Willard Gambrel, 88, of Clarkston, MI passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He has gone home to his Lord and is at peace.

Willard was born on January 7, 1936 to Thomas and Bessie (Broughton) Gambrel in Pineville, Ky. He is survived by his children, Steven (Charlotte) Gambrel of Rochester Hills, MI.; Angela (Don) Baranski of Bellevue, MI., and Samon (Ed) Dion, Lewiston, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Scott Dion, Tiffany Dion, Matthew Gambrel, and Jennifer (Gambrel) Sinclair; and his beloved great-grandchildren, whom he greatly enjoyed seeing even during his last days.

He leaves behind his loving sister, Alene Glass of Cincinnati, Ohio, who said he was "the best brother a girl could have." He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Hazel and Cordianne, and two brothers, Thomas Jr. and James; he is predeceased by seven siblings.

Willard served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1959 and was deployed to Panama during this time. He worked for General Motors as a line worker for 30+ years until retirement. He enjoyed watching football and the news, talking about politics, and spending time with family. He remained interested in what was happening in the world even into his later years. He enjoyed growing flowers, especially beautiful tulips in the spring, and talking with his neighbors at his Clarkston home.

The family would like to thank Lisa Manier-Reeling for her time and care for Willard during his hospitalizations and stay in assisted living throughout the past few months. Your weekly visits brightened his days and your joy made things better for him.

Services are being handled by Coats Funeral Home of Waterford. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 29, 2024, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the service immediately following. There will be a procession to the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly for a military burial afterwards.