He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Jessie Topping; his sisters Marjorie Topping, Moira Russell, and Christine Pollard; his son Stephen Topping, and his great-granddaughter Karson Kurz.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Ann Topping; his children Carolyn Davis and her husband John, Jackie Stinnett and her husband Jason, Jon Topping and his wife Paula; and his grandchildren, Megan Topping, Paige Topping, Brooke Topping, Sophie Stinnett, Alex Davis, Emily Topping, Olivia Stinnett, Emma Davis, and Madison Topping.
From his birth in Glasgow, Scotland on July 7, 1943, and until his death, Gordon nourished those around him with love, faith, and kindness. He had the uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and meaningful way, and he dedicated his entire life to service of the Lord and to others. Gordon gave his life to the Lord at the age of 9. He was called to the mission field as a young man, and served in Senegal, West Africa for 12 years before returning to Scotland. Gordon then traveled the whole of Scotland as a salesman for 3M before returning to the ministry as a pastor in Cowdenbeath, Scotland. In 1988, God called Gordon to the United States, where he pastored at both Second Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, AR. After many attempted retirements, and a brief stint as a school bus driver, Gordon began working for the Arkansas Baptist Foundation in Northwest Arkansas before returning to pastor at Gum Springs Baptist Church in Siloam Springs, AR.
Outside of pastoring, Gordon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He was the perfect role model for his family on how to follow the Lord and how not to take yourself too seriously, a lesson he learned from his father. He genuinely loved life, people, golf, the Razorbacks, and laughing at himself. Known as Papa to his grandchildren, Gordon spent countless hours at ballgames, dance and music recitals, school events and taking many trips to Cold Stone for ice cream. He will forever be remembered by his family and friends for his unwavering faith, love of music, and his impeccable sense of humor.
Visitation will be held at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers on June 1, 2021 from 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Rogers on June 2, 2021 at 2pm. Graveside will follow service at Yell Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gum Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 1472, Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761 or Camp Siloam, 3600 South Lincoln Street, Arkansas 72761.
