JAMES EDWARD GORDON

James Edward “Ed” Gordon, age 95, of Salem, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, July 7, 2019.  Ed was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served his country during WWII in the Pacific theater.  He was a contractor by trade, having owned several businesses in the Roanoke Valley.  He was a charter member of West Salem Baptist Church where he faithfully attended, served and worshipped for the last 70 years.  His life was a model of the love of Christ, seeking to serve rather than be served.  He genuinely cared for many families, friends and strangers, seeking always to give glory to God.  Those who had the privilege of knowing him have all been beneficiaries of his kind, gentle, and generous heart.  May God be praised in the life of His humble servant.  

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Gordon; son, Lee Gordon; parents, Luther and Lula Gordon; brothers, Earl, Earnest, Everett, Raymond, Carl and Marvin Gordon; sisters, Lilly Bolt, Ethel Haygood and Thelma Messer.

Surviving are his two sons, Richard Gordon (Maggie Widener), and Les Carpenito (Suzanne); daughter-in-law, Patty Gordon, all of Salem; seven grandchildren, Randy Gordon (Laurie), Kevin Gordon (Julie Ashman), Michelle Bloom (Greg), Jason Pierce (Judie), Jordon Pierce (Lydia), all of Salem; Derek Gordon (Sheila), Hardy, VA., Brandy Davis (Shawn), Roanoke; a very special great-granddaughter, Kenzie Watkins, Salem; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Frank (Christine) Gordon, Montvale, VA.; sister, Bernice Smith, Lititz, PA; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

The family would like to thank everyone for their visits, prayers, thoughts and many acts of kindness and support.  Your love for Ed and for us has been very much appreciated.

A celebration of his life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2019 at West Salem Baptist Church, Salem, with Rev. Nick Shaffer, Rev. Derek Gordon and Rev. Brian Gordon officiating.  Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park.  Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at West Salem Baptist Church, 500 Turner Road, Salem, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Rd., Virginia Beach, VA  23453

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