Allen Gamble

Allen (Al) H. Gamble went to see Jesus on October 26, 2022. Al was born on September 17, 1940, when the Germans were bombing the city of London. Al had many favorites in life. To begin, he felt he had the world’s greatest mother. Also, he adored his next-door neighbor growing up, Mrs. Cuncannon, because she was just like a second mother to him. Al felt so fortunate to grow up in the forties and the fifties, because he was able to witness so many amazing events. He remembered parties for his uncles coming home from the war. He loved the movie, “Blackboard Jungle,” and he loved rock and roll music. Al was a huge Elvis fan. Not only did Al appreciate history and music, but he loved sports too. He was a big Detroit Lions fan, and he remembered the Lions winning the championship in 1957, with Al’s favorite football player, Terry Barr. Al’s favorite college team was the Michigan Wolverines.

As a boy, Al always wanted to be a United States Marine, especially after seeing the movie, “Sands of Iwo Jima”. On February 23, 1960, Al enlisted in the Marines, and he served proudly for four years. He respected his Marine drill instructors during bootcamp, and his best time was being stationed at Sasebo, Japan. Al believed in the Marine motto: Semper Fidelis, which means always faithful to the corps. Once he ended his term of duty and was back in the United States, Al started work at Fisher Body Plant Two. Every time Al walked through the gate for work, he knew he was so lucky to work there, and he met a lot of everlasting friends. He was lucky to retire at the age of 51 from General Motors.

The worst time in Al’s life was March 4, 1988, when his younger brother, Joe, was killed in a car accident. The family was never the same after that. However, a high point in Al’s life came at his 45th class reunion, when he met Sandy Lange, the former South High Homecoming queen. Five years after that meeting, they married. They were married for seven years before she passed away in 2015.

Al was a proud 1959 graduate of Grand Rapids South High. During his time at South High, Al became life-long friends with, Howie Glupker. Al was also a proud member of the South High Varsity Club. He enjoyed working under the leadership of Jim Atkinson, and he enjoyed being able to have the chance to meet South graduates. He loved interviewing past graduates, attending reunions, shooting video footage, and putting together a book of highlights and memories of South High. Al was known as the historian of South High.

Al loved his family and friends, and there is nothing he would not do for anyone. He loved spending the holidays with his family eating good food, then taking a nap immediately afterwards. He loved attending high school football games and other athletic events for his family members. Also, Al loved to talk about politics. Although Al was upset with the O.J. Simpson verdict, he was happy however when Trump beat Hillary.

Al was loved dearly by his family and friends, especially by his sister, Jean, who always invited him over for a meal, dropped food off at his house, and always checked in on him. Al was preceded in death by his brother, Joe; father, Harold; mother, Betty; and his wife, Sandy. He leaves behind his sister, Jean (Donald) Evert; sister-in-law, Barb Gamble; nieces and nephews: Marcy (Jamie) Mayle, Wendy (Joseph) DeSmit, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Evert, Walt Gamble, and Mike (Erin) Gamble. He also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews. Al will also be missed by Sandy Lange’s family: Laura (Jon) Doering, Nancy (Bill) Lamb, and Molly (John) Moody, along with their children. Al’s family would like to thank Spectrum Health Hospice for the caring team that took care of all of his needs.

A service to celebrate Al’s life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at noon at Grandville-Jenison Congregational Church, 3900 Henry St. SW, Grandville, with Lu Saenz officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday, November 19, from 11 a.m.- noon at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Grandville-Jenison Congregational Church, the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard, or Spectrum Health Hospice.