Peggy Gayle (DeHay) Gamblin was born in Brownwood, Texas, to Ward and Mildred DeHay on August 30, 1943, just months before her father was KIA in WWII. She was raised in Brownwood and attended school in Early, Texas where she graduated High School in 1961. Peggy earned her bachelor’s degree at Howard Payne University and her master’s degree at Tarleton State University. While in undergraduate college she met the love of her life, Billy Edward Gamblin. Peggy and Billy were married on August 29, 1964, in Brownwood.
Peggy’s lifelong passion for education led her to a 39-year career in teaching. She began her journey at Cherokee, Texas where she taught for two years before moving to Bangs where she taught in High School for a short while then becoming an icon as a 3rd Grade teacher for three decades. She impacted countless lives and claimed to “bleed green” as a Bangs Dragon.
Peggy is survived by sons Ricky Gamblin (wife Re’Genna) of Bangs, Texas, and William “Billy” Gamblin (wife Kelly) of Jonestown, Texas, as well as by her daughter Bunny Gamblin Keeney of Bangs and Jimmie Carol Gamblin of Brownwood Texas. Peggy’s life was filled with nine grandchildren including Heather Thompson (husband Chris) of Bangs; Caleb Gamblin (wife Jessica) of Bangs; Dustin Gamblin of Brownwood; Locke Gamblin (wife Emily) of Orlando, Florida; Cameron Carter of Birkenfeld, Oregon; Matthew Carter of Austin; Cooper Gamblin of Round Rock; Meagan Gamblin of Pflugerville; and Avery Gamblin of Jonestown.
Peggy is also survived by her brother Rick Kelley (wife Mary Ann) of Marion, Illinois; brother Mark Kelley (wife Debbie) of Midway, Arkansas; sister Sheila Orwat (husband Ray) of Lakeview, Arkansas; three step grandsons; and six great grandchildren.
Peggy is proceeded in death by her husband, Billy Gamblin; son, Lonnie Gamblin; father, Ward DeHay; mother, Mildred Kelly; sister, Kimberly Malizia; Uncle Joe Garmon and Aunt Ima Gene Garmon.
Peggy was a lifetime member of the Zeta Omega chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and a member of the Bangs Eastern Star. Peggy was also an active member of the Bangs women’s club while it was meeting, and a long-time participant in the Bangs Bunco Babes. She was a member of the first Baptist Church. Peggy’s favorite past times were watching sports and piecing quilts, making many for family and friends.
In lieu of flower a memorial contribution can be made to St. Judes in Mrs. Gamblin’s name. The Gamblin family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to Pecan Bayou Nursing and Rehabilitation and Dr. Amy Tindol for the extended care Peggy received.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, August 13th at Heritage Funeral Home Davis Morris Chapel in Brownwood, Texas.
A service, and a celebration of life for Peggy (and Billy Gamblin) will be held on Sunday, August 14th at 3:00 pm at Heritage Funeral Home Davis Morris Chapel with burial to follow at Cowboy Cemetery (McCulloch County).
Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home Davis Morris Chapel.
