Vernon Gambill

Vernon Gambill Sr, age 89 of Erie, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Saturday May 11, 2013.

He was born in Max Meadows, Virginia on July 11, 1923 to Samuel Paul and Annie Wright Gambill.

He moved to Erie in 1940 to reside with his aunt and uncle, Lottie and Harry Nelson.

He graduated from East High School in 1943, where he participated in football and track.

As a World War II Veteran he was a survivor of the Normandy Beach Invasion, and served in transporting soldiers throughout Europe.

He retired from the Erie Coke Company in 1990 after over 40 years of Service.

He enjoyed hunting, sports, gardening and puzzles. He was a former Negro League baseball player with the Erie Pontiacs and played softball well into his forties. He also devoted his time to coaching and the Boys Scouts. He was also active in the community as a former member of the City of Erie Human Relations Committee and was actively involved in church affairs as a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

He was a founder, charter member and commander of American Legion Perry Memorial (Smith/Barney) Post 700.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Francis McIntosh and Carol Powell. Brothers, Daniel Brown, Samuel Paul Gambill Jr, Clarence and Joe Louis.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Lydia Ellen Head (Gambill). Sons, Vernon Jr. (Martha), Paul (Renee), Gordon (Francine) and daughter, Linda Love (Walter). Brother Harry Gambill Sr (Cora) and sisters, Margaret Polk (Roy D), Joyce Watson, Yvonne Moody, and Monica (Lionel) Pullium. Also survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 602 West Tenth Street Erie, Pa. 16502 on Wednesday from 2:00 till 4:00 pm and 7:00 till 9:00 pm and are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at 11:00 am at St. Mary of The Immaculate Conception Church, 315 East 9th Street, Erie, Pa. 16503 with Father Thomas Aleksa celebrant.

Burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary of The Immaculate Conception Church.