WIL F. GORDON
1943-2021
Wil was born in Jasper, Texas. He was the son of Walter Louis Gordon and Marie Hulett Gordon. When Wil was in elementary school, the family moved to Houston, Texas. After graduating from Heights High School (formerly John H. Reagan), he attended Baylor University and the University of Houston before serving four years in the United States Air Force in Tokyo, Japan. He received his degree from Sophia University in Tokyo. Before leaving Tokyo, he took time to climb Mount Fuji.
After his return from the
Air Force, Wil joined his father in building Skate
City, USA. He later bought Tradewinds Skating Rink which he owned for many years. Many in the Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, and Timbergrove areas will remember Wil from the rink. Wil sold Tradewinds and joined Houston Video and Video Conferencing. He was one of the first in the United States to become a legal video specialist. He also had a photography business which covered special events and portrait photography.
For hobbies, Wil loved fishing and sailing. At one time he built his own sailboat.
Wil served at the time of his death as officer/director of Tradewinds Industrial Park, Inc.
Wil met the love of his life, Judy Buhler. He became the father of two sons who he always referred to as the “the boys”. Later was to be born little Gleason. Every time Gleason would say Grandpa, Wil’s heart would melt. Being grandpa to a feminine little girl was new to him. Wil was not shy about telling everyone what a wonderful wife he had. When he would go to the hospital, he would say “I miss you, Judy.” Judy would always reply by saying “I miss you, too Wil.”
Wil had such a kind heart. If someone had an illness and not enough money, Wil would send money and a note asking them please not send a thank you note unless they could say something funny. They also were not to tell anyone that he had sent the money.
Wil was predeceased by his parents and younger sister, Betty Gordon Gray. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Judy Buhler Gordon, sons, Chris Griffin and fiance Kim, Brian Whitney and wife Diane; Granddaughter, Gleason Whitney; Sister, Shirley Gordon Houston and husband Tom Houston; Sister-in-law, Ann Colbert; Brother-inlaw, Walker Richard Gray, Jr (Sonny); Nephew, Walker Richard Gray, III (Cody); Great Nephew, Walker Richard Gray, IV (Austin). Also mourning Wil’s passing is his dog Charlie.
A special thanks to Vickie Isaacks, niece by marriage, for the
help she gave Wil during the last years of his life. Also better care could not have been given than was by the doctors and nurses of Veterans Hospital.
Wil was diagnosed in 2010 with cancer. Life expectancy was one to two years. He died peacefully after losing his courageous battle for over 10 years.
Donations to the charity of your choice.