Frank Francis Gordon, Sr.

Frank Francis Gordon, Sr., age 94, of Hendersonville, NC passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at his home, after succumbing to heart and kidney failure, COPD, and Prostate Cancer. He had been in hospice care since 2020.

Frank was the second son of the late Ed and Dora Davis Gordon, and was raised in Saluda, NC. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his devoted and loving wife of 65 years, Iris Metcalf Gordon, who died in 2015. They were married in September 1950, but were soon parted when Frank left to serve his country in the US Army during the Korean War. Frank served as a motor pool sergeant in 2^nd Army, 194^th Engineer Combat Battalion. He stood tall and represented his country and was awarded 2 Bronze Stars. Thankfully he returned home safely and together, he and Iris raised 4 children. The family lived in Saluda until moving to Hendersonville in 1974.

Because Frank was a survivor of The Great Depression, he could do anything he put his mind to and was resolute in his determination to overcome any obstacle. He was a jack of all trades and was always logical in his approaches to problem solving. A gifted carpenter, Frank assisted with the construction of several homes in Mountain Page, NC.  He built his first house and had it paid for by the time he was age 23.  Frank’s blue eyes would sparkle when he told a joke, which he delighted in doing. He could remember things with minute detail. He had seen so much in his lifetime and was so wise.  Family sought out his advice.  Frank’s character was impeccable. He loved his family and was a caring and devoted father.  He was lovingly known by many names, including Daddy, Dad, Pop, Poppa, The Ole Man, and Uncle Frank.

Frank worked in the development shop and in maintenance at General Electric, in Flat Rock, NC, until he retired in 1985. Frank jokingly explained that his reason for installing a driveway gate after he retired was to keep his Ford Bronco from going to GE without him.

Frank was also predeceased by 6 of his siblings (5 of their spouses), Oscar (Doris) Gordon, Ruth (Tom) Ledbetter, Mildred (Max) Ward, Walter (Sharon) Gordon, Paul (Frances) Gordon, and Eddie Gordon, 2 daughter-in-laws, Kathy Rice Gordon, and Jean Stanton Gordon, and a great-great grandchild, Asher Belt.

Frank is survived by his 3 sons Frank Gordon, Jr. (Judy) of Easley, SC, Tony “Randy” “Flash” Gordon (Lois), of Dana, Dennis Gordon (Melody) of Hendersonville, and daughter Beverley Lynn Bunch (“Chuck”) of Dana.  He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Johnny, Julie, Natalie, and Andrew (April); 5 great-grandchildren, Destinie (Vic), Vicki (Austin), Mikala (Darrius), Daniel, and Analise; 4 great-great-grandchildren, Amane, AJ, Blair, and Bryson; his sister and brother-in-law, Martha and McRee Revis, and sister-in-laws Ann Gordon and Carolyn Metcalf. He was also blessed with so many special nieces and nephews, whom he loved and appreciated so much.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Shuler Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, at Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Saluda, with Reverend Zollie Ward officiating.  Burial will follow at Grace Missionary Baptist Cemetery.

Because some family members are immunocompromised, the family respectfully requests that masks be worn.

Flowers are appreciated but donations in Frank’s name may be made instead to Grace Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 898, Saluda NC 28773, or to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731.

His family would like to express thanks to Dr. Tryon, Mountain Home Fire Department, and Four Seasons Hospice, with special thanks to RN Roxann Hanson-Murdock.

“I’ve gone to see Jesus and be with my wife, Iris.”