Gordon Alan Jones

Gordon Alan Jones of Fort Mill, SC, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 14th, 2021, at the age of seventy-six.  Gordon is survived by his wife of forty years, Marsha Jones of Fort Mill, SC, children Brandon (Jamie) Jones of Fort Mill, SC, Aaron (Sarah) Jones of Toronto, Canada, and Simon Jones of Clifton Park, NY, and eight grandchildren, Nora, Dashiell, Elina, Cotten, and Japheth Jones of Fort Mill, and Eden, Craig and Zoe Jones of Toronto.  Survivors also include his sister Holly (Thomas) Stumpf, sister-in-law Phyllis Demaree, and nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Creighton and Louise Jones.

Born December 31, 1944 in Findlay, Ohio, Gordon grew up in Fostoria, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio, and Pleasantville, New York.  He graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1962, and earned a Bachelor of Mathematics degree from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1966.  Gordon served honorably as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.  Upon graduation from college, Gordon was employed by Procter & Gamble as a Systems Manager in the computer technology department.  During his twenty-eight years with the company, one particular coworker caught Gordon’s attention and his heart:  Marsha Smith, who would later become his bride.  Gordon and Marsha were married on October 25, 1980, and enjoyed four very special decades of life together—establishing and nurturing their family, growing in their journey with Christ, sharing their faith with others, and enjoying all the blessings God gave them.

Gordon loved the Lord Jesus and purposed to serve Him faithfully, whether internationally or locally.  In 1995, Gordon and Marsha began four years of ministry in Accra, Ghana, serving with Bible Study Fellowship.  In 2000, they joined the global mission organization SIM, where Gordon managed the IT department at the U.S. office in Charlotte, NC.  While Gordon officially retired in 2009, God’s ministry through him never stopped.  As a faithful, caring husband to Marsha, a steady and wise leader to his family, and fun-loving Papa to his grandchildren, Gordon provided many adventures, life lessons, and wonderful memories for his family to treasure.  As a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Mill, Gordon taught an Adult Bible Fellowship class on Sundays, and exercised his musical gifts by singing in the choir and playing in the handbell choir. 

Gordon enjoyed watching sports (especially baseball), traveling (especially beach vacations), and anything involving family.  He had a helpful servant’s heart, which was reflected in many hours of volunteer work as he modeled Christ’s love, shared God’s Word, and sought to meet practical needs in many different ways.  At the Moss Justice Center (York County, SC), Gordon helped to prepare incarcerated men for life and work upon release, through Prison Fellowship’s curriculum.  At the Palmetto Women’s Center (Rock Hill, SC), Gordon provided encouragement and wise counsel to young men whose wives or girlfriends were in difficult pregnancy situations.  At SIM USA, Gordon continued to volunteer in the IT Department.  Gordon also delivered meals to homebound individuals in local communities.  A kind, gentle, and patient man, Gordon greatly influenced the lives of his family, friends, and strangers alike.  His steady influence, commitment, caring heart, and shared talents encouraged others as Gordon honored the Lord. 

Visitation will be Friday, March 19, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Worship Center at First Baptist Church (121 Monroe White Street), Fort Mill, SC 29715 (www.fbcfm.com).  A service of praise to God for Gordon’s life will be held Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 1:00 PM in the Worship Center at First Baptist Church of Fort Mill, SC.  (Please be aware that seating will be limited.)  The service will be live streamed and can be accessed on the Palmetto Funeral Group Facebook page.  Palmetto Funeral Home (Fort Mill, SC) is assisting the family.  Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery (4290 Old York Road) in Rock Hill, SC.      

Memorial contributions may be made to: Palmetto Women’s Center, 828 Lucas Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730 (www.palmettowomenscenter.com).    

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