Gerald D. Gordon Jr.

Gerald was born in Memphis, TN as the only child to Bessie Gordon. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan by his mother and maternal grandmother, Amandia Crump, along with his uncle “Sonny” Crump (deceased) who was a few years older but a constant companion in Gerald’s young life.

Gerald was drafted into the military after graduating from Cass Technical High School. Shortly after returning home from the Army, he married and was blessed with the birth of his daughter, Michelle.

Gerald attended Michigan State University where he received a degree in mechanical engineering and computer science. He spent his early career working as a mechanical engineer before pursuing his passion for technology. He went on to have a rewarding career in IT for 30+ years as a software developer, software development manager, and information technology consultant.

Gerald met his best friend and love of his life, Rose Moorer, during a ski trip in 1992. They married two years later and spent the next 26 years working, traveling, and enjoying their life together.

Being a loner by nature, Gerald enjoyed solitary time tinkering with his computers. His love of technology often made living in the Gordon home quite interesting. Rose joked that she needed written directions to operate the lights and raise the window shades!

Gerald was an extraordinarily curious, vibrant, adventurous, and fun-loving man. His ever-present questioning and analysis were both engaging and infuriating. He also loved playing individual sports – especially tennis, golf, and ski-racing – that required technique and strategy rather than physical strength. His sense of humor was infectious, and he often shared wonderfully funny stories about how he convinced “risk-adverse” Rose to participate in his activities.

As his health began to decline and he could no longer perform the sports he loved, he adopted a new hobby – driving around in his convertible with the top down and flashing his trademark megawatt smile. Gerald’s beloved pets, Rudy and Jaxon kept his spirits high. It was not unusual to see one of the dogs curled up beside him. Gerald often pushed himself to get up twice a day to feed them regardless of how unwell he felt.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Rose Gordon; daughter, Michelle Wright; grandchildren, Marquan, Kieyanna, and DJ. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, in-laws, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Amandia Crump, his devoted mother, Bessie Gordon, two aunts – Beatrice Cutler and Ruth Martin, and his uncle Walter Crump (“Sonny”).