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Gordon Durham Obituary
July 20, 1943 - October 3, 2020
Gordon "Happy" T. Durham, 77, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at his home in Palmyra, Va. He was born on July 20, 1943, to the late Gordon Andrew and Charlotte Morris Durham in Charlottesville, Va.
Happy is survived by three daughters, Samaramyth Staton (Darryl), Shonna Durham, and DeDe Campbell (Dana); two sisters, Laura Durham and Margaret Minter (Mike); niece, Sarah Bailey; nephew, Andy Minter; four grandchildren, Jordan Thacker, Dana and Joseph Staton, and Kayla Campbell; one great-grandson, Anthony Baker; former wife, Nellie; and very long list of lifetime friends.
He graduated from Lane High School in Charlottesville, Va., then went on to play baseball at Wilmington College. Happy also served four years in the United States Navy where he was assigned to the U.S.S. Haleakala AE 25 and the U.S.S. Regulus AF 57 where he was a refrigeration specialist. After leaving the Navy, he was employed at Monticello Dairy for 14 years. Happy then went to work at UVa where he retired as the Chiller Plant Manager after 31 years of service in 2014.
Happy was the most loving, loyal, patient, and gentle soul you have ever met and was truly cherished by everyone who knew him. He had that special way of bringing out the best in people and was always your biggest supporter. He also had many hobbies that he loved, but his biggest love was his family. He loved and cherished every moment he spent with them. To his three girls, he was a legend, larger than life, and always our hero.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 17, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Sheridan Funeral Home in Kents Store, Va., with a memorial service held immediately after. Please join the family at Lake Monticello Fire Department for food and refreshments following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pets for Vets Inc., P.O. Box 10860, Wilmington, NC 28404.
Sheridan Funeral Home
4626 Cedar Lane Road, Kents Store VA 23084
Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Durham
Kathie Ladd (Chicklet)
October 13, 2020
My heart and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. So sorry for your loss.
Kristie
October 12, 2020
I am saddened to see this wonderful young man has made his way home to the good lord!! Mr. Durham was always a pleasure to wait on when he came into the bank. He would literally wait just so I could help him. We shared many laughs and corny jokes! Sending prayers to Mrs. Nellie and the rest of the family. He will truly be missed!!.
Mr and Mrs. Allen Arnette
October 12, 2020
Happy was a great friend and will be truly missed
Cristy Bodie & Wavley Thomas
October 12, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss! Happy was a funny guy, heart of gold, would give the shirt off his back. He will be greatly missed.
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Marti (Christian) Heck
October 11, 2020
Happy and family were great neighbors when our children were growing up. He always was fun, cheerful and willing to lend a hand. Girls, keep the good memories in your hearts and minds; they will sustain you.
Ronnie Chewning
October 11, 2020
Sorry to hear of your lose.He was a great guy.
Shirley wood
October 11, 2020
So sorry for your loss
Tommy Tomlin
October 11, 2020
So sad going to miss you my friend. You were always there when I needed you. RIP Happy
Jay & Linda Coleman
October 11, 2020
Our hearts and prayers go out to your family. He will surly be missed by all the lives he touch while here with us and never forgotten.....
carl k mills
October 11, 2020
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
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Memorial Events
for Gordon Durham
Oct
17
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sheridan Funeral Home - Kents Store4626 Cedar Lane Road, Kents Store, VA 23084
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Sheridan Funeral Home - Kents Store4626 Cedar Lane Road, Kents Store, VA 23084
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