George “Tom” Gamblin Jr. of East Ridge. (97) passed away on October 27, 2024.

Tom was born on August 22, 1927 to the late George Thomas Gamblin, Sr. and Blanche Doak Gamblin. He grew up in Chickamauga, GA and attended Gordon Lee High School. After high school, he joined the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, he was swept off his feet by the love of his life, Marlene. They got married in 1950. He and Marlene lived in Lafayette, Ga., for several years and then moved here to Chattanooga in 1957. They settled in East Ridge and started a family. They had two sons, Jay and Mark. Tom worked for the Chattanooga Welding and Machine Company, and later he and his business partner purchased the Smith Elevator Company, which Tom continued to operate until his retirement. His sons later took over and ran the company.

He and Marlene were active members of Jones Memorial Church and served in many different roles at the church. Tom was an avid fisherman and he and Marlene enjoyed staying at their cabin at the Wolftever Fishing Club. Tom enjoyed reading and studying his Bible.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sons Jay Thomas Gamblin and Mark Lanier Gamblin, grandson Thomas Craig Gamblin, and sister Mary Louise Anderson.

He leaves to keep his memory alive; his wife of 74 years, Marlene Lanier Gamblin, several nieces and nephews, daughter-in-law Cindy Gamblin and sister-in-law Reita Lanier.

Tom’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 1st at 12:00 PM in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with Pastor(s) Natalie Smart and Will Vest officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to 11 a.m. He will be buried privately at Lakewood Memory Gardens South.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Hearth Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Tom.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Jones Memorial, Hearth Hospice or your favorite charity.

Please share your thoughts and memories www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, has been entrusted with arrangements.