Dr. Ralph C. Gamble Jr., 66 and long-time professor of Economics at¬ Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, passed away on August 2,¬ 2008.¬  He recently retired and relocated to Gig Harbor, Washington to¬ be close to his daughter, her husband and expected first grandchild.

Dr. Gamble was born November 3, 1941¬ in Ft. Smith, Arkansas to Ralph and Eloise Gamble¬ and attended Spiro, Oklahoma schools, where he graduated in 1959.¬ ¬ 

During high school and for the next 20 years, his passion was music.¬ ¬ 

He toured with his band, "Bee Bumble and the Stingers" and recorded¬ an early rock classic, "Bumble Boogie" and had a hit record when¬ touring England.

He married Loretta House of Sallisaw, Oklahoma in December, 1965 and¬ shortly after the birth of his daughter Adria, he retired from the¬ music world to enter the world of education, completing his Ph.D. in¬ Economics at Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Gamble had a long and distinguished career teaching, writing,¬ publishing, and consulting in the field of economics. He was a true¬ Renaissance man of many talents including recreational pilot,¬ novelist, musician, and art apprecianado.

He was preceded in death by his wife Loretta, his father, Ralph C.¬ Gamble, and his brother, Todd Gamble. He is survived by his daughter¬ Adria and her husband Derek Hanson of Gig Harbor, Washington; his¬ mother Eloise Gamble of Ft. Smith, Arkansas;¬  three sisters- Kiawana¬ Altman of San Jose, California, Gayle Schardt of Norman, Oklahoma and¬ Terry Norris of London, England.¬ Two brothers- Dan Gamble, Miami, Oklahoma and Lincoln Gamble, Ft. Smith, Arkansas; one aunt, Maxine Taylor, Ft. Smith AR; Several nieces and nephews and many friends.

He was a Christian man strong in his faith, loving son, brother,¬ father and friend who will be sorely missed, but always remembered. Per his request, he will be laid to rest with a private family¬ graveside service.¬  Arrangements are under the direction of Mallory-Martin Funeral Home¬ in Spiro, Oklahoma.