Memorials › Gordon James Darling Jr
Gordon James Darling Jr
31 Dec 1942 – 12 Aug 2024
| Birth | 31 Dec 1942 |
| Death | 12 Aug 2024 |
| Added by | Amy O'Heron on 23 Dec 2025 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/290988868 |
Bio
Gordon James Darling, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on August 12, 2024. He was born on December 31, 1942, to Lorraine and Gordon Darling, Sr. in Albany, GA. Those who were close to him knew that New Year's Eve was the perfect birthday for him, as he was always the life of the party. Raised in a military family, Gordon spent his childhood moving between bases across the country and had the chance to live in Japan during his middle school years. Gordon's family moved to Duluth, Minnesota, for his high school years. He graduated from Hermantown High School in 1960 and went on to study Geography at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. After graduating with a degree in Geography and Social Sciences, he started his first job as a teacher in St. Louis, Missouri, where he met his first wife, Anne Donoghue. They got married in 1966 and went on to have three children: Jennifer, Greg, and Michael Darling. In 1968, they relocated to Mobile, AL, where Gordon began his career in the insurance industry, working as an agent for his mentors, Mr. Bill Gump and Mr. Joe Langan. When they retired, Gordon purchased their businesses and created Badger-Stonewall Insurance Agency. In 1985, Gordon faced the sudden death of his wife, Anne. Gordon focused his energy into supporting his family as they all grieved the loss of their wife and mother. Later that year, Gordon met Elina Ritchie, who was mourning the loss of her husband. As they faced this difficult time, they began to lean on each other, eventually falling in love and getting married in 1986. Gordon welcomed Elina's children, Jay and Doug Ritchie, into the family with open arms. Throughout their 38 years of marriage, Gordon was a faithful and loving husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. Gordon was dedicated to serving his community and was an active member of the Exchange Club of Mobile, which cites its core values as "family, community, and country." These values resonated with Gordon, who frequently served on the board and was board president in 1998. In 2009, he was honored with the "Exchangite of the Year Award" in recognition of his dedication to volunteering and the positive attitude he maintained during his service. Gordon certainly left his mark on the Mobile community. He had a passion for Mardi Gras, and was also part of several different organizations. After a successful 43 years in the insurance industry, Gordon retired in 2010. He spent his later years doing what he loved most: traveling with his wife, tending to his vegetable garden, and spending time with his beloved dogs, Molly and Lili. Above all, Gordon's life was all about sharing joy with those around him. His love for music was a big part of that. He had a special place in his heart for hymns and would often lift spirits by singing in the church choir, spreading the joy of Christ. At home, he was known for dancing around the living room to the Beach Boys or Billy Joel, bringing smiles to everyone's faces. We will miss the positivity and light that Gordon brought to our lives. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elina; his sister, Sherry McCord; his children, Jennifer Hadaway (James), Greg Darling (Ann), Michael Darling, Jay Ritchie (Jackie), and Doug Ritchie (Sandy); his darling Aunt, Maxine Goetzinger; his grandchildren, Kendal (Kandace), Keaten, Joseph (Casey), Anne, Bryan, James, Will, Thomas, Lauren, Katie, Ty, and Erin; six beautiful great grandchildren, and many fond cousins, nieces, and nephews, especially all the many Jensen relatives in and around the Midwest, especially York, NE all of whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his wife of 18 years, Anne Donoghue Darling; his parents, Lorraine and Gordon Darling, Sr.; and his sister, Pauline Moore. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile, AL 36608. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m. We ask that you wear festive colors, as we celebrate the joy Gordon brought to our lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordon's name to the Gulf Coast Family Center of Mobile at 3100 Cottage Hill Rd, Bldg 2, Ste 202, Mobile, AL 36606. This Family Center, founded in 1991 by the Exchange Club, offers various services to protect children and strengthen and support families along the Gulf Coast. Donations may also be made to the Mobile ASPCA at 620 Zeigler Cir W, Mobile, AL 36608.
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