Raymond Wheaton Gordon's Obituary
Raymond “Gordy” Gordon age 73 passed away Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Port Orange, Florida. Gordy was born at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach and grew up in the Wilber-by-the-Sea area exploring every inch of the Halifax River and Spruce Creek waterways with childhood friends. He loved being on the water and in his early life worked on party and commercial fishing boats. When fishing the back waters, he was affectionately referred to as “Captain” by some because he knew the location of every sandbar, and tidal cut throughout and could even navigate them perfectly at night to get to the fish.
Gordy met the love of his life Cleda in 1980 and they married in 1983. They were best friends, in love and totally inseparable. Together they enjoyed riding motorcycles, boating, camping and looking for fun on a daily basis. Gordy and Cleda owned and operated The Auto Appearance Center on U.S.-1 in South Daytona for many years specializing in Tinting, Custom Auto Accessories, and Auto Detailing. He went on to a long career at The Home Depot, retiring in 1996.
Gordy was a lifelong member of Epiphany Catholic Church in Port Orange and was a 1972 alumni of Seabreeze High School. He had friends from every background and age group and he appreciated the uniqueness of each individual. He was the type of friend that you could drop in on unannounced and he would always greet you with huge smile and a welcome which usually included an ice cold one. He was the “Crazy Uncle” that many never had, and his garage could be likened to a mad scientist’s laboratory. He was a kid at heart his entire life and loved to share his unique finds with the young and old alike. He was a gifted tinkerer and amateur engineer and often crafted, and repaired equipment, motorcycles, and boats for friends and neighbors just for friendship and the fun of it.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory:
His loving wife of 42 years – Cleda; Niece – Diana (Jim) Herrmann of Fairfield, Ohio; Great Niece and Nephews– Rachel, Will, Joey and Tyler; a Sister – Susan Ann Gordon and dozens upon dozens of friends that will never be able to think of Gordy without smiling.
A gathering to honor Gordy’s memory will be announced at a later time.
Steverson, Hamlin-Hilbish Funerals and Cremations 226 East Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 352-343-4444 has been entrusted with all arrangements.
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