W.W. Gamble III, 87

W. W. Gamble III, of White Lake, died Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at Whispering Pines in Plover. He was 87 years old. He was born on April 4, 1928 in Milwaukee, a son of William and Marian (Stone) Gamble. He married Marjorie Diercks on January 19, 1952 in Antigo. She preceded him in death on September 11, 2009.
He is a graduate of White Lake High School and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Madison, Carroll College in Waukesha and the Ferris Institute in Michigan. He returned to White Lake where he managed the Yawkey Bissell Hardwood Flooring (now Robbins Flooring) from 1952 – until retirement in 1993. For several years in the 1970’s Mr. Gamble and associates operated A.G.A. Hardwood Flooring in Amasa, Michigan.
In retirement he continued his association with Robbins Flooring as a consultant and sales manager of their Country Store. He was a member and past president of the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association and was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
He was active in his community having been a member and served as elder of Hope Presbyterian Church in White Lake, served on the Langlade Hospital Community Health Foundation board of directors, the White Lake board of education and on the advisory council for Northwoods State Bank-White Lake branch. He was a member of the historical societies of White Lake and Langlade County. In August of 2014 he was recognized with the fist “Citizen of the Year Award” in White Lake.
His cherished moments were sitting on the deck overlooking the mill and the lake with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the annual highlight being the 4th of July. He was a man a few words and great humility and he will be remembered for his love for the Lord, his family and the community. He had a gentle spirit and generosity that was an inspiration to all. His quiet leadership and unwavering values served as a pillar for the White Lake community for decades.
Survivors include three daughters, Margaret Jeffers of Phoenix, Ariz., Nancy (Terry) Smith of Stevens Point, Rebecca (James) Skibo of Normal, Ill.; two sons, William B. (Lisa) Gamble of Eagle, Idaho, Michael (Beth) Gamble of St. Paul, Minn.; 13 grandchildren, Michael Jeffers, Matthew Jeffers, Stephanie (Nate) Birchler, Christina (Sean) O’Brien, Lindsey Gamble, Benjamin Gamble, Gregory Gamble, Matthew Skibo, Sadie Skibo, Danielle Gamble, Mikaela Gamble, Connor Gamble, Griffin Gamble; four great-grandchildren, Norah, Colin, Stella and Brianna; and a sister, Barbara (Andrew) McEachron of Florida.
In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by a brother, Peter Gamble.
A celebration of life will take place in White Lake in late spring of 2016.
Memorials in Mr. Gamble’s name may be directed to the White Lake Area Historical Society, PO Box 92, White Lake, WI 54491 or to the White Lake School District in care of the W.W. Gamble Scholarship Fund., PO Box 67, White Lake, WI 54491.