Gordon was born on December 3, 1954 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas O. Paul, Sr., and the former Ora Ann Drennan; and his sister, Lisa Dexheimer.
Gordon was educated in the Mountain Brook, Alabama schools system. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Montevallo, Alabama and his master's degree in history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He was a self-employed businessman and founded Col. Paul’s Creole Spice Co. With a love for cooking, he created his own Cajun Creole spice blend.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Jennifer O’Dwyer Paul; his brother, Thomas O. Paul, Jr. (Linda Garmon); his niece, Drennan Morrison, and her children, Tommy, Helen, Dex, and Ames; his nephew, Thomas Paul Dexheimer; and his close friend, Kenny Sayed.
Gordon was deeply loved by his family and friends and held a special place in the lives of those who knew him. He will be remembered for his unique personality, his love of cooking, and the relationships he treasured. His presence will be greatly missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Funeral services will be held at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama on Monday, August 31, 2026, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. followed by A Service of Remembrance for Gordon at 11 a.m. A private burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Shelby County Humane Society, www.ShelbyHumane.org.
