Benjamin Warren Gordon, Sr. 1940-2011 Benjamin Warren Gordon, Sr., 71, of Pensacola, FL, died suddenly at home on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Born in Athens, GA on February 28, 1940, "Ben, Sr" moved with his mother and father, Sarah Warren and Leon Gordon, and his older brother David, to Pensacola as a young child. He spent the remainder of his life in Florida, raising three children, Melanie, Ben, Jr., and Chris with his former wife and lifelong friend, Kitty Gordon. Ben, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved big brother Colonel Leon David Gordon, and his angel and first born child, Melanie. He remained close throughout his life to Jessica's mom Kelley Holt, Melanie's husband Scott McManus, and Ben, Jr's former wife, Charlotte Gordon. Brad Thompson and Julian Irby were like sons to him from the time he first knew them up until his death. He also cherished all his aunts, uncles and cousins, most especially his aunt Harriette and her children, Russell Bobby Combs and Theresa Wells, who were more like siblings to him than cousins. Ben, Sr was largely a self-educated "man of letters." His learning and mastery of many topics--especially the classics in English and American literature--was vast, and everyone fought to have him on their team when playing "Trivial Pursuit." He counted many authors among his favorites, including Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Longfellow, and Kipling, but his favorite was probably John Greenleaf Whittier. His love of poetry and books, which was passed down through generations to him by his mother Sarah, ran so deep that he spent his life as a merchant and dealer in rare and out-of-print books, working closely with Charlie Haslam in St. Petersburg throughout the 1970's. He also collected and sold antiques, collectible coins, and stamps. He owned several different antique and book shops in the late 1960's and 1970's, until retiring in the late 1990's to assist with the opening and daily operation of Ben, Jr's law office. In his role as cheerful "factotum" of the law firm, he loved working side by side with son Ben, Jr. and daughter Chris, and it was there that he met Ben, Jr's paralegal Pam Mills Barr, whom he considered another daughter. Ben Sr also gave freely of his time to the Warrington Emergency Aid Center ("WEAC"), run by Kenny Wright, who became one of his dearest friends. Though never a "man of means," Granddaddy was rich beyond measure in love and kindness, and he always gave freely of his time because of his empathy for the downtrodden and less fortunate. He would give the proverbial shirt off his back to a complete stranger, and did on more than one occasion. Above all else, Ben, Sr loved his family, especially the kids and grand kids. As time went by, Ben, Sr became known more and more simply as "Granddaddy." His grandchildren include Lauren and Lindsey McManus, Jessica and Anthony Gordon, and Trenton, Tyler, and Troy Thompson. He was looking forward to great-grandchildren, but took great comfort in all the extended "grandchildren" in Beulah including Craig, Danielle, Patrick, Brandon, and Whitney. All the kids came running when Granddaddy arrived. His children and grandchildren were the supreme joy of his life, and never was he too tired or too busy to play a game, tell a story, baby sit, or act as chauffeur. To him, everything else in life came second, including his own needs. Granddaddy will be sorely missed by all who knew him, as he never had an intemperate or unkind word for anyone. He was truly a quiet, patient, gentle hero, who loved to watch old James Stewart and John Wayne movies. His favorites were "Harvey," "Shenandoah," and "The Quiet Man" among others. The world has lost an incomparable and irreplaceable treasure in you Granddaddy, and we will all love and miss you forever. Visitation will be held 5-7pm Friday, October 21, 2011 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Funeral Service will be held 11:00am Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Rev. Robert S. Hornick officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Pallbearers will be, Ben Gordon Jr, Brad Thompson, Trent Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Troy Thompson and Julian Irby. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Bobby Combs, Russell Combs, Anthony Gordon and Ed Wells. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Warrington Emergency Aid Center, 4 W. Sunset Ave., Pensacola, FL 32507. HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.