absence while at the College of Charleston to honorably serve in the Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam War. He returned to the college after the war and in May 1969 he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. He first saw his bride, Carole, on the steps of the library at the college in 1962 and their love story grew from there. Tom and Carole married on December 22, 1965 and have been married for 59 years. While at the College of Charleston, Tom was a basketball star. He was inducted into the College of Charleston Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005 as the first and third record holder for most rebounds in a game. Tom and Carole moved to Boone, NC in 1972. Tom graduated from Appalachian State University after earning his Masters of Arts degree in 1974. After spending time in Boone, they knew the mountains were where they wanted to call home. Tom worked at Prudential for many years until he decided to start his own Thomas H. Gamble Insurance Company. He served his clients tirelessly and honestly for over forty years. Tom was very active in the church and community volunteering and helping wherever needed. He loved to coach Little League baseball in Watauga County at the Parks and Recreation department for many years. He was an avid swimmer and was often found swimming laps at the Watauga County pool on his lunch break. He was a valued member of the community and he made such a huge impact on so many lives in a countless number of ways.

Tom had an encouraging word for everyone. He never met a stranger and had the warmest smile. He loved a good joke and he had a special way of making everyone feel comfortable and included. He would go out of his way to help anyone in need and always saw the glass half full. He radiated positivity. His patience knew no limits, from teaching all three of his children how to drive a stick shift, to taking the time to teach his nephew, who was a naturally left-handed player, how to swing a right handed club for the game of golf, his patience was endless. Tom never missed one of his children’s athletic games or swim meets, theater productions, or school and church events. He was an always present father and this never waivered. Tom was always entertaining the kids at family gatherings and he was the best backyard football coach. He was the one who would take all the kids on his team and beat the grownups team at every annual Thanksgiving and Christmas game while visiting family in Charleston. He was the UNO connoisseur and loved to play games with the family when everyone was together. The universe gives us gifts and Tom is, was, and always will be a treasured gift to everyone he met. He was the most dedicated father who was the family beacon of advice, love, and integrity. His family is incredibly proud of the legacy Tom leaves behind. They will carry the love of their father, grandfather, uncle, and husband with them and will forever remain steadfast in continuing to be the example he was to so many of how to live a life of character and kindness. They know he entered the Gates of Heaven with open arms and they find great comfort in the fact they will all be reunited again one day. He will remain their beacon of light as they continue their days.

In lieu of a church service, a celebration gathering will be held at the Gamble home, 124 Fred Hatley Road, Boone on Friday, August 30 at 1:00 PM. All are welcome 

The family will receive friends Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Gamble family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas "Tom" Henry Gamble, Sr., please visit our floral store.