SFC Gerald Dale Gribler, US Army (Ret.), 87, of Blythewood, died on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Born February 3, 1937, in Portland, Oregon, he was a son of the late George Lewis Gribler and Ruby Regina From Gribler - Smith.

SFC Gribler grew up in the North Plains and the Hillsboro area of Oregon and joined the US Army at 17. He honorably served his country for more than 20 years. During his enlistment SFC Gribler received many commendations for his meritorious service to include the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Drill Sergeant Identification. Following his military career, SFC Gribler would enjoy 22 years in various positions of law enforcement throughout the Midlands. He was an officer for the City of Columbia Police Department, a Sergeant at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and Kirkland Correctional Institution, as well as Chief of Security for Columbia College. He was a member of the American Legion Post #303 and Vietnam Veterans of America. SFC Gribler attended both North Columbia Baptist Church and Spring Valley Baptist Church.

Survivors include his daughter, Melody Cooke-McDuffie and husband, Tony; grandchildren, Mallory Cooke Bell (Chris), Madison Cooke, Patrick McDuffie (Leslie), and Amanda McDuffie Baldwin (Raford); great grandchildren, Maddalyn Baldwin, Christina Baldwin, Henley McDuffie, Mariah Baldwin, Fitz Bell, and Babs Bell. He also leaves behind nieces, Iola Loftis (Don), Penny Thompsen, and Lindy Kuehnl (Paul). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Jimmie Lou Folsom Gribler; brothers, Leonard Gribler and Roy Gribler, as well as niece and her husband, Shirley Jacques (Ron).

The funeral service for SFC Gribler will be held at 3 pm, Thursday, March 21 at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC 29223 with Rev. Blake Jenkins and Rev. Dr. Jerry Sosebee officiating. A private entombment with full military honors will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends prior to the service in the church sanctuary beginning at 2 pm.

Memorials may be made to Spring Valley Baptist Church Music Ministry Fund.