Raymond Dawson Gordon

Raymond was preceded by his wife, Virginia, father James David Gordon and mother Emma Key Seymour Gordon and his brothers, Robert Benjamin Gordon, James David Gordon Jr., and Claud Fish Gordon.

He is survived by: son Dave Gordon (Susan), son Alan Gordon (Briggitte), granddaughter Shelley Gordon (Stephen O’Sullivan), grandson Zack Gordon (Sandy), grandson Evan Gordon, grandson Riley Alcorn, granddaughter Kiley Gordon, great-grandson Jaxon Rodriguez, great-grandson Kolton O’Sullivan, great-granddaughter Sunny Gordon.

Raymond joined the United States Navy August 11, 1947, and served on the USS Orleck DD-886 Gearing-class Destroyer in the Korean War, he separated July 31, 1951. The USS Orleck can be visited at the Jacksonville Florida Naval Museum.

Words by great niece Aundrea Richardson

It's hard to sum up a man like Uncle Raymond. However, every time I think of him, I always think “Greatest Generation”. If you were to take all of the positive stereotypical traits, all of those best characteristics of men from that era… that was Uncle Raymond. He was that man who served honorably in defense of our nation, came home to work hard for an honest day’s wage, and then artfully wooed the perfect woman that he loved at first sight. (although, the way Aunt Virginia tells it, he finally wore her down) He was an honest and strong head of the household that worked hard to provide for a family he loved deeply. Now, it’s no secret that he had high standards and expected a high degree of self-discipline. He ran a tight ship! And if you ever did get in trouble, he had that tone in his voice that would make you want to snap to attention. Those of us kids that have ever tracked dirt on the floor or climbed on his car port at the house in Good Hope know exactly what I mean! But for as much as he expected out of someone, he gave back so much more. He always wanted the best for you, for you to be happy and successful in life. Anyone who walked through his door was welcomed with the warmest smile and biggest sense of excitement. He was always more than happy to share knowledge or take the time to teach you something new. He was also a very faithful servant of God. He was very proud to share his love of the Lord and have wonderful conversations about the Bible. One of my favorite things was to hear him pray, especially before supper. As with any loved one, there are countless anecdotes, almost too many to share. However, I know I would be remiss if I didn’t share two things to which almost every one of us can relate. First and foremost, anyone that knew Uncle Raymond for more than 5 minutes knew he was a huge prankster! He loved to pull your leg and try to make you laugh. Secondly, he would always tell people never to get a tattoo. I can remember my kids tracing his Navy tattoos with their fingers. We as kids were fascinated by them, especially the ones on his fingers (HOLD FAST), but he would always use them as a cautionary tale. He regretted them, but to us it’s part of what made him special and endearing. If you knew nothing else about this very interesting man, though, you knew he loved and respected his wife with every fiber of his being. Even after Dementia started taking its toll, he still sweetly took care of her when he could and showed her in his own way that his love was never wavering. Their love for each other was a master’s class in devotion. Their long life together was a blueprint for following God’s word and keeping Him first in your life. His life was definitely full and well lived. So, it is only fitting that I end this in the same way I ended Aunt Virginia’s obituary. If there is one thing he would want to come from this funeral, it would be for anyone here who does not know the Lord, to see this as a way to Him.

His funeral service will be held on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Ridout's Elmwood Chape with burial in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.