David Ezidor Gordon

David was a loving husband, a steadfast father, a fun and proud grandfather, a gifted trial attorney, and a fierce athletic competitor. He brought integrity and determination to everything he did and gave himself wholeheartedly to the people and pursuits he loved.

Born on December 7, 1954, in Memphis to Flash and Bobbie Gordon, David attended White Station High School and graduated from Tufts University before earning his law degree from Vanderbilt Law School. Even as a young man, he possessed the qualities that would remain with him throughout his life: a keen mind, remarkable discipline, natural athletic ability, and an instinctive determination to prevail.

David practiced law for 45 years, building a distinguished career as a trial attorney and eventually owning his own personal injury firm. The courtroom suited him. He was intelligent, articulate, meticulously prepared, and formidable when advocating for someone who had placed a case in his hands. He understood that behind every legal matter was a human being whose life had been disrupted and who needed someone willing to fight on his or her behalf.

He retired in December 2025 after a career spanning nearly half a century.

David was an exceptional athlete from his youth. He especially loved tennis, playing throughout high school and college and being named his team’s Most Valuable Player during his sophomore year at Tufts. Before attending law school, he taught tennis. In later life, pickleball became one of his greatest pleasures. He approached every point with the concentration of a trial attorney delivering a closing argument. For David, sports were never merely a way to pass the time. They were something to study, master, and, whenever possible, win.

Christian faith was an important part of David’s life and of the life he and Julie built together. Over the years, he taught Sunday school, served as an elder in two churches, and led their church community group for ten years. He took those responsibilities seriously, giving generously of his time.

Yet for all he accomplished, the center of David’s life was his family.

He and his wife, Julie, shared 42 wonderful years of marriage. Some couples build a life beside their marriage; David and Julie built their life inside theirs. Together they raised six capable, creative, and independent children: Elizabeth, Stephen, Joseph, Jonathan, Benjamin, and Samuel. Whatever the situation, the children knew their father would be there for them, bringing his impeccable integrity, logic, and wisdom to whatever situation they were facing.

His family will miss his voice, his opinions, his competitive spirit, his sharp mind, and the security of knowing he was there. They will miss the particular energy he brought into a room and the way he made life feel more solid simply by being present. His absence leaves no single empty place; it changes the shape of everything.

David is survived by his wife, Julie; his six children, Elizabeth Gullett (Trent), Stephen Gordon (Elaina), Joseph Gordon (fiancée Kim Carter), Jonathan Gordon (Thau), Benjamin Gordon, and Samuel Gordon; his grandchildren, Liam Gullett, Luke Gullett, Ezra Gordon, and Blake Gordon; and his siblings, Michael Gordon (Barbara) and Mollie Robbins (Doug).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobbie and Flash Gordon.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home. The funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m., with Matt Howell officiating and Stephen Gordon providing the music. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Miracle of Redemption Church, Attn: Ronnie Johnson, Pastor, 3575 Orchi Road, Memphis, TN 38108 or Harvest Church (HarvestMemphis.org).

David leaves behind a family profoundly grateful to have been loved by him. He will be remembered with admiration, gratitude, and extraordinary love.