The Honorable Gordon Robert Zeese

The Honorable Gordon Robert Zeese, 77, of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024. Born in Manhattan on February 18, 1947, to Marguerite and Gordon Zeese, he dedicated his life to service, family, and faith.

Judge Zeese was a proud graduate of Duke University (Class of 1969). He earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law (Class of 1972), where he cultivated his deep commitment to justice.

After graduating law school Judge Zeese worked for Georgia Legal Services and practiced law for ten years before being appointed to the bench in 1981. He served as a Worker's Compensation Judge in the State of Georgia for 36 years. Judge Zeese was known for his impartiality, unwavering ethics, and fairness. He earned the respect of colleagues, attorneys, and all who appeared before him. During his tenure, he was involved in Mock Trial, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of legal professionals. Early on in his career Judge Zeese worked to improve the lives of others. He was instrumental in helping attorney, Bob Clyatt, start Kids' Chance of Georgia, a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for children of injured workers-a cause close to his heart.

He taught continuing legal education to further the knowledge and understanding of the field he was passionate about. He served on the Board of Governors for the State Bar Association of Georgia. In 2013 Judge Zeese was awarded the Thomas R. Burnside Jr. Excellence in Bar Leadership Award for his lifetime commitment to the legal profession and justice system in Georgia.

Judge Zeese was also a man of enduring faith. He was a devoted Episcopalian and a member of Christ Church in Saint Simons Island. He previously attended and served on the vestry at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Albany, reflecting his lifelong commitment to his faith community.

Of all his roles, his most cherished was that of devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Judge Zeese is survived by his loving daughter, Mary Stewart Peden (Ben) of Atlanta, GA, his son, Colonel Robert C. Zeese (Becky), and his seven beloved grandchildren (Krisztiana, McVey, Annalie, Peter, William, John and Genevieve), who brought him immense joy and pride.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susan Caldwell Zeese, and his parents, Marguerite and Gordon Zeese.

A service honoring Gordon's life will be held at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church on January 4th, 2025 at 11am. A reception will be held immediately afterwards at the Shackleford House. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Kids Chance of Georgia in honor of Judge Zeese.

Judge Gordon Robert Zeese will be remembered as a man of integrity, compassion, and wisdom, whose dedication to his family, his faith, and the state of Georgia leaves a legacy that will be honored and upheld by all who knew and loved him.