Gordon Cole lived with cancer for more than a decade, losing his valiant fight on Friday, September 26, 2014, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 2, 1949, in Hillsborough, NC, he was the only child of the late Dorothy and Wilson Cole. He was a graduate of NC State University where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.
A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, September 30, 2014, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Greensboro, 1000 W. Friendly Ave. The family will visit with friends following the church service, as well as on Monday, from 5-7 pm at the Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm St. funeral home.
Gordon is survived by Sue, his wife of 44 years and their two daughters, Adrienne Cole (Micah Shortridge) of Greensboro, NC, and Suzanne Yavor (Rob) of Washington, DC, grandson, Julian Cole of Greensboro, a future Yavor grandson due in February, 2015, and many dear friends.
Gordon began his real estate career as a commercial mortgage banker in 1971 at Stockton, White and Co. where he was a Vice President and Lender. He left in 1976 to join John McCracken and Associates as a commercial real estate appraiser, earned the designation of MAI, and gained significant expertise in eminent domain evaluation. Because he cared deeply about his profession, he was President of the NC Appraisal Institute and also was a faculty member of the NC Realtors Institute.
Gordon was diagnosed with Stage IV colorectal cancer in 2003 and immediately became a dedicated student and researcher of his disease. He shared his wealth of knowledge locally and nationally, acting as a buddy for newly diagnosed patients across the country, public speaking, starting support groups, and serving on local and national boards. In 2011 he became a member of the board of directors of Fight Colorectal Cancer, the leading national patient advocacy group in colorectal cancer and an active participant in cancer research and advocacy, based in DC. He received the 2014 Advocate of the Year Award for his tireless efforts to make life better for others living with colorectal cancer. He was a founding board member of Golfers Against Cancer where he chaired the Research Grants Committee. Gordon was recently appointed by the Governor to the NC Advisory Committee on Cancer Coordination and Control. Gordon was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a member of the board of Piedmont Land Conservancy, and a committed volunteer at Piedmont Triad International Airport.
Gordon was a seriously good golfer, a prolific reader, an accomplished boater, and a frequent traveler. But most of all, he enjoyed fishing with his grandson and cooking with his family. He was described by family and friends alike as being courageous and incredibly optimistic. His motto was, “Always have hope.”
The family expresses their gratitude and gratefulness to Gordon’s many nurses, incredible medical team, and Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro. They also express their appreciation to First Baptist Church for the use of their facilities due to the renovation of First Presbyterian Church’s sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fight Colorectal Cancer at 1414 Prince St., Suite 204, Alexandria, VA, 22314, or Golfers Against Cancer at PO Box 4924, Greensboro, NC, 27404.
Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
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