Deacon Eddie Lee Gordon Jr.

Eddie Lee Gordon Jr., entered into eternal rest at the age of 96 on June 22, 2023, in Livermore, California. Born in the humble town of Quitman, Mississippi, on September 26, 1926, Eddie was a beacon of courage, intelligence, and generosity.

Eddie received his early education in Lumberton, Mississippi, where he was baptized in a creek at an early age. His spiritual journey continued to be a guiding force in his life. After serving in the United States Marines Corps during World War II, he was honorably discharged in 1946. His courage and dedication to his country were a testament to his character.

Eddie was a man of many talents and passions. He was the proud owner of Gordon Fish Market in San Francisco for several years, providing the community with fresh seafood and warm smiles. He later launched Gordon's Building Maintenance and served the community for over 20 years before retiring. His final professional venture was with Kaiser Construction, from where he retired before relocating to Manteca, CA.

Eddie's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He served as a Deacon at St. Mark Baptist Church, working in the finance department for many years. Later in 2009, he joined the Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles R. Evins Sr. Eddie's love for the Lord was evident in his service to his church and community.

Eddie's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. He was famous for his homemade ice cream and collard greens, a testament to his love for cooking. His love for fishing and music was only surpassed by the joy he found in spending time with his family. He would wake his children up early Saturday morning playing music by Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis and other Jazz musicians. Eddie loved road trips and after his retirement he purchased an RV and took his family on many adventurous. He also loved vintage cars and owned several.  Eddie had a passion for cloths and loved dressing up and looking good, and that he did. One of his favorite says was “I could show you better that I could tell you”. He was also a proud member of the Masonic and Shriners organizations.

Eddie was blessed with a large and loving family. He was first married to Mattie Taylor in 1949, from their union four children were born: Joyce, June, Jocelyn, and Eddie III. He later married Rosie Rice in San Francisco, CA in 1979. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, ten of his eleven siblings, his son-in-law Anthony R. LeBlanc, his niece, Evelyn (Baby Ruth), his first wife Mattie, his grandson, Xavier Cook, his son Eddie III, and his second wife Rosie. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, Joyce, June (Raymond Sr.), and Jocelyn, his step-children Leon, Samuel, Juel, and Gloria (Larnell) Madison, his sole surviving sister, Wilba Lewis of Pacifica, 7 grandchildren, Jeporia, Joealisa, Raymond Jr., Edward, Nicholas, Anthony II, Marcus, 10 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Brother Eddie measured up to be a giant of a man, always standing firm in the face of challenges and controversies. We can be assured that he is now resting in the arms of our Lord Jesus “Where he is now showing us what he’s been telling us”.

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