Bernard Gamble

Bernard Gamble, a dedicated Youth Parole Officer and esteemed educator, passed away peacefully on home on August 21,2025 in Dayton, Ohio. Born in Newville, Alabama and raised in Dothan, Alabama, he lived a life of service, generosity, and commitment to the betterment of youth. Bernard graduated from Carver H.S. in Dothan where he was captain of his football team and Vice-President of his senior class. After working many jobs to save for college, he studied at Alabama A&M College until he ran out of money and came to Dayton where he had family to earn more money to return to college. Despite being assured he had a military deferral, he was drafted into the Army and deployed first to France and England, later attended Airborne Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was deployed to Viet Nam as part of the 101st Airborne Force. After eight months, he re-upped and served ten more months there.

After this service he returned to Dayton and was hired by GM(Frigidare), got married, had two daughters, and started using his GI Bill to attend Sinclair College and later UD where he earned both his Bachelor and Master degrees in education. Deciding to continue his military service, he joined the Army Reserves, did training at Fort Bragg, NC, and became a part of Special Forces. His military continued for a total of 34 years after switching to the Air Force Reserves where he supervised the loading of munitions on F-4's, worked as a med tech at the base hospital, and ended in human relations as a sexual harassment and substance abuse educator. Later civilian jobs were an assembly supervisor at Delco Moraine, 27 years as a Juvenile Parole Officer, 23 years as an adjunct professor at Sinclair and WSU teaching psychology, sociology, criminal justice, mental health, substance abuse, and more, always volunteering to go "the extra mile" and relating so well to all types of students according to others. After retirement in 2014 he then worked 5 years as a substitute teacher at Stebbins H S.

With his enthusiasm to make a difference, he trained to become a licensed social worker and chemical dependency counselor and then counseled for Montgomery County Juvenile Court. He took training to teach CPR, Standard First Aid, and AED use for the Red Cross and frequently led seminars and workshops dealing with violent patients for Sinclair Nursing Program.

A man of varied interests, he was dedicated to his physical fitness, even jogging in his combat boots for decades at 4:30 each morning. He loved white water rafting in West Virginia and Costa Rica, snorkeling, and just being out on the water in lakes and seas. He was known for his love of dancing with his wife, Marla, always attending high school sports, creating 31 perennial flower beds together on their property, and lots of traveling abroad independently. The couple's passions also included being loyal fans of DCDC, Dayton Ballet, WSU, and Stivers dance performances and volunteering for nearly 40 years with AFS student foreign exchange program. Their dedication to cultural exchanges reflected Bernard's generous spirit and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, especially the youth.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Marla Gamble, daughters Tara and Catherine Gamble, grandchildren Camie Battle and Kyrin Gamble, brother Mardis (Annie) Gamble, half-brother, Charles Gamble, and half-sister Pat Childs. He was predeceased by his parents, Mardis Gamble and Rosa Lee Hollinger.

Bernard leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service that will continue to inspire many for years to come. His contributions to the community and country will never be forgotten. He will be interred at Dayton National Cemetery and a celebration of his life will be held prior for all who wish to celebrate this incredible and beloved man.