Gordon Mauldin

Gordon Mauldin, age 87 of Clearwater, Florida passed to heaven December 16, 2024. On July 26, 1937 he was born in Sycamore Georgia. Here he spent his youth working on the farm and hunting and fishing along the Alapaha River. He attended Sycamore High School where he was voted “Most Witty” by his classmates and joined the Army at age 17. At age 22 he married the love of his life and wife of 64 years – Agnes Faye Bankston of Griffin, Ga.
Gordon retired as a First Sergeant from the US Army after 21 years, 3 months and 17 days. He served conspicuously as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne and later in the Army Security Agency. His stateside assignments included: Fort Jackson, SC; Fort Carson, CO; Fort Lewis WA; Fort Campbell, KY; Fort Benning, GA; Fort Gordon, GA; Fort AP Hill, VA and Vint Hill Farms Station, VA. Oversea assignments included: Two tours in Germany, Iceland, Vietnam & Thailand.
His military decorations and awards include: Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Senior Parachutists Badge, The Legion of Merit, Two Bronze Stars with “V” device for heroism in ground combat, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Six awards of the Good Conduct Medal, Two awards of the National Defense Service Award, Vietnam Service Award with 3 stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After retiring from the Army, Gordon used the GI Bill to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree. Afterward he entered the ministry, pastoring for 25 years. His ministry was marked by his generous spirit, and his great love and compassion for people. He also served as Chaplain for the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 11 in Clearwater.
In his later life He enjoyed doing Yardwork and spoiling his 3 grandchildren. He celebrated his 80th birthday by adding one more parachute jump to his sixty plus jumps in the Army – this one from 11,500 ft, much higher than his previous jumps with the Screaming Eagles. Unfortunately, ill health over the last 4 years forced him to quit yardwork, but he never retired from spoiling his grandchildren and family. Known for his skillful storytelling, light-hearted demeanor and generosity, Gordon was well liked by his friends and neighbors.
Gordon was preceded in death in 2023 by his wife and is survived by his son Scott, Daughter in Law “Sunshine” Sue, and 3 Grandchildren, Matthew, Amelia and Joshua – all of Clearwater.
Arrangements are being managed by the Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater.
Visitation will be at their facility January 9, 2025 at 11:30. This will be followed by a celebration of life at 12:30, and a grave side committal with military honors at 2:30 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery.