Bruce W Gobbell

Bruce Willard Gobbell, faithful minister, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 in Columbia Tennessee. A memorial service will be held on November 3, 2013, at 3 p.m. at the Harris Co. church of Christ in Cataula, Georgia, Jerry Noblin officiating. There will be a period of fellowship following the service. Bruce was born in Wayne County Tennessee on June 22, 1932 to William Riley and Laura B. (Poag) Gobbell. He was 81 years young. Bruce attended Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee and was a minister of the gospel for 61 years. He lived and preached in various places including Arkansas, Missouri, Florida and Georgia. He moved to Georgia in 1975 and preached for the Torch Hill Road church of Christ while working and preaching for many Georgia counties in the surrounding areas before moving to Harris County and preaching for the church in Cataula. Bro. Ralph Henley worked for many years, prior his death, spreading the gospel in Georgia and was instrumental in Bruce's move to Georgia. Bruce was supported by the Graymere church of Christ in Columbia Tennessee for 19 years doing mission work in Georgia. Through this association Bruce became friends with John Vaughan which led to a trip to India on mission work. He was married to his sweetheart, Betty Jean (Noblin) Gobbell for 60 years. Including Betty, he is survived by four children; Debra (Johnny) Steele of Columbia Tennessee, Bruce Wayne Gobbell (Debra Fincher) of Columbus Georgia, Laura (Steve) Keehn of Columbus Georgia and William Bradly (Stephanie) Gobbell of Cataula Georgia. Bruce & Betty have eleven grandchildren; Jonathan Steele, Jessica (Todd) Baker, Maranda (Jarod) Price, Drew (Lexi) Keehn, Jennifer (John) Tabler, Steven (Maria) Keehn, Ben Steele, Nichole Gobbell, Beth Keehn, Kelsey Gobbell and Natalie Gobbell. They were also blessed with six great-grandchildren; Landon, Jason, Tyler, Mackenzie, Alayna and Leah. Bruce was very proud of each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bruce is survived by three brothers; Roy Gobbell of Toledo Ohio, Charles (Jan) Gobbell of Trumann Arkansas and William Riley (Karen) Gobbell II of Sacramento California and many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family has requested that memorials be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Cusseta Road church of Christ 3013 Cusseta Rd, Columbus Georgia 31903. Please earmark your memorial "in memory of Bruce Gobbell for the Know your Bible program". Bruce was very active for many years recording Know your Bible and wanted this work to continue spreading the gospel. Bruce was loved by many. The family has created an email address for any stories or comments you would like to share with us: bruce.gobbellstories@yahoo.com Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with local announcements and condolences may be offered online at www.oakesandnichols.com.