Okolona – Longtime State Senator Carl J. “Jack” Gordon, Jr., 66 died Saturday, May 7, 2011, at home with his family. He was a lifelong member of Okolona First Baptist Church.

As the second longest serving legislator he served 36 years, 8 in the House of Representatives and 28 in the State Senate. He was honored to serve under the leadership of 8 governors. He served as Chairman of Appropriations, Education, Public Employees & Retirement, and Buildings & Grounds committees.

With a heart for education, he helped mold the 1982 Education Reform Act providing public Kindergartens and was instrumental in improving Mississippi’s Community Colleges and Universities. Dedicated to community base services he helped establish mental health group homes and crisis prevention centers around the state. Improving Mississippi’s transportation system and those who protect our roads was also a passion. In 1981, he was appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board where he was currently serving as Treasurer.

A longtime businessman, he owned Polyfoam Mfg, Tupelo Oil, Bessemer Petroleum and various Real Estate properties. He was a member of the Okolona Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Exchange Club and the Chickasaw Development Foundation.

A graduate of Mississippi State University, he loved the Bulldogs, enjoying sports and supporting academics. In March 2011, he was honored with the Jack Gordon Scholarship to provide an opportunity for students to attend Mississippi State.

He loved his family and enjoyed campaigning, the beach and riding around his farmland. Living life to the fullest with a quick joke, flashing smile and heart of gold, he gave life character and determination to his family and friends. He will be remembered for his charitable heart.

Services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at Okolona First Baptist Church with Senator Terry Burton, Rev. Eric Boykin, Dr. Roy McHenry and Rev. Donald Graham officiating. Burial will be in Shannon Cemetery. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Martha Estes Gordon; three daughters Natalie Rutledge (Ed) of Atlanta, Georgia, Kim Gordon of Houston and Leigh Carole Mullins (Brian) of Oxford; one brother, Ted Gordon (Virginia) of Tupelo; five grandchildren, Beau Alison, Ann Marie Alison, Will Rutledge, Rex Brown and John Harris Rutledge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl J. Gordon; one sister, Jeanie Gordon Mitchell of Aberdeen.

Pallbearers are Tommy Gordon, Jason Estes, Ken Harrelson, Gerry Morgan, Bill Stewart, Charles Wardlaw, Jimmy Calvin Lancaster, Harvey Fisher, John Gilbert and Preston Sullivan.

Honorary Pallbearers are Members of the Mississippi Legislature, Bill Stewart Sunday Class and Scott Sullivan, special caregiver.

Visitation will be Monday, May 9, 2011, at Okolona First Baptist Church starting at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to The Jack Gordon Scholarship, c/o MSU Development Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com