Cecil Carroll Gordon passed away peacefully on the evening of December 29, 2025, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Carroll “fought the good fight, but he won the race” following a valiant battle with cancer. Carroll will long be remembered for his love of Family, God and Country.

Carroll was born in Rural Retreat, Virginia, on March 9, 1946, to Andrew Freeman Gordon and Lilly Neva Wynn Gordon. He loved the people of Rural Retreat, the community and the spirit of the Town. He learned the ethic of hard work and carried that principle throughout his life. He loved hunting, NASCAR races, and enjoyed many afternoons fishing with his Dad hoping to catch more fish. He graduated from Rural Retreat High School in 1964, and within a year answered the call to serve his Country by enlisting in the Army. He honorably served the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company for two tours during the War in Vietnam.

Carroll’s career was focused on the automobile industry where he was highly respected for his knowledge of both parts sales and construction of race cars. For eighteen years he was a familiar face at Peterson Ford, followed by Dunn Motors and Johnson Family Ford. He later pursued a career in real estate as both a licensed agent and broker. Upon his retirement, he devoted his time to his home and family, including making sure his lawn was perfectly manicured. He loved his dog Quincy, and it was not unusual to see Carroll driving along the backroads of the area with Quincy proudly riding along or to see them sitting under the shade tree in the front yard on a hot day. Carroll was blessed with so many good friends throughout his entire life because he never knew a stranger.

Carroll attended the Wytheville Presbyterian Church where he participated in activities such as Hope Packs, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, and Adopt a Street. He loved church music and he loved Christmas time and all the old carols that were sung. He will be remembered for his last Sunday when he attended church before his surgery. Many of his church friends came to wish him well and tell him they would be praying for him. His response was the same, “whatever happens I’m okay. It’s all in God’s hands.”

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Freeman Gordon and Lilly Neva Wynn Gordon, three sisters, Margaret Leedy, Frances Smith, and Mabel Irene; two brothers, Howard Gordon, and half-brother, Ed Gordon. He is also preceded by numerous animals he had grown to love and always had a story or two to tell about them: Andy, Micky, Toopie, Brandy, Fluff, and Gidget.

Left to cherish his memory, Carroll is survived by his wife of 39 years and the love of his life Betty Hoback Gordon; one sister, Ann Gordon; and numerous nephews and nieces, friends; and, of course, his dog Quincy.

A Memorial Service will be held on January 5, 2025, at Wytheville Presbyterian Church, Wytheville, VA conducted by the Reverend John Langham. Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 pm, with the service following at 5:00 pm. There will be a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wytheville Presbyterian Church or the Community Cats Rescue Network (CCRN) at 105 Dodgion Street, Wytheville, VA . Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.