Michael Devernia Gamble was born August 22, 1958 to Ann E. Gamble Toms, and is the eldest of her four children. He was raised on Wood St. by his grandparents, Gladys and Devernia Gamble and his mother, Ann.

Mike attended and graduated from Booker T Washington High School. During his youth, he also enjoyed playing recreational basketball and baseball. He was so talented that he played a key role on the first state championship basketball team for Booker T Washington High School as the starting point guard in 1975-76.

He is survived by his mother and three siblings, Reginald, William, and Kimberly. He was an amazing father to his only child Sidnee A Jackson, and grandfather to her two daughters Soraya and Laila Jackson.