Derrick John Gordon

November 8, 1939 - July 12, 2008

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Derrick John Gordon, 68, loving husband of Katheryn Dempsey Gordon, died Saturday, July 12, 2008 in Decatur, GA. Born in Columbia, SC, Mr. Gordon was the son of the late John Wylie and Ruth Lowrimore Gordon. Formerly of Greenville, Mr. Gordon received his business degree from the University of SC in 1961. He worked as a claims superintendent for State Farm Insurance from which he retired in 2003 after 40 years of service. Mr. Gordon served in the SC National Guard, 3649th Ordnance Company, from 1957-1964. In addition to his wife, Mr. Gordon leaves a son, Devin Derrick Gordon, and his wife Kimberly June, and a grandson, Brayden Devin Gordon, of Decatur, GA; a brother, Travis Daniel Gordon, and his wife Renee, of Lancaster, SC; and a niece, Amanda Gordon Cancilla of Rock Hill, SC. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2008, at Graceland East Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Greenville Humane Society, 328 Furman Hall Road, Greenville, SC 29609.

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Derrick was a great mentor and a great friend. I am very sad to hear the news and he will be missed.

Katheryn & Devin: Our hearts are so saddened to learn of the loss of Derrick. We often think of the special friendship we shared when we first became a part of the State Farm team in Columbia many years ago. So long ago, until I guess Wayne and Roger W

Derrick, Thank you for showing me how to make shrimp cooked in beer and garlic peanuts. I will think of you when ever I "fire it up!" The simple things that we Kuntree boys love. Devin, we have seen each other since we were kids but I kept up with you.

Katheryn, Derrick was a great teacher not just my boss. Although I had not spoken with Derrick in years, not a week passes without remembering a story or using something that he taught us. I know he is still watching over us, with a cigar in hand

How the years fly by! It was so long ago in 1973 that four right out of college "girls" As Bert Langley would forever call us!joined the SC Upstate team. Derrick was right in there guiding along. Kids and even grandkids later, it somehow all seems a blu

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Very sorry for your loss. I had the privledge to work with Mr. Jordan for a few years before his retirement. God bless all.

Katheryn & Devin: So sorry to hear of Derrick's passing. He was such a great mentor to me and so many others. Know that I will be praying for you and your entire family.

Katheryn, you have my deepest sympathy in your loss. Derrick was a fine man, loved by all who knew him. We will all miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Steve

My thoughts and prayers go to all of Derrick's family and friends. I was one of many State Farmers who owe their careers and contributions to Derrick; who was a great mentor to so many new State Farm claim reps.

Katheryn. Sorry to learn of Derrick's death. My prayers are with you at this time. So many good memories growing up with you and Derrick. He will be miss.

Loretta and I send our sincere sympathy to the Gordon family on the loss of Derrick. Although we did not know Derrick well, we knew him as a good man and someone who made us feel welcome and we felt like friends from the very first time we met him. We a

Katheryn & Devin, We are saddened to hear of the passing of Derrick. When I first started work with State Farm, Derrick was my supervisor, a mentor and a good friend. He provided the leadership I needed and gave me a solid foundation for my work wi

Derrick was one of the finest men I have ever known. Gracious and caring in every way. The priviledge of knowing him was a wonderful gift. Katherine,Devin, Travis & family, all of you are in my thoughts.

Katherine and family, We are deeply sorry. Our prayers are with you and Devin. I think about you often and remember the special friendship we shared though State Farm. Love Patsy, Jimmy, Stuart, Angie Cadieu

Kathryn and Family, I too was one of the many people that Derrick hired and mentored as a new employee with State Farm. I was deeply saddened to hear of his untimely passing. I remember with fondness how Derrick, and you Kathryn, treated each of us as

Sorry to hear about Derrick. Thoughts and Prayers to All. Love & Prayers Nancy Nunn

Katheryn and Devin: Michael and I were hired by Derrick in 1999 and we both saw him as one the greatest men we have known. We feel very lucky to have been able to learn from him. We are so very sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers.

I had the pleasure of working with Derrick as a new trainee with State Farm. I can honestly say we were the best trained people in the entire company. I truly believe it. Derrick always treated us like we were his own children. He worked to make us feel

Jerry Latta, State Farm agency wanted offer our sympathy for your loss. We will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Derrick was a good friend and most interesting companion. A big heart,a quick wit and a most charming Southern drawl to relate many humorous tales of his youth.The ones featuring Travis were the best. Derrick adored Katheryn and his family and often bra

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Katheryn, It has been many years since I have seen you but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. You will always hold a special place in my heart and my sympathy is with you now, you two have been together so long I know that the loss

I knew Derrick through work. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. He had a quiet confidence and sense of purpose combined with a great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Derrick trained me in 1998 when I first started with State Farm. I really admired his knowledge and sense of humor. It was an honor to know him and work with him. He will be missed.

Katheryn and Devon, You have my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am so sorry to hear of Derrick's passing. He was a wonderful person. My father Richard Griffith thought very highly of him. Derrick was a true

Dear Katheryn and Devin, I am so terribly sorry to hear of Derrick's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a wonderful man! My father Richard always thought so much of him. He was a comfort to my dad during his illness. I am thankful

I am so sorry for your loss. Derrick was always there to provide a helping hand and share his incredible knowledge and experience. He would make me smile by sharing a story or saying something profound. He will be missed. He was a fine man.

Katherine, Our love and prayers will be with you and your family as you adjust to life without Derrick. We Love You!

As I write this, the tears well up and the lump gathers in my throat. There are countless individuals who began their careers under the tutorledge of Derrick Gordon. Many have had very successful careers and much of their success is owed to Derrick. Oth

Katheryn, My deepest sympathy is with you, your son Devin and his brother Travis in the death of Derrick. Even though I did not work in the same office with him I knew him through State Farm and Travis. My son, David, started his career in claims with Sta

Katheryn, You and your family are in our prayers during this very difficult time. We know it will be very hard on you. We all have so many good memories from school. Derrick will certainly be missed. Love,

Katheryn and Devin: Sorry to hear of the passing of Derrick. I worked for him for 20 years and was very close to Derrick. He and I didn't always agree on policy but was always good friends and worked well together. I will keep you in my prayers.

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I so enjoyed seeing you and Derrick at a recent gathering in the Greer office. I started in the Anderson office in the 70's and Derrick would come over from Greenville for file review. He was always very kind to me. When I

State Farm was very lucky to have Derrick in our claims department. He was one of the best. So many associates benefited from his knowledge and training. He was one of our best. As a manager in agency, I always could rely on Derrick to partner with me whe

I worked with Derrick for about 5 years and found him to be one of the most knowledgeable people on complex insurance issues. When you talked to him, he always brought his family into the conversation; remarking how lucky he was to be married to Katheryn

The most important thing I remember about Derrick is that he was always such a gentleman. His example helped set the tone for my own career with State Farm. Your family is in our prayers.

I am a retired agent with State Farm and worked with Derrick for many years. I considered him a good friend. You have my deepest sympathy and my prayers. Jim Owings

Katheryn and Devin, I am so sorry to hear of Derrick's passing. I had the privilege of training under Derrick as a new Claim Representative when I began my career with State Farm in 1996. Derrick was a great mentor to all. Please know you and your en

I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family at this time of loss. Derrick will be deeply missed by so many people. He has touched so many lives in a an extremely positive way. Derrick was very influential to me in my State Farm career and I have

We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you in this time of need and always.

My condolences to the family. Derrick was the first person that greeted and trained me as a claim representative in Greer in 2000. I will never forget that when I would question certain things during training, Derrick would respond with a smile by saying

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

The Farm lost a great friend the day that Derrick passed away. I read all of the comments from friend and co-workers and all I can do is echo their comments. He trained me as a new claim rep back in 1997 and hardly a day goes by that I dont think of som

May God continue to bless you.I will be lifting you up in prayer.

nothing but good memories of our time/work together - goodbye Derrick

Katheryn, I was deeply affected after hearing about Derrick. He was a very important part of my life after moving to Greenville in 1979. Both of you helped June and I adjust to a new environment. I will always remember his great kindness. Isaac,

As an agent, I knew I could always count on Derrick for help with questions/problems. I always enjoyed talking with him and hearing about his gardens. He took great pride in his gardening ability and that was pretty neat. The family will be in my prayer

Mrs. Gordon, I am so very sorry to hear about Mr. Gordon. Just wanted you to know how very much I enjoyed working with him at State Farm. He had a presence and wit about him that would "keep you on your toes". I appreciate very much the guidance and

Kathryn and Devin, I am so very sad to learn of Derrick's death. Derrick touched so many people over the years at State Farm. His expertise in claims was and is unsurpassed. He always took the time to assist his co-workers and was a friend and mentor to

Miss Katherine, There are just not enough words to explain how much I admired Derrick, how much I learned from him and how very much I loved him. We have had so many good times together and the memories are so precious to me. He may be gone, but he will

Katheryn and Children I just became aware of your loss, I am deeply sorry. I am sorry to say I lost touch after Derrick's retirement, but do remember the good times at Lake Gordon and the enjoyment of being the attorney on files Derrick handled. He was t

I am very sad to hear about Derrick.I felt very close to he and Katheryn from the first time I met them. Derrick was always fun to be around and one of my first fun memories with him is the Jimmy Buffett concert in Charlotte.Elaine and Katheryn were get

Dear Kathern, George and I Delbert would like to send our most heart felt regrets. Derrick was such a nice person and we will really miss him at our stews. Our hearts go out to you and to Travis, we know Derrick was his best friend.

Kathyrn, I am so sorry to hear about Derrick! My heart goes out to you, Devin, and all of your family! Please know, that you are in my thoughts and prayers! I always admired the relationship you & Derrick had, I know he loved you so much, as

Katheryn, Betty and I are sorry to hear of Derricks passing. Derrick was always helpful when I had questions about how to handle different problems. He was a good supervisor and we agreed on most things.He was an asset to State Farm Ins. Co. You and your

Katheryn and Devin. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Derrick in the late seventies and early eighties as his secretary for about eleven years. He was a great boss and a good man. He made it fun to come to work. He was most gracious. I miss

I am so sorry to hear of Derrick's passing. I first came to State Farm and Greenville back in 1990 and began my career as many of us have under Derrick Gordon. I think Lew Bagwell, Ty Miller and I were his first official training unit. Those days with De

My heart is heavy with sadness. I will miss Derrick, he was my Superintendent for many years and taught me a lot but he was also my friend. He was a wonderful husband,father and brother. He will be missed by many. My prayers are with you all.

I am very sorry to hear of Derrick's passing. I was a Claims Supervisor and had the privilege of working with Derrick from 94-97 in Greenville. He had a passion for the claims business and was able to pass that on to many that he taught. My prayers are wi

Being an agent with State Farm has many benifits, among them are the association with high quality people. Derrick Gordon was among the best. he was always willing to hear me out on my concerns for my customers. He always reassured me in my efforts to o

Katheryn and Devin, We never had the pleasure of meeting but I was a fire claims adjuster in the Greenville claims office from 1995 - 1999. I had the pleasure of working with Derrick and he was a great guy. I was saddened to learn of his passing. Yo

Katheryn & Devin, We were very sorry to learn of Derrick's death. Derrick was allways a special friend and mentor to me. Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.

Katherine and family. I was so sorry to hear of Derrick's death. He was my first superintendent at State Farm when I started there in 1986. He was a great person and a wealth of knowledge in his field. I had the pleasure of working with him for many y

Katheryn, Mary and I were so sorry to hear about Derrick. He was a great man. After hiring me in 1992 he became a true mentor to me and I will forever be greatful for that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Andy

Catherine, I am so very sorry for your loss. Derrick was the very first person I met as a State Farm employee. I will never forget my very first day with the company in September, 1997. Derrick came striding confidently into the reception area of the Gree

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.