Georgetown, SC

Gordon Leigh Coxe, 86, of Georgetown, SC, passed away on October 8, 2023. He was born on February 15, 1937, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Gordon, also known as "El Gordo", was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, and friend to many.

Gordon attended Elbert County High School in Elberton, GA, and furthered his education at Davidson College in Davison, NC.

In his free time, Gordon enjoyed fishing, golfing, and making his world-famous peanut brittle.

Gordon had a vibrant and fun-loving personality. He was quick-witted and had a firm stance on his opinions. With his jokes and funny stories, he could effortlessly command the attention of a room. Growing up on Clarks Hill Lake at the Elbert County Fish and Game Club, Gordon became an expert fisherman of Hybrids & Striped bass. His ability to cook his catch was legendary.

After retiring from Charlotte, NC, Gordon moved to Debordieu Club in Georgetown, SC, where he lived for 35 years. He cherished the fellowship of the "Georgetown Mafia" men's golf group and loved being part of the community. Gordon lived life to the fullest, from circumnavigating Clarks Hill Lake as a teenager to flying prop and jet airplanes on aircraft carriers in the Navy. He raised six children, had a successful business career as the Executive Vice President/Owner of Microtron Abrasives, traveled the world, and lived life on his own terms.

Gordon was a devoted Georgia Bulldog fan, always cheering them on with a resounding "Give 'em Hell you Harry Dawgs! Woof, Woof, Woof!" He also never missed a Braves baseball game throughout the years. "El Gordo" was known for his smooth moves on the dance floor and loved music. He loved singing along to his favorite song "Georgia on my mind" by Ray Charles and singing happy birthday to his loved ones. Gordon was always ready to raise a glass of Jameson for a toast and "sip" in celebration. He was truly one-of-a-kind and was loved by many.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Shirley Justice Coxe; his daughters, Cindy Singletary (Mark), Kimberly Burris (Dwight), Cathy Taylor (Harold), Angela Martin (Michael), and son Gordon "Chip" Coxe Jr. (Kimberly); 15 grandchildren, Taylor Ashley (Jared), Trent Hill (Shelbi), Britt Hill, Nick Williams, Denver Burris, Neal Dover, Lauren Taylor, Savannah Hill (McKay), Josh Fretz (Megan), Ryan Smith (Hope), Ciara Albright (Paul), James Martin (Lauren), Josh Martin (Kristen), Julia Faith Martin, and Iain Gordon Coxe; and blessed with seven great-grandchildren, Georgia Ashley, Evelyn Ashley, Hazel Hill, Mason Fretz, Peyton Smith, Olivia Smith, and Bryce Albright; and one sister-in-law, Patsy Coxe.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ruth Coxe, his brother Henry Coxe, and a daughter Bonnie Fretz.

A memorial service in honor of Gordon's life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 14th, followed by a reception at 3:00 PM, all held at Duncan United Methodist Church, located at 901 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. The remembrance service will be streamed live on Facebook via facebook.com/shirley.coxe starting at 1:45 pm . There will also be a Celebration of Life held in Charlotte, NC, during the weekend of October 28. Details of this service will be announced soon.

Gordon Leigh Coxe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, laughter, and living life to the fullest will forever be cherished.

"...Other arms reach out to me, Other eyes smile tenderly, Still in peaceful dreams I see, The road leads back to you..." ~"Georgia on my mind"

The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.