Mr. Wayne Edward Gordon, age 71, of LaFayette, Georgia, departed this life peacefully on Tuesday evening, June 30, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on July 28, 1954, in San Francisco, California, Wayne was the son of the late John Edward Gordon and Shirley Temple Tarvin Gordon. A 1972 graduate of Valley Point High School, Wayne proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army during the closing days of the Vietnam War. Stationed at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, he carried his patriotism with him throughout his life. He also devoted time to preserving military history through his involvement with the General George Patton Museum of Leadership at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Wayne was a master machinist whose talent for working with his hands was evident in everything he did. He was the former owner of Gordon's Chevron and Shell Service Station on Connector #3 and later owned and operated Precision Automotive Repair. Whether repairing an engine, fabricating a part, or helping someone in need, Wayne believed in doing the job right and took great pride in honest, hard work.

The simple pleasures of country life brought Wayne his greatest happiness. He loved the rumble of a motorcycle on an open road, the dependable strength of a good tractor, and the satisfaction of tending a garden from seed to harvest. Raising pigs, working the land, and spending time outdoors were more than hobbies—they were a way of life that reflected his hardworking spirit and appreciation for God's creation.

Above all else, Wayne treasured his family and friends. He was happiest surrounded by those he loved, sharing stories, lending a helping hand, or enjoying the fellowship of good company. His loyalty, generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his country and his family will be remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Gordon; his maternal grandparents, Virgil and Ethel Dorine Hewitt Tarvin; and his paternal grandparents, John Hubert and Mattie Smith Gordon.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his former wife of twenty-eight years, Lisa Bigham of Dalton, Georgia; his sons, Jeremy Bigham Gordon (Katherine Brooke Gray) of LaFayette, Georgia, and Harley Gordon of Dalton, Georgia; his beloved granddaughter, Ailish Ellis of White, Georgia; his brother, Terry and Dana Brock Gordon of Dalton, Georgia; his sister, Tracey Chambers of Dalton, Georgia; his special lifelong friend, Hubert "Chigger" Wells of Dalton, Georgia; aunt and uncle, Barbara and Bobby Scruggs of Dalton, GA; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Wayne Edward Gordon will be held Friday morning, July 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. from Ponders Melrose Chapel with his special friend, Hubert "Chigger" Wells officiating. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. Friday afternoon at Chattanooga National Cemetery, where military graveside honors will be provided by Dalton American Legion Post #112.

Hubert Wells, Kelly Coats, Billy Jones, Keith Leonard, Jeremy Bigham, and Steven Grigsby will proudly serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday and after 8:30 a.m. Friday morning until the service hour.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721, (706) 226-4002."A life built on faith, family, hard work, and love of country leaves a legacy that time cannot erase."