Gary Jim Gorden

Gary Jim Gorden, age 78, of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Gary was a man of many talents and skills, unwavering integrity and deep love for his family. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, he attended Thomas Jefferson High School, San Antonio College, Southwest TX State University and Kansas State University. His willingness and ability to learn new things shaped the path of a life filled with accomplishment and service.

Gary served his country with pride in the US Army’s Military Intelligence Corps where he specialized as an aerial photo interpreter. His keen eye led to the discovery of the first hidden Viet Cong camp during his service in Vietnam, an achievement that earned him several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal as well as Expert Rifle, M-14 and M-16. Gary’s contributions in the Army were a testament to his character---a man who would always go above and beyond for the people and principles he cherished.

After his honorable discharge, Gary applied the same diligence and versatility to his civilian life. He worked for Ross Perot in Dallas as a computer programmer. However, not one for indoor work (!), he pursued getting his Master Plumber’s license and soon successfully owned and operated Allied Plumbing for 14 years. His entrepreneurial spirit later decided on a venture of retail sales of statuary, outdoor furniture and antiques. His creativity became apparent in the way he transformed ordinary objects into art, using special techniques to stain concrete and metal yard art. He kept an ongoing waiting list of customers who were willing to wait for one of his specialty items. He and Jeanie especially enjoyed going to auctions to purchase a truckload and a trailer of antiques to replenish the furniture in his shop, often refinished by his brother-in-law, Allen. Gary’s work eventually evolved into a successful property management business. And with architectural designs from brother Dustin, he converted his outdoor business property to rental buildings; thus, Live Oak Village was born! Here, Gary formed many lasting friendships with caring tenants and fellow business owners alike. Until he no longer could, he most loved helping and interacting with these tenants who he preferred to consider as “friends.”

A man of strong faith, Gary was a devoted Christian who lived by the belief that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Family meant everything to Gary and holidays were his favorite times to gather with them. Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were particularly special when he was expected to be seen in one of his annually worn “Mr. Fashionista” holiday shirts. Current styles had no impact on Gary’s wardrobe selection!

Gary was an avid weightlifter and exercise buff, either in his home gym or at Anytime Fitness 4 – 5 evenings a week. He bench pressed 325 lbs.! His other interests included stamp collecting, silver and gold collecting, and watching TV game shows with B.T. And how he loved entertaining and being entertained by his loving grandchildren, Joshua and Jaclyn.

Gary is preceded in death by his loving parents, Dustin Clarence Gorden, Sr., and Evelyn Mae Shannon Gorden. In Heaven, he has been joyfully reunited with them, sharing stories of his life’s achievements and continuing to watch over the family he adored.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work and friendship. Survived by his beloved wife of over 55 years, Jeanie, his precious daughter Shannon and son-in-law Jeff Webb; his buddy and foster son B.T. Tumlinson; his cherished grandchildren Joshua and Jaclyn; his brother Dustin Gorden, Jr. and his wife Bonnie; his sister Yvonne Shirey and husband Allen; and a large, loving extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends. Gary’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Sunset North Funeral Home on Loop 1604 on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM for a celebration of Gary’s life, with a service to follow at 12:00 PM. A reception will be held immediately afterward at the funeral home, and the committal service will take place at 2:30 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Fisher House Foundation.