Taylor Funeral Home of Louisville announces the death and funeral services of Mr. John Judson Gordy Sr., age 101, of Louisville who passed away Thursday morning, November 17th, 2022, at Be Good, Beloved Personal Care Home in Louisville.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 22, at 11 A.M. in the chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Reverend John Gordy III and Reverend Jonathan Melchior officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 10:00 A.M.  Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers will be Mike Cofer, Larry Feutral, Mark Gordy, Ricky Sapp, William Toulson, and Alan Wasden.

A native of Louisville, Mr. Gordy was a son to the late Robert Lee Gordy and Ebbie Ganus Gordy.  He entered military service in August of 1942, serving initially in the Army Air Corps.  In December of 1944 he was transferred to the infantry in response to the German counteroffensive in the Battle of the Bulge.  He served as a Mess Sergeant in Germany during the German occupation.  He was honorably discharged at Fort Gordon, Georgia in March of 1946.  He later served in the Georgia Army National Guard from 1948 to 1952.

After his active military service, Mr. Gordy began employment as the market manager at the Sims store in Louisville.  Sims later became part of the Piggly Wiggly Southern chain that was headquartered in Vidalia, Georgia.  Mr. Gordy supervised the meat market there for over 40 years until his retirement in 1986.

Judson loved sports, especially football and baseball.  He was raised in a large family during the Great Depression.  He had to go to work at a young age to help support his family and he did not have the opportunity to participate in sports very often, but he was an avid spectator and fan.  He also loved fishing.  Locally, he enjoyed fishing at Kelly's pond, and his favorite away spot was on the old pier at Fernandina Beach, Florida.

He was the last surviving Charter member of the Louisville Lions Club, and he was probably the last surviving World War II veteran in the immediate Louisville area.

Judson was a member of First Baptist Church in Louisville for over 70 years.  His faith in his Lord and Savior was demonstrated more by his actions than his words.

Judson is preceded in death by his wife of over 58 years, Lena Windham Gordy, parents, five brothers: Robert Lowe Gordy, Harry Edward Gordy, Frank Wesley Gordy Sr., James Thomas Gordy, Bobby Lee Gordy, and a sister, Julia Gordy Allen.

Judson is survived by his son, John J. Gordy, Jr. (Kathryn)of Louisville, and daughter, Janet Gordy Simmons (Dennis) of Evans, GA, his grandchildren: Melissa Simmons of Evans, GA, Rev. John Gordy III (Sarah) of Valdosta, GA, Allison Gordy Rooks (Jeremy) of Barnesville, GA, and Jessica Simmons Futrelle (Franklin)of Augusta, GA his great-grandchildren; Grace Gordy, James Rooks, Charlotte Gordy, Jefferson Futrelle, Amelia Rooks, and William Futrelle. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn McCard of Albany, Georgia and several nieces and nephews.

If so desired, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 101 E. 9th Street, Louisville, Georgia, 30434 as well as Reformed University Fellowship at Valdosta State University (www.givetoruf.org/donate/vsu).

The family would also like to extend a special thanks and appreciation to the staff of Be Good, Beloved Personal Care Home and to the staff of Pruitt Health Hospice of Swainsboro.

You may sign the family’s personal guestbook online at  www.taylorfhlouisville.com

Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.

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