A house RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE HONORABLE FRED H. GORDON, JR., OF SUMTER FOR A LIFE WELL LIVED IN SERVICE TO HIS COMMUNITY AND HIS COUNTRY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE DAYS AHEAD.

Whereas, it is with great pleasure that the South Carolina House of Representatives recognizes those individuals who give tirelessly of themselves to the welfare of this great state's and this great nation's citizenry. Having spent his life serving others, the Honorable Fred H. Gordon, Jr., of Sumter exemplifies such South Carolinians; and

Whereas, the fifth of thirteen children born to Fred and Pearl Gordon, the young Fred Gordon, Jr., grew up in Dumas, Arkansas, and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting, followed by a master's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in aeronautical science. In addition, he earned a master's degree in management and human resources from Troy University and graduated from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, as well as the NCO and Senior NCO Academy; and

Whereas, Judge Gordon joined the United States Air Force in 1971 and retired as a chief master sergeant in 2003. Serving in a variety of assignments at the squadron, group, and wing level, he was first sergeant for the 45th Operations Group, Patrick Air Force Base (AFB), Florida; command chief master sergeant for the 341st Missile Wing, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and the 51st Fighter Wing Osan AB, Korea; and first sergeant for the 9th Air Force, Shaw Air Force, South Carolina, from which post he retired. He is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Palm; and

Whereas, from 2006 to 2015, Fred Gordon managed the Shaw AFB Campus of Central Carolina College. During this same period, he also served as director of equal opportunity at Shaw. In that capacity, he was the central point on the base for receiving formal and informal complaints of unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment; and

Whereas, Judge Gordon has served the City of Sumter and the County of Sumter as a municipal judge and as a magistrate judge.  He served as a full-time magistrate judge from 2015 until his retirement in 2023; and

Whereas, currently, he serves as a volunteer in his church and community where needed. He is a member of Saint Mark Four-Bridges Baptist Church, the Goodfellows Club, and Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity (lifetime). Married to Bessie L. Sanders-Gordon, Judge Gordon is a proud husband who also delights in three daughters and three grandchildren; and

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives recognize that the success of the State of South Carolina, the strength of its communities, and the vitality of American society as a whole depend, in great measure, upon the dedication of individuals like Fred Gordon who use their talents and resources to serve others. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Honorable Fred H. Gordon, Jr., of Sumter for a life well lived in service to his community and his country and wish him much continued success and fulfillment in the days ahead.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Fred H. Gordon, Jr.

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