Abraham Gordon, Jr.

Abraham Gordon, Jr. was born in Collirene, Alabama on February 18, 1936, to Abraham Gordon, Sr. and Mamie Lee Gordon. When he was very young Abraham’s family relocated to Panama City, FL, where he attended the public schools of Bay County. He is a graduate of Rosenwald High School, Class of 1954. Abraham attended Florida Memorial College in St. Augustine, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1958. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Abraham was a teacher for Gulf County School Board from 1958 to 1962. He taught in the Orange County Public School District from 1962 to 2002, where he encouraged many students at Hungerford Elementary and the Orange County Public Schools G.E.D. program, housed at OSCO. His students affectionately dubbed him “Crab.” In 1976, Abraham began his political career in the Town of Eatonville as Town Councilman, where he served until 1980. Mr. Gordon was elected Mayor of the Town Eatonville and served four consecutive terms. As Mayor and Councilman of the Historic Town of Eatonville, he had many accomplishments that included but were not limited to, the completion of the street paving project; improved water system; sidewalks through the Town; the Denton Johnson Center; the Fire Station and the Town’s first fire truck. Serving as Mayor of the Town of Eatonville afforded Brother Gordon the opportunity to travel and meet dignitaries from all over the world, and yet maintain his love and concern for the common man. He traveled to Taipei, Taiwan, and was given the key to the country. While there, he started the cultural exchange with students from Taiwan. The students visited the Historic Town of Eatonville and enjoyed the hospitality of the Smith Eatonville Hotel. Mayor Gordon also met with World Leaders such as President Shimon Peres, Nobel Prize winner of Israel and President Jimmy Carter. His travels have also included China. Mayor Gordon worked diligently with then City Planner Ronald Rogers, scouring the Library of Congress to substantiate the Town’s status as the “Oldest Black Municipality in the United States of America.” Mayor Gordon served on the Board of Directors of the National Conference of Black Mayors, a member of the Board of Directors for the International Visitors Council in Orlando from 1984-1988. He was the International Committee Chairman for the World Conference of Mayors, and Treasurer for the National Conference of Black Mayors. After his political career, Mr. Gordon continued to be active in the community. He was the founder of A&G Associates, Inc. He was a certified member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council of Florida, Inc. from 1980-1988. Mr. Gordon was Vice President of the Denton Johnson Center Tennis Association. His business venture in the Town of Eatonville, was the opening of Gordon’s Be Back Fish House, where he said, “If you come once, you’ll be back for more.” With all of his accomplishments, Brother Gordon’s relationship with the living God was paramount. He was a faithful member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church since 1962. He served diligently as Sunday School Superintendent for over 20 years. Prior to this, he was a very inspiring Sunday School teacher. He loved to sing and participated in several choirs: Choir No. 1 & 2 (back in the day), the Male Chorus, the Sanctuary Choir, the Mass Choir and the Christmas Concert Choir. His favorite song was “Can’t Let a Day Go by without Praising the Lord.” Brother Gordon also served on the Usher Board and in the Men’s Ministry. On many occasions, Brother Gordon could be found frying fish or chicken wings at Family Fun Day or the Fall Festival or anywhere his services were needed. Abraham will be sorely missed. Brother Gordon is preceded in death by his parents Abraham Gordon, Sr. and Mamie Gordon, two brothers Grant Williams and Thomas Williams, two sisters Clara Woods and Rosa Gordon. He leaves to cherish fond memories: his loving wife, Gloria; his son, Darycus (Cherlyn); his daughter, LaDonya; step-children, Timothy (Annie) Hill, Dana (Charlene) Hill, Cheryl (Stanley) McKenzie, Chadwick Hill, and Ahmad Hill; grandchildren, Brittany Gordon, Anthony Gordon, and Iliana Gordon; two sisters-in-law, Laverne Williams and Gwendolyn Smith; one brother-in-law, Johnny Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and faithful friends.

Tributes

Abraham Gordon, Jr.

February 18, 1936 - November 11, 2018