With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Elder James Earl Gordon, 73, formerly of Lake City, SC, who passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Life Reflections

For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

2nd Timothy 4:6-7

Elder James Earl Gordon, was born by midwife on September 16,1951 in Lake City, South Carolina, to the late Emma J. Cooper and the late James Wardell McClam Sr.

Elder Gordon moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1966. He graduated from Stranahan High School in 1971. He went on to marry the late Cassandra Emily Clark Brown the same year. During their union they conceived three sons, Howard La Vincent Gordon, the late Eric Lamar Gordon and Deric Lavar Gordon.

Elder Gordon was employed for many years as a truck driver for various companies using the handle Long Daddy. He worked for Frank Fischer Trucking, Johnny Salsa Trucking and later retired from Commercial Carriers. After retiring from trucking, he went on to be a part of a lawn care service.

In 2001, he moved to Alma, Georgia to be closer to his children. He was a faithful member of First Community Church of Alma under the leadership of Pastor Dale Carver. He also frequently attended First African Baptist Church where he became a member of the Alma Male Chorus. Elder Gordon also worked at Hardee's and McDonald's of Alma until his health no longer allowed him to do so.

Later in life Elder Gordon moved to Florence, South Carolina and married his loving and devoted wife,  Judy Gathers Gordon. While living there he joined Greater Saint John BHC in Scranton, South Carolina under the leadership of Elder Dr. Dwayne Brayboy. Elder Gordon was a very affectionate man who touched everyone that he came in contact with. He always had an encouraging word for everyone. To know him was to love him. Elder Gordon always said "If God brings you to it; he'll bring you through it" and also "God's grace is sufficient". As we gather today, let us carry these two sayings with us and apply it to our daily lives.

He leaves many behind to celebrate his life: his wife, Judy Gordon; sons,  Howard (LaTasha) Gordon, Deric (LaTanya) Gordon and Lawrence (Lisa) Rodgers; daughters, Virginia (Dan) Gathers, Cassandra Jackson, Charlene Ryals and Chasity Ryals; siblings, Micheal (Stephanie) Gordon, Harold L. Gordon, Monica (Billy) Jean, James W. (Belinda) McClam, Douglas L. (April) McClam, Rickey (Sandra) McClam, Angela Ketewah, Diane Louis, Derwin (Lois) McClam, Cynthia (Fred) Hurkes and Lorieann (Joe)Freeman; grandchildren, DeAngela Gordon, Taira Reese, LaVincent Gordon, Howard Gordon Jr., Eric Gordon Jr., Jalen Gordon, and Da'Prince Gordon; great grandchildren, Jamaurie Reese, Brailyn Reese, Zyaire Gordon, Da'Zarii Moses, Ja'Zhyia Stephens and Janyiah Stephens; an adopted daughter Lassie Brinson;  along with a host of other relatives and friends.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Lake City, SC. 843-354-2292.