Remembering Tuscaloosa Public Servant John Gordon

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Longtime Tuscaloosa public servant John E. Gordon Sr. passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, AL. John E. Gordon, Sr., born on October 20, 1949, in Greene County, Alabama, was the seventh child and sixth son of Mose Gordon, Sr. and Mary Parham Gordon. Raised in a loving and faith-filled home, John grew up in Tuscaloosa, where he attended the Tuscaloosa City School System, graduating from Druid High School in 1968. As a young boy, he joined Bethel Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where his commitment to his faith led him to serve as a deacon for 15 years later in life.

On August 24, 1971, John married Stella Maynor Gordon, and together they raised two children. A devoted family man, he balanced his personal life with an unwavering dedication to education, public service, and community empowerment.

John’s academic journey began at Stillman College, where he graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American History and a minor in English. During his time at Stillman, he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in the spring of 1971, embracing a lifelong commitment to the fraternity’s principles. He also engaged in political advocacy as a member of the Tuscaloosa County Young Democrats.

In 1986, John broke racial barriers when he became the first African American Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Tuscaloosa Parking & Transit Authority. Under his leadership, the organization overcame a significant financial crisis by securing sustainable funding from the Tuscaloosa City Council, ensuring the continuation of vital public bus transportation for the community.

John also hosted a local radio show on WTSK 790AM in the 1990's.

John’s dedication to public service extended to education in 1993 when he was appointed to the Tuscaloosa City School Board. As a board member, he championed African American representation and equity, playing an instrumental role in hiring the district’s first African American Superintendent of Education. Among his numerous accomplishments, John held a special place in his heart for supporting the Night High School program, which provided transformative opportunities for students seeking a second chance.

John’s impact on his community was profound and enduring. In 2016, he led fundraising efforts that generated over $100,000 for Stillman College, directly addressing faculty salaries and critical campus repairs. Demonstrating his compassion for those in need, he organized a winter fundraiser in 2022 that raised thousands of dollars to help Tuscaloosa residents with utility bills during challenging times.

In his later years, John continued to mentor and advise policymakers at the local, state, and national levels, advocating tirelessly for voter participation and civic engagement. His leadership extended to numerous organizations, including the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the West Alabama Planning Commission, the Advisory Board of the Benjamin Barnes Branch YMCA, and the Adopt-A-School Program. His exceptional contributions were recognized in 2024 when he was honored with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

The viewing for John E. Gordon Sr. will be Thursday December 12th from 3pm-5pm at Northport Funeral & Cremation Service located at 5404 Watermelon Road Northport, Alabama. The celebration of life services will be Friday December 13, 2024 11am at the Beulah Baptist Church 3100 25th Street Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He will be laid to rest in the Memory Hills Gardens cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John E. Gordon Sr., to the Families First Foundation P.O. Box 3089 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35403.

John E. Gordon, Sr.’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith, dedication to education, and commitment to uplifting his community. His legacy of leadership and service continues to inspire future generations.