Julius Pendergrass (J.P.) Gamble, Sr., 87, of Lane, SC died peacefully on Thursday, November 19, 2015 after a brief illness.

He was born on April 11, 1928, to Samuel Wayne and Theresa Register Gamble in the Gourdin community near Lane, SC.  He was predeceased by his older brother, S. Wayne Gamble, Jr.; his sister, Blanche Gamble (Alton) McCullough; and his son, David Ford Gamble.

He was educated in Greeleyville schools and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in business administration in 1950.  At USC, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.  He was an avid Gamecocks fan throughout his life, and enjoyed attending their football games and flying to their bowl games.

After college, he returned to the Gourdin area to join his father on the family farm.  In addition to farming, he would later work for the US Department of Agriculture and in the Williamsburg County Economic Development Office as Economic Development Director and Grants Administrator.

He married Eunice Temple Ford of Holly Hill, SC on July 18, 1952, and they celebrated 63 years of marriage together this summer.

He greatly enjoyed aviation, and as a private pilot he logged nearly 7,000 hours of flight time.  He earned his instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he flew until he was 76 years old.  He was a member of the Quiet Birdmen aviation society.

He was most proud of the four generations of pilots in the Gamble family beginning with his father, S. Wayne Gamble in the 1930s, followed by himself, his sons David and Larry Gamble, and his grandson, Stuart Gamble.

He was instrumental in the development of the Williamsburg County Airport, and secured many grants for its construction.

“Mr. JP”, as he was affectionately known, was devoted to his family, his faith, his friends, his farm and his community.

He was a lifelong member of the Greeleyville United Methodist Church and served the church in many capacities including as chairman of the Board of Trustees, and president of the cemetery commission.

He was also a Mason and was recently honored with his 60-year certification.  He served as the Lodge Master for two terms.

He served in the South Carolina Army National Guard, and attained the rank of Captain in the Field Artillery Company in Kingstree.

He was active in the Kingstree Rotary Club, and served two terms as president.

He is survived by his wife, Eunice; his son Julius P. (Jay) Gamble, Jr and wife Jane of Sunapee, NH; his daughter-in-law Cynthia (Cindy) Cranford Gamble of Greensboro, NC, wife of his late son David Ford Gamble; his daughter Catherine Claire (Cathy) Gamble of Lane, SC; and his son William Lawrence (Larry) Gamble and wife Edith of Milwaukee, WI.

He is survived by eight grandchildren: Sarah Gamble (Jesse) Lamas and Caroline Gamble; Stuart, Andrew and Christopher Gamble; and, Whitney, Theresa and William (Billy) Gamble, Jr.  He is also survived by five nieces and nephews: Kay Gamble Molnar, S. Wayne Gamble, III, Louise Gamble Murray, Theresa Gamble, and Alton H. McCullough, Jr. in addition to many cousins and extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at the Greeleyville United Methodist Church in Greeleyville on Sunday, November 22 at 2:00pm followed by burial in the New Market Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be at the Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree on Saturday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greeleyville United Methodist Church, PO Box 247, Greeleyville, SC 29056. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.