Barbourville, Ky. – Jimmy Mavrick Gambrel, 29 days old, of Flat Lick, Kentucky, passed away Friday, August 22, 2025. Jimmy was the son of Billy Jimmy Ray Gambrel and Brittany Diane (Smith) Gambrel born to them July 24, 2025, in Middlesboro, Kentucky.
Gone to soon, Jimmy was a sweet, beautiful baby boy. His father remembers Jimmy as his best friend and cuddle buddy and affectionately referred to him as “Mr. Man”. Jimmy’s mother selected the following poem, author unknown, to express her sentiments about her son:
Your little hands so soft and still, I held them in my own, Whilst wishing we had more than just a handprint coming home.
I studied every nail and line and every inch of you, And cried for all the things your little hands would never do.
I’d never get to clean your hands, there’d be no messy play, I’d never see your fingers point to things you’d try to say.
I’d never hear the sound they’d make whilst splashing in the bath, Or how they’d cover up your lips whilst trying not to laugh.
I wish so much I could have taught you how to write your name, Or watched your little hands outstretched to play a catching game.
Your little hands would never feel a scrape or gain a scar, Nor would they play an instrument or learn to drive a car.
Your little hands, my little hands, forever left unchanging, No exploring, falling, climbing, drawing, and no ageing, My only wish for you and I is that we had more time, ‘Cause I could have spent forever with your little hands in mine.
Left behind to mourn Jimmy’s passing is his father Billy Jimmy Ray Gambrel and Mother Brittany Diane (Smith) Gambrel who loved Jimmy dearly; brothers Peyton McVey and Hunter Deaton; sisters Hannah Nicole Gambrel, Serenity Lynda Faith Deaton, and Haylee Jade Gambrel. A host of aunts, uncles, and other cherished family and friends also survive Jimmy.
The Gambrel family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM until the funeral hour of 3:00 PM. Brother Kenny Johnson will officiate. Musical tributes to be performed by Sarah Smith. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Hammons Cemetery at Flat Lick, Kentucky. Casket Bearers are Billy Jimmy Ray Gambrel and Jimmy Smith.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mr. Reid Brewer, Mr. Robin Reese, Mr. Steven Walker, Ms. Quinlynn Chrisco, Ms. Nicole Collins, and Mrs. Brenda Johnson, express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jimmy Mavrick Gambrel.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Jimmy Mavrick Gambrel.
