Sentator Carl Gordon Jr.
OKOLONA – Longtime State Senator Carl J. "Jack" Gordon Jr., 66, died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at home with his family. He was a lifelong member of Okolona First Baptist Church. As the second longest serving legislator he served 36 years, eight in the House of Representatives and 28 in the State Senate. He was honored to serve under the leadership of eight governors. He served as Chairman of Appropriations, Education, Public Employees & Retirement and Buildings & Grounds committees.
With a heart for education, he helped mold the 1982 Education Reform Act, providing public kindergartens and was instrumental in improving Mississippi's Community Colleges and Universities. Dedicated to community base services, he helped establish mental health group homes and crisis prevention centers around the state. Improving Mississippi's transportation system and those who protect our roads was also a passion. In 1981, he was appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board where he was currently serving as treasurer.
A longtime businessman, he owned Polyfoam Mfg, Tupelo Oil, Bessemer Petroleum and various Real Estate properties. He was a member of the Okolona Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Exchange Club and the Chickasaw Development Foundation.
A graduate of Mississippi State University, he loved the Bulldogs, enjoying sports and supporting academics. In March 2011, he was honored with the Jack Gordon Scholarship to provide an opportunity for students to attend Mississippi State.
He loved his family and enjoyed campaigning, visiting the beach and riding around his farmland. Living life to the fullest with a quick joke, flashing smile and heart of gold, he gave life character and determination to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his charitable heart.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Okolona First Baptist Church with Senator Terry Burton, the Rev. Eric Boykin, Dr. Roy McHenry and the Rev. Donald Graham officiating. Burial will be in Shannon Cemetery. W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Martha Estes Gordon; three daughters Natalie Rutledge (Ed) of Atlanta, Ga., Kim Gordon of Houston and Leigh Carole Mullins (Brian) of Oxford; one brother, Ted Gordon (Virginia) of Tupelo; and five grandchildren, Beau Alison, Ann Marie Alison, Will Rutledge, Rex Brown and John Harris Rutledge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Gordon; and one sister, Jeanie Gordon Mitchell of Aberdeen.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Gordon, Jason Estes, Ken Harrelson, Gerry Morgan, Bill Stewart, Charles Wardlaw, Jimmy Calvin Lancaster, Harvey Fisher, John Gilbert and Preston Sullivan.
Honorary pallbearers are Members of the Mississippi Legislature, Bill Stewart Sunday Class and Scott Sullivan, special caregiver.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. today at the church.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The Jack Gordon Scholarship, c/o MSU Development Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
Read more: NEMS360.com - Obituaries May 9 2011 N.E. MS. TUPELO JOURNALSUNDAY, MAY 8, 2011 Longtime state Sen. Jack Gordon dies at 66by Emily Wagster Pettus/The Associated Press Nems360.Com State Sen. Jack Gordon JACKSON — Longtime state Sen. Jack Gordon of Okolona, known as a master of the state budgeting process, died Saturday night at his home, according to Senate leaders. Gordon, 66, was diagnosed more than a year ago with brain cancer. A Democrat, Gordon chaired the powerful Appropriations Committee for 12 years, until January 2008. "He was Mr. Appropriations in the state Senate," said state Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton. "He was a master at knowing the numbers and working the numbers." Gordon began his legislative career in the House, where he served from 1972 to 1980. He was in the Senate from 1980 to 1992, and again from 1996 until his death. Republican Sen. Doug Davis of Hernando, who has chaired the appropriations committee since January, said Saturday evening he considered Gordon a close friend. "Jack will be remembered as someone who loved his family, public service and the state of Mississippi," Davis said. "The position can be replaced but the man cannot be." Burton said Gordon died at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday, surrounded by family. Gordon operated several businesses. His survivors include his wife Martha. Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant issued a statement late Saturday: "Jack Gordon dedicated more than 35 years of his life to serving the people of Mississippi in various capacities — as a state senator and as a member of the state House of Representatives. Sen. Gordon was a fixture of Mississippi politics and he will certainly be missed." Amy Tuck, who appointed Gordon as the Senate's top money minder when she was lieutenant governor from 2000 to 2008, said in a phone interview late Saturday from her Starkville home: "I lost a personal friend and former colleague." Tuck was first elected as a Democrat, then became a Republican in late 2002. The party switch did not change her political alliance with Gordon. She said she last visited Gordon several weeks ago when he was hospitalized. "I thanked him for his loyalty to me while he served in the key leadership position in the state Senate," Tuck said.
OKOLONA – Longtime State Senator Carl J. "Jack" Gordon Jr., 66, died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at home with his family. He was a lifelong member of Okolona First Baptist Church. As the second longest serving legislator he served 36 years, eight in the House of Representatives and 28 in the State Senate. He was honored to serve under the leadership of eight governors. He served as Chairman of Appropriations, Education, Public Employees & Retirement and Buildings & Grounds committees.
With a heart for education, he helped mold the 1982 Education Reform Act, providing public kindergartens and was instrumental in improving Mississippi's Community Colleges and Universities. Dedicated to community base services, he helped establish mental health group homes and crisis prevention centers around the state. Improving Mississippi's transportation system and those who protect our roads was also a passion. In 1981, he was appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board where he was currently serving as treasurer.
A longtime businessman, he owned Polyfoam Mfg, Tupelo Oil, Bessemer Petroleum and various Real Estate properties. He was a member of the Okolona Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Exchange Club and the Chickasaw Development Foundation.
A graduate of Mississippi State University, he loved the Bulldogs, enjoying sports and supporting academics. In March 2011, he was honored with the Jack Gordon Scholarship to provide an opportunity for students to attend Mississippi State.
He loved his family and enjoyed campaigning, visiting the beach and riding around his farmland. Living life to the fullest with a quick joke, flashing smile and heart of gold, he gave life character and determination to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his charitable heart.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Okolona First Baptist Church with Senator Terry Burton, the Rev. Eric Boykin, Dr. Roy McHenry and the Rev. Donald Graham officiating. Burial will be in Shannon Cemetery. W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Martha Estes Gordon; three daughters Natalie Rutledge (Ed) of Atlanta, Ga., Kim Gordon of Houston and Leigh Carole Mullins (Brian) of Oxford; one brother, Ted Gordon (Virginia) of Tupelo; and five grandchildren, Beau Alison, Ann Marie Alison, Will Rutledge, Rex Brown and John Harris Rutledge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Gordon; and one sister, Jeanie Gordon Mitchell of Aberdeen.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Gordon, Jason Estes, Ken Harrelson, Gerry Morgan, Bill Stewart, Charles Wardlaw, Jimmy Calvin Lancaster, Harvey Fisher, John Gilbert and Preston Sullivan.
Honorary pallbearers are Members of the Mississippi Legislature, Bill Stewart Sunday Class and Scott Sullivan, special caregiver.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. today at the church.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The Jack Gordon Scholarship, c/o MSU Development Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
Read more: NEMS360.com - Obituaries May 9 2011 N.E. MS. TUPELO JOURNALSUNDAY, MAY 8, 2011 Longtime state Sen. Jack Gordon dies at 66by Emily Wagster Pettus/The Associated Press Nems360.Com State Sen. Jack Gordon JACKSON — Longtime state Sen. Jack Gordon of Okolona, known as a master of the state budgeting process, died Saturday night at his home, according to Senate leaders. Gordon, 66, was diagnosed more than a year ago with brain cancer. A Democrat, Gordon chaired the powerful Appropriations Committee for 12 years, until January 2008. "He was Mr. Appropriations in the state Senate," said state Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton. "He was a master at knowing the numbers and working the numbers." Gordon began his legislative career in the House, where he served from 1972 to 1980. He was in the Senate from 1980 to 1992, and again from 1996 until his death. Republican Sen. Doug Davis of Hernando, who has chaired the appropriations committee since January, said Saturday evening he considered Gordon a close friend. "Jack will be remembered as someone who loved his family, public service and the state of Mississippi," Davis said. "The position can be replaced but the man cannot be." Burton said Gordon died at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday, surrounded by family. Gordon operated several businesses. His survivors include his wife Martha. Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant issued a statement late Saturday: "Jack Gordon dedicated more than 35 years of his life to serving the people of Mississippi in various capacities — as a state senator and as a member of the state House of Representatives. Sen. Gordon was a fixture of Mississippi politics and he will certainly be missed." Amy Tuck, who appointed Gordon as the Senate's top money minder when she was lieutenant governor from 2000 to 2008, said in a phone interview late Saturday from her Starkville home: "I lost a personal friend and former colleague." Tuck was first elected as a Democrat, then became a Republican in late 2002. The party switch did not change her political alliance with Gordon. She said she last visited Gordon several weeks ago when he was hospitalized. "I thanked him for his loyalty to me while he served in the key leadership position in the state Senate," Tuck said.
Sentator Carl Gordon Jr.
OKOLONA – Longtime State Senator Carl J. "Jack" Gordon Jr., 66, died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at home with his family. He was a lifelong member of Okolona First Baptist Church. As the second longest serving legislator he served 36 years, eight in the House of Representatives and 28 in the State Senate. He was honored to serve under the leadership of eight governors. He served as Chairman of Appropriations, Education, Public Employees & Retirement and Buildings & Grounds committees.
With a heart for education, he helped mold the 1982 Education Reform Act, providing public kindergartens and was instrumental in improving Mississippi's Community Colleges and Universities. Dedicated to community base services, he helped establish mental health group homes and crisis prevention centers around the state. Improving Mississippi's transportation system and those who protect our roads was also a passion. In 1981, he was appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board where he was currently serving as treasurer.
A longtime businessman, he owned Polyfoam Mfg, Tupelo Oil, Bessemer Petroleum and various Real Estate properties. He was a member of the Okolona Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Exchange Club and the Chickasaw Development Foundation.
A graduate of Mississippi State University, he loved the Bulldogs, enjoying sports and supporting academics. In March 2011, he was honored with the Jack Gordon Scholarship to provide an opportunity for students to attend Mississippi State.
He loved his family and enjoyed campaigning, visiting the beach and riding around his farmland. Living life to the fullest with a quick joke, flashing smile and heart of gold, he gave life character and determination to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his charitable heart.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Okolona First Baptist Church with Senator Terry Burton, the Rev. Eric Boykin, Dr. Roy McHenry and the Rev. Donald Graham officiating. Burial will be in Shannon Cemetery. W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Martha Estes Gordon; three daughters Natalie Rutledge (Ed) of Atlanta, Ga., Kim Gordon of Houston and Leigh Carole Mullins (Brian) of Oxford; one brother, Ted Gordon (Virginia) of Tupelo; and five grandchildren, Beau Alison, Ann Marie Alison, Will Rutledge, Rex Brown and John Harris Rutledge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Gordon; and one sister, Jeanie Gordon Mitchell of Aberdeen.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Gordon, Jason Estes, Ken Harrelson, Gerry Morgan, Bill Stewart, Charles Wardlaw, Jimmy Calvin Lancaster, Harvey Fisher, John Gilbert and Preston Sullivan.
Honorary pallbearers are Members of the Mississippi Legislature, Bill Stewart Sunday Class and Scott Sullivan, special caregiver.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. today at the church.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The Jack Gordon Scholarship, c/o MSU Development Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
Read more: NEMS360.com - Obituaries May 9 2011 N.E. MS. TUPELO JOURNALSUNDAY, MAY 8, 2011 Longtime state Sen. Jack Gordon dies at 66by Emily Wagster Pettus/The Associated Press Nems360.Com State Sen. Jack Gordon JACKSON — Longtime state Sen. Jack Gordon of Okolona, known as a master of the state budgeting process, died Saturday night at his home, according to Senate leaders. Gordon, 66, was diagnosed more than a year ago with brain cancer. A Democrat, Gordon chaired the powerful Appropriations Committee for 12 years, until January 2008. "He was Mr. Appropriations in the state Senate," said state Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton. "He was a master at knowing the numbers and working the numbers." Gordon began his legislative career in the House, where he served from 1972 to 1980. He was in the Senate from 1980 to 1992, and again from 1996 until his death. Republican Sen. Doug Davis of Hernando, who has chaired the appropriations committee since January, said Saturday evening he considered Gordon a close friend. "Jack will be remembered as someone who loved his family, public service and the state of Mississippi," Davis said. "The position can be replaced but the man cannot be." Burton said Gordon died at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday, surrounded by family. Gordon operated several businesses. His survivors include his wife Martha. Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant issued a statement late Saturday: "Jack Gordon dedicated more than 35 years of his life to serving the people of Mississippi in various capacities — as a state senator and as a member of the state House of Representatives. Sen. Gordon was a fixture of Mississippi politics and he will certainly be missed." Amy Tuck, who appointed Gordon as the Senate's top money minder when she was lieutenant governor from 2000 to 2008, said in a phone interview late Saturday from her Starkville home: "I lost a personal friend and former colleague." Tuck was first elected as a Democrat, then became a Republican in late 2002. The party switch did not change her political alliance with Gordon. She said she last visited Gordon several weeks ago when he was hospitalized. "I thanked him for his loyalty to me while he served in the key leadership position in the state Senate," Tuck said.
OKOLONA – Longtime State Senator Carl J. "Jack" Gordon Jr., 66, died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at home with his family. He was a lifelong member of Okolona First Baptist Church. As the second longest serving legislator he served 36 years, eight in the House of Representatives and 28 in the State Senate. He was honored to serve under the leadership of eight governors. He served as Chairman of Appropriations, Education, Public Employees & Retirement and Buildings & Grounds committees.
With a heart for education, he helped mold the 1982 Education Reform Act, providing public kindergartens and was instrumental in improving Mississippi's Community Colleges and Universities. Dedicated to community base services, he helped establish mental health group homes and crisis prevention centers around the state. Improving Mississippi's transportation system and those who protect our roads was also a passion. In 1981, he was appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board where he was currently serving as treasurer.
A longtime businessman, he owned Polyfoam Mfg, Tupelo Oil, Bessemer Petroleum and various Real Estate properties. He was a member of the Okolona Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Exchange Club and the Chickasaw Development Foundation.
A graduate of Mississippi State University, he loved the Bulldogs, enjoying sports and supporting academics. In March 2011, he was honored with the Jack Gordon Scholarship to provide an opportunity for students to attend Mississippi State.
He loved his family and enjoyed campaigning, visiting the beach and riding around his farmland. Living life to the fullest with a quick joke, flashing smile and heart of gold, he gave life character and determination to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his charitable heart.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Okolona First Baptist Church with Senator Terry Burton, the Rev. Eric Boykin, Dr. Roy McHenry and the Rev. Donald Graham officiating. Burial will be in Shannon Cemetery. W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Martha Estes Gordon; three daughters Natalie Rutledge (Ed) of Atlanta, Ga., Kim Gordon of Houston and Leigh Carole Mullins (Brian) of Oxford; one brother, Ted Gordon (Virginia) of Tupelo; and five grandchildren, Beau Alison, Ann Marie Alison, Will Rutledge, Rex Brown and John Harris Rutledge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Gordon; and one sister, Jeanie Gordon Mitchell of Aberdeen.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Gordon, Jason Estes, Ken Harrelson, Gerry Morgan, Bill Stewart, Charles Wardlaw, Jimmy Calvin Lancaster, Harvey Fisher, John Gilbert and Preston Sullivan.
Honorary pallbearers are Members of the Mississippi Legislature, Bill Stewart Sunday Class and Scott Sullivan, special caregiver.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. today at the church.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The Jack Gordon Scholarship, c/o MSU Development Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
Read more: NEMS360.com - Obituaries May 9 2011 N.E. MS. TUPELO JOURNALSUNDAY, MAY 8, 2011 Longtime state Sen. Jack Gordon dies at 66by Emily Wagster Pettus/The Associated Press Nems360.Com State Sen. Jack Gordon JACKSON — Longtime state Sen. Jack Gordon of Okolona, known as a master of the state budgeting process, died Saturday night at his home, according to Senate leaders. Gordon, 66, was diagnosed more than a year ago with brain cancer. A Democrat, Gordon chaired the powerful Appropriations Committee for 12 years, until January 2008. "He was Mr. Appropriations in the state Senate," said state Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton. "He was a master at knowing the numbers and working the numbers." Gordon began his legislative career in the House, where he served from 1972 to 1980. He was in the Senate from 1980 to 1992, and again from 1996 until his death. Republican Sen. Doug Davis of Hernando, who has chaired the appropriations committee since January, said Saturday evening he considered Gordon a close friend. "Jack will be remembered as someone who loved his family, public service and the state of Mississippi," Davis said. "The position can be replaced but the man cannot be." Burton said Gordon died at about 7:15 p.m. Saturday, surrounded by family. Gordon operated several businesses. His survivors include his wife Martha. Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant issued a statement late Saturday: "Jack Gordon dedicated more than 35 years of his life to serving the people of Mississippi in various capacities — as a state senator and as a member of the state House of Representatives. Sen. Gordon was a fixture of Mississippi politics and he will certainly be missed." Amy Tuck, who appointed Gordon as the Senate's top money minder when she was lieutenant governor from 2000 to 2008, said in a phone interview late Saturday from her Starkville home: "I lost a personal friend and former colleague." Tuck was first elected as a Democrat, then became a Republican in late 2002. The party switch did not change her political alliance with Gordon. She said she last visited Gordon several weeks ago when he was hospitalized. "I thanked him for his loyalty to me while he served in the key leadership position in the state Senate," Tuck said.
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