Mr. Gribble died Thursday, Oct. 2, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 10, 1943, to Russell and Thetus Gribble in Covington, Ky., where he was raised and educated. He served in the U.S. Air Force before enlisting in the U.S. Army for 20 years until his retirement as a first sergeant in 1984. His military awards include: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two OLC. Meritorious Service Medal with OLC, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal with Silver Clasp, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon with number two; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge.
He worked as a postal carrier for 18 years for the city of Temple; graduated from Central Texas College with a degree in criminal justice, served as a corporal for the Harker Heights Police Department; was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Kentucky for almost 20 years, was a member of the T.R.E.A., Purple Heart Association; ACR Association; Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 29; Retired Federal Employee Association; and was owner and crew chief of an International Motor Contest Association modified race car No. 27 that raced at the Texas Thunder Speedway.
Survivors include his wife, Eula E. Gribble of Killeen; two sons, Danny Gribble of Granger and John Allen of Killeen; three daughters, Paula Shannon of LaGrange, Ky., Dallas Nation of Grayson, La., and Sarah Allen of Killeen; a brother, Bob Gribble of Dry Ridge, Ky.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen.
