Carl Joe Gamble

Carl Joe Gamble had a passion for people, providing service, and being dependable.

Carl was born May 5, 1952 in Jacksonville, FL to Ulysses Rapley and Alpertine Gamble, who both proceeded him in death. Carl received his early education in the Duval County Public Schools having graduated in 1971 from New Stanton Senior High School. He was a member of Cherry Street church of Christ and a SHAD of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Nu Chapter.

Prior to a severe stroke in 2016, Carl enjoyed music and dancing, was an avid fisherman, an entrepreneur, and owner of Carl’s Main St. Restaurant located in Historic Springfield at 1748 North Main St. The restaurant was Carl’s passion as he served the community of Jacksonville for 19 years. The restaurant expanded in 2005 to include the Banquet Room, a venue for jazz entertainment and art appreciation events, and for hosting private parties, class reunions, weddings, and receptions. Yes, Carl’s Main St. Restaurant and Banquet Room fulfilled his dream and mission to provide a place for people to enjoy GOOD FOOD, in a relaxed and homelike atmosphere, where everyone felt---and was---special!

Carl’s compassion extended especially to the senior and homeless populations of the community, which he provided free and discount restaurant pricing to ensure that this group of people would have a nutritious meal. Very often free meals were given to the homeless in exchange for simple work; i.e., washing windows, sweeping floors or sweeping the sidewalk. Carl believed, and demonstrated, that a person should always work when he/she is capable to do so. 

Carl touched the lives of many through his participation with the Clara White Mission during the organization’s community feeding events. He served as private chef for well-known celebrities that performed at the Ritz Theatre including B.B. King, Kim Waters, Dianne Reeves, and Esperanza Spalding.

Carl is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Nola, as they were together for 25 years; loving daughter, Carlisha L. Gamble; brothers, Ulysses Gamble, Curtis Gamble, and Franklin D. Rapley; sisters-in-law, Mary Chickel and Mamie Rapley; brothers-in-law, Bruce Tyson, Eddie Chance (Rosalee), and Lamar Tyson (Stacey); and, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, friends and neighbors.

Sarah L. Carter’s Funeral Home Northside is serving the family.

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