JAMES GORDON

Born March 28, 1938 on the ‘Kentucky side of Jellico’ Tn to the late Lela Belle Hamlin Gordon and George Washington Gordon, Carl was one of 6 children. He was preceded in death by an infant sister, Mary Ann, his parents, brother Harold Eugene, brother Billy Ray, and brother Loyd Houston.

During his formative years, he spent much time learning in a one room schoolhouse. He enjoyed being outdoors, surrounded by all God's creation. Sharp and inquisitive, Carl was twice double-promoted across grades. He graduated from Pleasant View High School at 16 and then enrolled in a teacher preparation program at Cumberland College. After his graduation at 18, he began his teaching career in a one room schoolhouse on Wolf Creek in Whitley County Kentucky. His career spanned over 3 decades, with the majority of his teaching in Ohio.

As an educator, Carl was fondly known as Mr. C. He taught thousands of 5th grade students at Clear Creek Local Schools in Springboro, Ohio. To quote a former student and author, Carl embodied the ‘Heart of a Panther’ and was ‘that teacher’ who played football, jumped double-dutch rope, swung on the monkey bars, played baseball, and any other sport with the students— typically, he was wearing a 3 pc suit and tie. He was a fiercely loyal fan of his ‘Boro Panthers and the Kentucky Wildcats. ‘Mr. C.’ was always a big kid at heart who truly loved everyone.

He was saved at young age at Boston Baptist Church in Lot, KY. He and the love of his life, Lena Partin Gordon, moved to Ohio after marrying in August of 1961. They soon became members of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Riverside where they raised their only daughter, Carla Sue. Carl was ordained as a deacon there. At the time of his death, Carl was a member of Beans Fork Baptist Church in Middlesboro, KY. Carl was a deacon and church treasurer for most of his adult life; he sang and prayed humbly with a sweet, tenor voice.

Left to mourn his passing are his loving family members: his wife of nearly 63 years, Lena (Partin) Gordon; daughter Carla Sue and her husband, Rev. Bobby Bennett; grandchildren, James Hayden Bennett and Sophia Caroline Bennett. Carl also leaves behind his brother Leroy Gordon, as well as sisters and brothers-in law: Vera, Jackie, Barbara, Irene, Lou, Lonnie, Sara, Jerry, and Louise, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Faith and family were the pillars of his life.

The family will receive friends Tuesday July 2 from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will take place at 11am Wednesday July 3 at the Green Hills Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bobby Bennett, Rev. Marty Bramble and Rev. A.Y. (Trae) Evans presiding. Music will be provided by Elizabeth Edwards, Neville Ann Barton, and Carl’s two grandchildren Hayden and Sophie. Interment services will be at Green Hills Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Carl’s friends, church family, and family members. Honorary pallbearers are Lonnie Partin, Jerry Hunley, ARH ICU nurses, his Bluegrass Care Navigators team, and the doctors at Pat Summitt/Summitt Medical. The family would like to recognize all of Mr. C’s former students and colleagues as honorary pallbearers, with a special thanks to Michael Bradstreet for his dedication to staying in touch over the years.

Green Hills Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. The family extends special thanks to Nelson and Hannah Bingham for their kind, thoughtful, and compassionate assistance during our time of bereavement. Thank you to our friends and church family who through their prayers and love have shown us great kindness over the years. We love you.

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