Eddie Don Gambrell was born on November 24, 1951 to Christine Robertson Gambrell and Marcus Eugene (Gene) Gambrell, Sr., in Lawrenceburg, TN.
Eddie attended New Prospect Elementary School and graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1969. Eddie then attended Columbia State Community College in Columbia while working at Roses Department Store. After 2 years of college in Columbia, he went on to further his business education at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, TN. Upon graduation he moved to Greenville, SC and worked with Roses in that location, later working to help phase out and close the stores there as well as the closing of several K-Mart stores. He purchased a bread route through Pepperidge Farm Breads, and he ran a route in the surrounding area acquiring the name Eddo or the breadman. After selling his route, he retired and relocated to Greer, SC.
Eddie was known for his hardworking nature, quiet strength, and dedication to family and friends. Loved ones will remember him for his kindness, sense of humor, and willingness to help others. Throughout his life, he built lasting friendships and touched many lives through his genuine spirit.
Eddie passed away suddenly on Friday afternoon, May 29, 2026, at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his parents Christine and Gene Gambrell, a brother Marcus Eugene Gambrell, Jr, a sister Deborah Kaye Gambrell, maternal grandparents Mary Springer Robertson and Willie Lewis Robertson, paternal grandparents Mary Caperton Gambrell and Talmadge Gambrell, brothers-in-law Billy Harold Belew and James Michael Cathey.
He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Cathey of Madison AL. Eddie never married or had any children of his own, but he is survived by one niece and three nephews of whom he loved dearly: Christy Belew, Chattanooga, TN, Kenny Belew, Bristol, TN, Michael Belew, Phenix City, AL, and Jonathan Belew (Jen), Bellevue, NE. He is also survived by three great nieces: Karley Goolsby (Eric), Kensey Steelman and Olivia Belew, as well as three great nephews Hudson Belew, Owen Belew and Xander Pascal and one great-great nephew Ledger Goolsby, two step nieces: Dovie MacPherson (Gus), Jamie Davis (Josh) and their children.
Eddie leaves behind some very special friends, who were very much like family to him, that brought much joy into his life and will miss him dearly – Robin and Beth Hughes, Sturgis, SD (formerly Greenville SC), and Wes and Karen Powell.
Eddie was a faithful member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church.
The family appreciates all the prayers, support, and expressions of sympathy during this difficult time. Eddie’s memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the love he shared with those around him.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at Bethlehem Baptist Church at 2:00 PM Sunday, June 14, 2026, with Jerry Robbins and James Prince officiating. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Westpoint, TN.
