Larry "Goose" Gambrell

Heading: William Larry “Goose” Gambrell March 1, 1944-September 8, 2013 William Larry “Goose” Gambrell, 69, of Lyman, S.C. was healed and welcomed at the gates to heaven September 8, 2013. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, June Pierce Gambrell. A native of Spartanburg County, was the son of the late Jack Ellis and Mildred Nellie Long Gambrell, he was retired from Duke Power and was a member of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Mark Bennefield of Greer; a son and daughter-in-law, Pierce and Kristy Gambrell of Duncan; two grandchildren, Lindsey Bennefield and Nicholas Gambrel; a brother, Wayne Gambrell (Shelby) of Lyman; a sister, Joann Long Hannon (Buddy) of Greer; twelve nieces and nephews and fifteen great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are very special family members, Allan and Julie Clark and their children who were also his grandchildren, Kuri Sumpter and Shae Clark and great grands, Qwinton, Brylee and Braxton Sumpter. Larry was a 1963 graduate of Greer High School where he played football, basketball and ran track. He held many school records and played in the 1962 Shrine Bowl game. Larry was also inducted into the Greer High School Hall of Fame. Sports were a family tradition and textile basketball was a passion that Larry shared with his brother, Wayne and his cousins, Steven, Gerald, David and Danny. Larry never met a stranger, was loved by many and had a special place in his heart for Matthew and McKenzie Pressley and many other young boys and girls who lovingly called him, “Papa Goose”. He enjoyed fishing, taking his car to the car shows, hanging out at Chick-Fil-A and NASCAR races. He was also an active participant Relay for Life of Greer where he assisted his daughter and was also a 12 year cancer survivor. The service will be performed by Rev. Billy Tyler and close family friend, Johnny Terry. Pallbearers will be Steven, Gerald, David and Danny Gambrell, Tony Stewart, Harold Long, Jr., Bob Pierce and Ahmed Pierce. Honorary escort will be the employees of Duke Power and the staff at the Cottages at Brushy Creek, Crepe Myrtle Cottage. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 10, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. at The Wood Mortuary, Greer, SC. Services will be Wednesday, September 11, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Greer, SC; with graveside services at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Greenville, SC. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society for Greer Relay for Life, 154 Milestone Way, Suite A, Greenville, SC 29615. The family is at the home of his daughter. Online condolences may be at www.thewoodmortuary.com

Larry "Goose" Gambrell

March 1, 1944 - September 8, 2013