Joseph “Joe” Gambrell, born on July 17, 1970 in Greenville, Texas, was an extraordinary man whose life was woven with threads of love, generosity, loyalty, and unwavering support. His essence was as vast as the Texas plains he loved, filled with a warmth that welcomed everyone into his world. He was the kind of man who’d give you the shirt off his back without a second thought. A loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Joe had a unique ability to stitch together a tapestry of laughter and joy in the lives of those he touched. As the famous author, Leo Buscaglia once said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” This quote echoes the life that Joe lived, for he was the embodiment of these words.

Joe was a loyal servant to his community, dedicating many years to the Texas Department of Transportation as a part of the road maintenance crew. Upon retirement, his time was filled with the simple pleasures of life. His hobbies were a reflection of his love for the land and his family. He was an avid gun enthusiast, enjoyed watching westerns, hunting, dancing, and fishing. His love for tinkering with stuff was an extension of his generous nature, always ready to lend a hand or fix what was broken. He had a knack for turning ordinary moments into memorable ones, always leaving a trail of laughter wherever he went. The author Mark Twain said, “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.” Joe had found this secret, living his life with joy and contentment.

Joseph resided in Lefors, Texas, after living in Channing, Texas. Though he was a man who embraced the entire world as his home, his heart was always with his family and friends. He was a beacon of support, his love for his family as deep and unending as the Texas sky. Joseph is survived by his daughters Ariel Barnes, Abby Homer, and Sarah Gambrell. He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Gambrell, his mother, Patricia Gambrell, and his brother, Micheal Gambrell. His life was a testament to the quote by Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

We encourage everyone who knew and loved Joseph to share memories and upload photos to his memorial page. In doing so, we keep his spirit alive, his laughter echoing, and his love enduring. As we remember Joseph, let us celebrate his life and the beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and generosity he wove into our lives.

A Memorial Service honoring Joe’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Saddle Mountain Cowboy Church, 414 Rock Island Ave., Channing, Texas.