Buford Earl Gamblin of Lucas, Texas passed away on May 16, 2019 at the age of 86. He was born on August 3, 1932 to Clay and Mona (Willeford) Gamblin in Pampa, Texas. Buford grew up in Pampa, Texas following his two brothers in mischief before moving to Comanche, Oklahoma where he attended high school, played football and was class president. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Hanson as the Captains secretary during the Korean Conflict. Buford met Donna Abbott on a blind date in Duncan, Oklahoma and two years later married her on his birthday, August 3, 1963 in Ardmore, Oklahoma which was the best birthday present ever. He graduated from Texas Wesleyann in 1960. Buford enjoyed fishing and working with his hands where he built beautiful things for their house like a pool decking, a barn and enlarging their home. He worked as a carpenter all throughout college. Buford was a field auditor for the IRS for 27 years before retiring. He received numerous awards from the IRS including the Albert Gallatin Award from the Department of Treasury which involved a federal case that had a national impact on the banking industry in regards to the IRS. Buford was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and never missed their games. Donna and Buford made their home in Mesquite, Texas for 45 years before following his daughter and grandsons to Lucas, Texas in 2005. He was a member of Greenville Oaks Church of Christ in Allen, Texas. His daughter and deceased son were his most sacred possessions. He was the most protective, encouraging, faithful, and loving father and husband, always reminding his daughter, Alysia to “use your head, baby.” Buford was able to enjoy the pleasures of raising little boys that he wasn’t able to have with his son Chris, through his three precious grandsons who he loved giving rides on the mower and watching them with pride at their school events or games.
Buford is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 56 years, Donna Gamblin of Lucas, Texas; daughter, Alysia Bobo and husband, Marvin; grandsons, Braxton Bobo, Bryce Bobo and Beckett Bobo all of Lucas, Texas; nephews, Christopher Gamblin of Pampa, Texas, Marshall Earl Gamblin of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Kory Gamblin of Pampa, Texas and Grant Gamblin of Dallas, Texas; great-nephew, Erik Gamblin of Coppell, Texas; cousins, Ann Montgomery Mangham of Greenville, Texas and Walter Duke of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and numerous other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Earl Gamblin; his parents, Clay and Mona Gamblin; and his brothers, Bill Gamblin and George Gamblin.
A Homecoming service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Cross Creek Ranch, 3406 Dublin Rd., Parker, Texas 75002. Buford’s favorite food will be served for all and the family would appreciate your RSVP.