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Earl Flynn Gordon was born November 14, 1949, in Pineland, Texas. He was the oldest of two children born to Corine Thomas Gordon and Virgus Gordon, both of whom preceded him in death. He entered eternal rest on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:14 pm in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by family. Earl established his relationship with Jesus Christ at Evergreen Baptist Church in Pineland, Texas.
Growing up in Pineland, after integration, Earl graduated from West Sabine High School in 1968, where he was a stellar basketball player. Though advised by his high school counselor to just take a job at the local lumber mill after graduation, he would go on to enroll at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated in three and a half years in December 1971, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. While at Lamar, he was a ‘walk on’ basketball player and had the distinct honor of joining the brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Rho Chapter, in 1970.
After graduation, Earl landed his first ‘professional job’ with Ford Motor Credit which relocated him to Dallas, Texas. Shortly after moving to Dallas, Earl met the love of his life, Marilynn Sims who had also relocated to Dallas from New Orleans. A relationship that started with just two friends exploring their new hometown together, evolved into a ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ duo. Earl’s new ‘professional job’ was actually ‘repossessing’ cars! Earl would snatch the car, and Marilynn, his accomplice, would then drive his car! Not exactly what Marilynn’s parents envisioned their daughter doing after graduating college, but love has a strange way of transforming people.
On April 17, 1976, Earl and Marilynn were married in New Orleans, Louisiana at Philips Memorial United Methodist Church. Shortly thereafter, Earl united with Marilynn at St Paul United Methodist Church where he remained a devoted member. At St Paul, Earl served in several capacities including Chair of Trustees, United Methodist Men, Chair of the annual Samuel L Brown Golf Tournament and spearheaded a very successful Building Renovation Capital Campaign. Earl was very generous, sharing his expertise, resources and time with the church and offering seminars on financial planning.
On April 24, 1980, Earl and Marilynn were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Courtney Shanelle. Their small family of three shared an amazing life traveling the world and enjoying Courtney’s extracurricular activities and achievements. He was a doting father, and Courtney was a ‘Daddy’s girl.’
Earl’s professional resume included employment at Travelers Insurance, Xerox, selling copiers, and a very successful career at KVIL Radio selling radio advertisement on straight commission. Earl developed friendships at KVIL, which he maintained throughout his life. His passion for owning his own business led him to State Farm in October 1987. For the past 38 years, he had a phenomenal career with State Farm winning numerous awards and recognition including Presidents Club, Chairman Circle and Exotic travel. He earned the distinguished Ambassador trip every year of his employment with State Farm, which allowed the family to take extensive trips around the world. Earl’s exceptional work ethic and competitively driven spirit propelled him to success throughout his professional career. He also had a fun-loving personality which drew people in. He was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others. Earl had a passion for learning, which led him to become a Certified Financial Planner. He obtained every certification available and became a reliable resource of knowledge and a beloved mentor to many.
Earl is survived by his loving wife of forty-nine and a half years, Marilynn Sims Gordon; his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Courtney Gordon Gregory and Sean Gregory; his precious grandchildren who fondly called him "Papa G", Clinton Gordon Gregory and Vivian Layne Gregory; his loving sister, Christine Gordon Hunter; his nephew, Chad Hunter; and a host of family and friends.
All are welcome to join us via live stream on this memorial page at
11:00 AM on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025,
as we celebrate the life of our beloved Earl Flynn Gordon. Click the link below:
Celebration of Life for Earl Flynn Gordon
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