Gordon Carl Sawyer

Gordon Carl Sawyer, 88, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on July 29, 2023.
Gordon was born on November 13, 1934, in Bartow, FL to parents Fulton Green Sawyer and Myrtle Ruth Clark.
Gordon attended Kathleen High School where he was the kickoff/punt returner for the varsity football team. Running the return in for many touchdowns, he was known as, "Swivel Hips Sawyer". Coincidentally, he was known to the rest of his classmates as "Shag". Gordon worked as a lineman foreman for the city of Lakeland from which he retired after 35 years. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed taking the family camping at Crystal River, and Fort DeSoto, providing a lifetime of fond memories for his children. He adored his family, taking them to every Sawyer family reunion, and attending all of his children's sporting events. Later in life, he took good care of JoAnn for years when she needed him and loved doting on their grandchildren. A devoted husband and father, not to be parted by death, Gordon passed less than 24 hours after JoAnn, his bride of 67 years.
Gordon was also preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Henry, Norman, and Phillip Sawyer.
He is survived by his bereaved children, Brenda (Steve) Walter, Wayne (Betsy) Sawyer, and Robyn (Michael) Williams, grandchildren, Jennifer Kennedy, Jamie (Casey) Babb, Scott (Natasha) Sawyer, Keri Sawyer, Bryce Williams, and Brooks Williams, great-grandchildren, Brianna Pierson, Emily Pierson, Ellie Green-Sawyer Evan Sawyer, Connor Babb, Kennedy Babb and Kellan Babb, sister Sue Walker, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will be received Friday, August 4, 2023, at 10:00 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 715 Cornelia Ave, Lakeland, Florida 33815.
A funeral service will follow Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at Socrum Cemetery 3125 W Socrum Loop Rd. Lakeland, FL 33810.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor and memory of Gordon may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences can be made at www.lanier.care.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Lanier Funeral and Cremation Services, 717 Griffin Road Lakeland, FL 33805, (863) 687-3996.
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