Charles F. Gamel

January 28, 1935 - April 27, 2020

Charles Franklin Gamel, 85, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was called home to Heaven on April 27, 2020, to live forevermore with his Savior and Redeemer, Christ the Lord! In God’s time, Charles will be reunited with his loved ones who remain here including: his loving wife of almost 55 years, Mildred Thomas Gamel; his daughter Leigh Keller (Wates) of Marietta, Georgia; his son Eric Gamel (Cindy) of Dallas, Georgia; his son Jason Gamel (Kim) of Ringgold, Georgia; five grandchildren, William Keller, Thomas Keller, Lily Gamel, Alexis Gamel, and Grace Gamel; his sister Glenda Innes (Steve) of Kennesaw, Georgia; many more precious family members; and thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ who were dear to his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Grace Gamel and two sisters, Brenda Jane and Florence Gelene. Charles graduated from Dallas High School, Class of 1953, and was an alumnus of West Georgia College. Charles was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He worked many years at Lockheed and Gulf Oil before moving to the Department of Housing and Urban Development where he retired in 1997. Charles came to know the Lord at a young age at Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, and he shared his testimony often. He later married his forever sweetheart, Mildred, and they raised their family at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church in Powder Springs where Charles was known for leading the congregation in hymns during Sunday evening worship services. He boldly exclaimed the gospel of Christ through song for many years. The joy in his heart was audible, visible, and contagious! A few of his many favorite hymns were I’ll Fly Away (Hallelujah, by and by); Love Lifted Me (All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I cling); and What a Day that Will Be (When my Jesus I shall see). As many know, his most favorite hymn was Victory in Jesus...Oh, Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever! We can imagine him now singing the song of victory in the heavenly choir! Charles was a man of faith. He lived life beautifully as he trusted God. He was a gentle and joyful man who truly loved to laugh, sing, and fellowship. He loved his family and admired his beautiful wife beyond words. Charles had a heart for people. He never considered meeting someone as just an opportunity to simply exchange pleasantries. To Charles, meeting a stranger meant having the opportunity to make a lifelong friend whom he would always remember. As he grew older, he remembered faces and names that many half his age would have difficulty recalling, because to him, they were not just faces, they were dear friends whom he loved and prayed for often, regardless of whether they met once or many times. He truly touched so many lives and prayed fervently for others. Charles loved telling people about Jesus; saying “I love you” to Mildred; hugging his children and grandchildren; and talking about memories of his loved ones whom he is now reunited with around the throne. He faithfully served at his church and camp meetings. He looked forward to going on his annual trip to Rock Eagle Men’s Retreat where he worshipped with wonderful men of God, many of whom he personally invited year after year. He always enjoyed fellowship and laughter with his family and friends, preferably around a table filled with good food and pecan pie! His pastimes consisted of enjoying ballgames with his family, especially rooting on the hometown McEachern Indians, Braves, Falcons, Hawks, and Yellow Jackets. Charles glorified God and loved the Lord with all his heart, all his soul, and all his might. He was a strong, humble, and courageous man. He studied the Bible with devotion and lifted others up in love. He modeled the love of Christ daily. He was known for his gentle kindness and ability to find joy in everything. We give thanks for his love, faith, and grace. Until we meet again, let us remember Charles’ legacy and love one another fiercely, sing loudly, pray faithfully and claim Victory in Jesus! The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to all for the outpouring of love and sympathy. We look forward to visiting with each of you during a celebration of life service, which will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, Charles Gamel Memorial - UMM Retreat. Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Powder Springs is handling arrangements. Our loss is truly heaven’s gain. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31