Tribute to a Real Rural Leader - Wilbur T. Gamble, Jr.

Wilbur T. Gamble, Jr. - September 13, 1934 – January 10, 2025

Wilbur Gamble, Jr. was a giant among rural Georgia leaders.  Born September 13, 1934, in the Sardis community of Terrell County, Georgia, Wilbur lived a rich life of more than 90 years, never living more than a mile from his birthplace in rural Terrell County and finding his final resting place less than a mile from home and surrounded by farmland.

While Mr. Gamble’s personal community was small, his community of service was immeasurably large.  He was a lifetime farmer and graduate of Georgia Southwestern College. He served 12 years in the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He served 48 years as Chairman of the Terrell County Commission, the longest-serving County Commission Chairman in the history of Georgia.  During those 48 years, he never missed a regular monthly meeting - 576 consecutive meetings. He ran for re-election 12 times, 9 times opposed, and only one opponent ever received more than 40 % of the vote. 

He was Chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission from 1985 until 1996 and served on the board for 23 years. He also served as Chairman of the National Peanut Commission. Traveling to more than 80 countries, he promoted Georgia peanuts worldwide.  He was affectionately referred to in the international community as the Peanut Man.

He was a friend and servant to many, once the subject of an hour-long interview on the TV show 60 Minutes. He testified before Congress many times and was a friend to agricultural power brokers at the state and federal levels.

He was a devoted member of Parrott Baptist Church for over 70 years. He was on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Dawson and long-time past President of the Dawson Country Club. He held season tickets to Georgia Bulldog football for 50 years where he promoted Georgia agriculture by handing out peanuts at games.

More than anything else he remained to the end committed entirely to Terrell County, to Georgia, and to American agriculture.  

He is survived by Lila, his wife of nearly 70 years, two children, and two grandchildren. 

We salute this true public servant.

Published January 26, 2025, written by Dr. David C. Bridges