Gary Dean Gordon peacefully passed away at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center on November 6, 2019.
Gary was preceded in death by his loving mother Kathryn Elisabeth (Benner) Gordon, father Harold Allison Gordon, brothers Harold R. Gordon, Robert A. Gordon, his son, Steven Glenn Gordon and daughter-in-law, Tracy Leigh Gordon. Gary lost the love of his life, his wife of almost 60 years, Roxie Johns Gordon on September 22, 2018. He described Roxie as being a true angel. Gary often took opportunities to express to his family how proud he was of them and say “I Love You.”
Gary is survived by his son Dean Allison Gordon (Patricia Ann) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gary was born in Bellefonte, PA on October 3, 1937.
After graduating from Bellefonte H.S. in 1955, Gary served four years in the U.S. Air Force where he trained in heavy Ground Radar Systems. While serving in the USAF Gary met Roxie at Wimico Lodge in White City, FL and as the old saying goes it was love at first sight. Gary and Roxie attended First Baptist Church of White City where they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They each followed their profession of faith with baptism, Gary’s on November 30, 1958. Gary and Roxie married on December 12, 1958. During the following seven years they relocated to Port Saint Joe, Tarpon Springs and Fort Walton Beach. While deployed at Eglin Air Force Base, in part, Gary had a role in establishing the Eglin Test Range. Upon Honorable discharge from the military, Gary continued his career with Vitro Services for 22 years supporting the Eglin Test Range. He then completed his career with 16 years in Civil Service where he was responsible, in part, for numerous test facilities of the Eglin Test Range. During his career Gary’s education included graduating from O.W.J.C . (Associates of Arts 1971), U.W.F. (Bachelor’s of Science Cum Laude 1974), U.W.F. (Master’s of Science Systems Analysis 1980), Air Command and Staff College 1982, Air War College 1985, and taught nights as an Adjunct Professor of Systems Science/Analysis at U.W.F. 1981-1987. Upon retirement in 1998, Gary enjoyed woodcarving writing, painting and photographing local wildlife. He also enjoyed feeding and studying birds and taking care of the turtles in the pond at his house.
Each year Gary gave much joy to others during the Christmas Season, his favorite time of year, he decorated beautifully and created unique ornaments for his family and friends and presented them during Christmas gatherings.
Gary loved people and was dearly loved by many. Gary was very blessed with a good life. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life Gathering in Gary’s Memory will take place at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road, NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547 on Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Enjoy life while you have the opportunity. May God bless you all.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to your favorite charity.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gary Dean Gordon, please visit our Tree Store.