Johnny Merrill Gordon

Johnny Merrill Gordon, a dedicated family man and respected figure in the funeral service community, passed away on February 10, 2025, at his residence in Mt. Pleasant, NC. He was born on March 7, 1939, in Union County, NC, and dedicated over 70 years of his life to serving the families of Union and Cabarrus counties as a funeral director.

A 1957 graduate of Benton Heights High School, Johnny furthered his education at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science graduating in 1959. Johnny began his lifelong love for funeral service in high school at Harris-Wells Funeral Home in Monroe washing cars and putting up tents. In 1965, he became the owner of Gordon Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, where he and Carolyn raised their family. In 1977 Johnny and his family purchased the former Harris-Wells Funeral Home now Gordon Funeral Service in Monroe to also serve families in that community. In 1986 he and Carolyn returned to Union County settling in the Fairview community. His commitment to his profession was evident through his active involvement in various associations, including serving as former President of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association from 1985-86. Johnny was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees and the Monroe Rotary Club, where he was honored to receive the Paul Harris Fellow award on two occasions. His dedication to the community extended beyond his professional life; he volunteered as a fireman in Mt. Pleasant and served as a board member of the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, he was a member and deacon at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, demonstrating his commitment to both his faith and his community.

Johnny’s family legacy continues through his beloved wife of 66 years, Carolyn Simpson Gordon. He is also survived by his daughters, Johnette Gordon Preddy (David), Susan Gordon Lee (Barry), and Lenora Gordon Barnhardt (Kenneth); brother Freddie Gordon (Anna); sister Linda Gordon Sims; most loved and cherished grandchildren; Rebekah Lee Mullis (Dustin), Rachel Lee Long (Zach) and Gordon Preddy (Brooke); and great-grandchildren, Emmett Mullis, Keegan Long, Palmer and Deacon Preddy.

Johnny is preceded in death by his father, Fred Merrill Gordon, mother, Ruth Crook Gordon, and brother, Harry Gordon.

The family will receive friends at Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112 on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Gordon Funeral Home, 8559 Cook St., Mount Pleasant, NC 28124 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM, also at Gordon Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant officiated by Rev. Dr. Ken Thomas and Rev. Todd Davis.

Memorials may be directed to St. James Anglican Church, Cemetery Fund, PO Box 447, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124.

Johnny Gordon will be remembered fondly for his unwavering commitment to funeral service, his dedication to his family, and his significant contributions to the communities he cherished.