Obituary
William “Bill” P. Gamble – Vietnam Veteran, Aviator, Sailor, Humanitarian, Educator, Friend, and Beloved Husband
William “Bill” P. Gamble was born August 9th, 1947, the first son of William P. Gamble and Mary Walsh Gamble of Delanco, NJ. He passed away in Ormond Beach, FL on December 19, 2022. His beloved wife Sandy, extended family and dear friends are deeply saddened by his sudden death. No words can express our gratitude to those present on the day of his untimely passing.
Bill was a 1965 graduate of Riverside High School in NJ. Following graduation, he earned his pilot’s license and became a flight instructor at Red Lion Airport in Southampton, NJ.
Bill served his country with the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, a group of both pilots and maintainers. He was called to active duty in January 1968 and was assigned to the 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron (known as the "Fighting Falcons”) at Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam. The Guardsmen were lauded for their valor and significant accomplishments, credited with greatly reducing enemy capabilities, and awarded numerous medals. Despite the terror and hardships of the Vietnam combat zone, the Guardsmen faithfully and courageously served their country. When Bill wore his Vietnam Veteran cap following the end of the war, he was always humbled by those who expressed their gratitude for his selfless service.
Upon discharge in June, 1969, Bill attended Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, FL where he obtained his air transport pilot rating and was subsequently hired as Director of Operations for Henson Airlines in Salisbury, MD in 1980.
When Bill wasn't flying he enjoyed spending time on the water. Having grown up in the small river-town of Delanco NJ, he became an avid sailor under the guidance of his dear friend and mentor, Ed Walsh. These early lessons led to a lifetime of nautical activities and expertise. As a young man, Bill was a member of the Red Dragon Canoe Club on the Delaware River in Edgewater Park, NJ, winning sailing regattas up and down the east coast. He spent many hours sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, and in 1983, he moved his sailboat to Marathon, FL, where he managed a marina and continued to sail.
In 1985, Bill returned to aviation as a pilot for Evergreen International. The following year, he joined Piedmont Airlines, which later became US Airways and then American Airlines. Bill’s reassuringly confident voice as cockpit Captain calmed passengers and crew during turbulent times, and he gained countless friends over his years of domestic and international flights.
Bill met his wife, Sandy, in 1989 while living in Annapolis MD. While there, he also made an acquaintance with Rear Admiral Tom Lynch who was acting superintendent of the United States Naval Academy (USNA). Rear Admiral Lynch became a role model for Bill and was instrumental in his being asked to teach varsity offshore sailing to the USNA midshipmen. In 1992, Rear Admiral Lynch appointed Bill to the USNA Fales Committee, an advisory board for the Academy sailing program. This was an honor and recognition of his preeminence in the yachting community, and was a true highlight of Bill’s life. One of his many treasured memories while coaching at the Academy was participating with the midshipmen in a race from Newport, RI to Bermuda.
Rear Admiral Lynch and his wife, Kathy, became beloved friends to both Bill and Sandy. In 1993, Bill and Sandy were married in the garden of the Lynchs' home, The Buchanan House residence for superintendents of the Naval Academy.
Bill retired from flying in 2010, eager to pursue his passion for community service. He first volunteered with The Children’s Attention Home in Rock Hill, SC, then became engaged with Project Safe Pet, Lake Wylie, SC. Bill was a passionate, lifelong friend to animals, and through Project Safe Pet he generously devoted his time and skills to improving the lives of countless community animals which lived in deplorable conditions. Always scrupulously organized and armed with his vast array of tools and engineering skills, Bill was typically the only male amongst a group of likewise devoted women. Together, they routinely improvised and toiled (regardless of sweltering heat, freezing temperatures and less than perfect conditions), and were rewarded many times over with the knowledge of the difference they had made in the lives of precious creatures.
Bill’s philanthropy also compelled him to dedicate himself to improving the lives of veterans. He was active with the Veterans Court Alternative Program in South Carolina; and, after moving to Ormond Beach, with the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1048.
Bill invested his love and presence to the people who surrounded him; he will always be admired and remembered for his compassion, generosity, selflessness, inquisitiveness, perfection in all things, adherence to duty, love for all animals, and dedication to the underserved. Heaven welcomed an angel in Bill.
Bill is survived by his wife, the treasure of his life, Sandy Hastings Gamble, to whom he devoted his care and love for 35 wonderful years. He is also survived by his sister, Sheila Downs and husband, Larry; brother, John Gamble; niece, Dominica Downs (widow of nephew, Greg) and their children, Andrew, Alex, and Eric Downs; sister-in-law, Julia Broxterman Dodd; nephew, Brian Broxterman and his children Andrew and Eve Broxterman; and nephew, Matt Broxterman and wife, Amy, along with their children, Alex and Jack Broxterman.
A funeral service will be held Monday, May 8, 2023 at 10am at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S. Highway 1, North, Mims, FL (Lane C), followed by a Celebration of Life Ceremony and Reception at 12 noon at Club De Bonmont, 100 Plantation Bay Dr, Ormond Beach, FL.
In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Bill’s devotion to animals, please consider memorial contributions in Bill’s name to Project Safe Pet by check to 168 Highway 274, #311, Lake Wylie, SC 29710; Venmo to Project Safe Pet (last four digits, if asked: 5082); or PayPal to [email protected]. In remembrance of Bill's love of country, and service in Vietnam, donations may be made in his honor to Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Fair winds and following seas
may forever you feel, upon your cheek, the salty breeze.
Your spirit lives on in many a heart,
your words captured and never to depart.
May your loved ones be comforted knowing
that heaven is where you are going.
For all that they have to do is look above,
and they will be reminded of your love.
By Dave Kelly