Gregory Gordon Caldwell

Born Oct 5, 1962

Died June 23, 2024 in Austin TX

Preceded in death by his beloved parents Jerry and Jean Caldwell. Survived by his son Weston Tull Caldwell, Shelia Byrd Caldwell (former spouse and mother of their son), sister Kimberly Anne Caldwell and her husband, Joel E Rogers. He will be missed by his aunt Kaye Arnold and cousins James and Drew Arnold.

Gordon was a native son of Houston, Texas who grew up in Nashville, Tennessee.

He was a man of contrasts. The existential thinker who regularly assembled with many different circles of loyal friends or gathered together distant family members.

His creative soul and inquisitive mind made him a seeker. Expressing himself with a compelling take on most topics, Gordon preferred a deep dive over small talk. He could cleverly turn a phrase for a song or an ad. He was a self-taught musician, in lifelong pursuit of rock n roll.

He was spiritually curious with affinity and respect for Native American and Christian traditions.

Studying political science, making music, and writing, he pursued them all professionally; as a lobbyist after graduation from Middle Tennessee University, taking a staff position with Governor Don Sundquist, developing into a sales and marketing strategist, a musician/songwriter, account executive, and entrepreneur.

Admiring beauty in the natural world found him constantly in the creek as a boy, adventuring as a young adult working on barges in the Mississippi River, taking road trips to deserts, beaches and woods. He became wholly comfortable “roughing it” or in an executive meeting making a pitch.

He often lifted up coworkers, clients, friends and family, encouraging the pursuit of their dreams with some good advice, a plan of action or some sweat equity.

As much as Gordon exerted willful independence, he wanted to be a family man. He married his match. As a new father himself, he shared in caretaking for his parents and father-in-law for a decade. His intense love and pride for his home and family settled his restless spirit for a time.

At a fork on the path of his life, he chose a hard road. Our laws and culture made that road even harder, but he kept walking. Revisiting the places that were touch points for the best of times.

And at the end grace found him, gave him a friend, made him comfortable, and took him home.

Gordon’s gift was making a strong impression and making strong connections. Anyone who knew him feels some kind of loss without him. Despite the pleasure and pains Gordon brought to this life, he brought them in equal measure.

He gave all he could to this life. What else would we have expected from a Libra?