Harry Gordon

  On Thursday January 7, 2021, Harry Gordon, loving husband and father of two sons, passed away from an extended illness at the age of 78, in his hometown of Statham, GA. Harry was born July 7, 1942, he and his family were lifelong residents of Barrow County.

  Harry was preceded in death by his father, Noble Watson Gordon, mother, Ruth Dooley Gordon, and younger brother, Charles Gordon (2010). He has one living aunt and uncle, Rosie and Leon Pass, from Statham, GA, who have loved and supported him since his birth.

 Harry attended grade school in Statham and graduated from Winder Barrow High School in 1960.  He may have only had a high school education, but he was extremely smart. He loved to read, and to apply his skills of designing and building to anything he put his mind to. He learned at an early age to play the guitar (self-taught), then many additional instruments through his lifetime. The fiddle was one of the hardest that he was learning to play before his sickness took over. He loved each music genres and would play them all. Some of his favorites were The Adventures, Rare Earth, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Cash, Floyd Cramer, Don Williams, Flatt and Scruggs, Ricky Scaggs, Southern Gospel and any bluegrass., One of his all-time favorites was John Denver’s, “Country Roads.” One of the things he loved most about music, was getting together with family and friends for a jam session, whether at his house, family reunions, Winder Church of GOD, anywhere people could gather. Harry loved playing chess and checkers with his late brother, Charles Gordon, and uncle, Leon Pass. They traveled all over North Georgia to play with other groups. His sons can recall being with him while playing in front of the Barrow County Courthouse several times. Harry also enjoyed riding and racing motorcycles, playing basketball or ping pong, and he most enjoyed playing golf. One of the lessons he preached about life was, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right the first time”. He applied this to everything he did throughout his lifetime. Harry enjoyed going to the mountains looking at waterfalls, driving around the scenic roads of Georgia, Tennessee. And North Carolina. with his parents, his wife, Betty Gordon, and other family members.

  Harry and Betty met through his family relatives Pat and Doug McDaniel. They dated for some time and were married on 6/15/1963. They were married for 57 years. Harry always enjoyed having family and friends over for game nights, cookouts, etc. He also enjoyed deer hunting with family and friends. One of the funniest memories his mother, Ruth Gordon, would share with the family was that she would give him a hard time about not shooting a deer, after being gone all weekend hunting, when there were plenty of deer eating up their garden.

  Harry grew up farming, helping to plant gardens for the wintertime food supply, picking cotton, and helping with the hog and chicken farm. For anyone farming, you understand the term hard work. He never backed down from hard work. After graduating high school, he was blessed to be able to start working at General Motors in Doraville, GA in 1963 and retired after 44 years of service in 2007. He passed down all that he learned over the years to his sons, Steve and Randy Gordon. One of the greatest traits he had was his love for his family, he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.  He truly loved helping others, serving in the Church, playing with his grandkids and great grandkids, etc.

  Harry will truly be missed by so many, we were blessed to have him in our lives. We know we will see you again in heave. We knew the next light you would see, from the second you breathed your last breath, would be you entering the gates of Heaven. You gave your time, monies, your talents (ie: playing your instruments), and served as a Charter member at the Winder Church of GOD. The family will always love and will miss you.

  Harry Gordon was survived by his loving family. Wife, Betty Anderson Gordon, two sons and their wives, Steve & Connie Gordon, and Randy & Marsha Gordon. His grandchildren, Amanda Gordon, Christopher Gordon, Emily Dixon (Greg), Tiffany Balli (Sonova), and Joshua Gordon. His great grandchildren, Brailynn Proud, Oliver Gordon, and Katherine Ann Dixon. Sister-in-laws, Donnis Gordon, Pat Bowen, Sheila Miller and Gail Harbin, plus several nieces and nephews.

  Unfortunately, no funeral service was held due to the major health concerns around the COVID-19 virus. Depending on time and health conditions, the family will plan a celebration of life memorial service in the future (details to be determined). Betty has requested that in lieu of sending flowers, if you would like, please make a donation to the New Life Worship Center (1914 Railroad St.  Statham Ga. 30666).

The family also would like to thank you for all your prayers, love and support during this time!! May GOD bless each of you.    Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.