Known to most as Gordon, to a few as Dad, and to his most favorite group as Granddad, Gordon lived a remarkable life as a distinguished southern gentleman.
If it was broken - he would fix it, if it could be sold - he would sell it, if it was a problem - he would solve it. These were traits he honed from an early age living in the hills of East Tennessee.
His family hailed from Little Cataloochee, North Carolina, an area eventually becoming part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is a place he knew well and would often visit every year.
He served his country through the United States Army. His involvement in the community is evidenced by serving as a deacon with the Donelson Free Will Baptist Church and being one of the original board members founding the Donelson Christian School (eventually becoming Donelson Christian Academy). Throughout his life he generously provided for his family and mentored his children.
Gordon enjoyed a story with a great punch line. An especially gifted speaker and wordsmith, he enjoyed infusing humor into his speeches. As a member of Toastmasters International he would hold his audiences spellbound when delivering keynote speeches or introducing speakers.
He attended Tennessee Technological University and graduated with high honors in Industrial Engineering. At Aladdin Industries he designed, developed, and implemented folding containers. His last and best tenure was directing The Bailey Company for over 40 years. During his time as President of The Bailey Company, he oversaw expansions into several key regional markets. After 58 years of successfully achieving goal after goal, Gordon retired at the young age of 80.
As a young man he was said to be sharp as a tack. That is exactly the way he left this world aged 92 years. His legacy is enduring and moving.
Preparing for his grand arrival in heaven was his wife of over 40 years, Lois Morrow.
He is survived by Carla Nixon, Buddy Morrow (Karen Krattinger), Maria Murdock (Mike), Alisa Burton (Scot), Melissa Maynard (Wes). Grandchildren: Lindsey (Matthew), Blake (Alex), Allison, Carter (Jeena), Davis (Rachel), Reid, Joseph, Daniel. Great Grandchildren: JB, Ellie, Carter, Mattie, Jackson
Pallbearers for Gordon are his grandsons: Blake Morrow, Carter High, Davis Murdock, Reid Murdock, Daniel Nixon, Joseph Nixon, and “those boys his daughters drug home” Scot Burton and Mike Murdock.
Honorary Pallbearers: Tim Pellegram, Bill Sweeney, Gary McIntyre, Robert McBride, Nathan Hepburn, Joe Holbrook
Graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday April 11, 2023 at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
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