Business is family affair for Gordons

The word of the death of a loved one is the most difficult news a person will receive, taking them on an emotional roller coaster through bouts of grief, pain and anger.

Running a funeral home is a family affair for the Gordons. Pictured (front, l-r) are Amanda Gilfillan, Jacob Gilfillan, Linda Gordon, Michelle Gordon, Ryan Gilfillan; (back, l-r) Anna Gilfillan, Scott Gordon, Adam Gordon and Matt Gordon. Not pictured is Jason Gilfillan. During such troubling times, the staff at Gordon Mortuary is ready to help cope with loss and pave the way for recovery.

"During times of grief, families need comfort," said Adam Gordon. "This is the worst time in their lives and we hope to be able to help ease the pain."

Adam and his father, Scott Gordon, now run the family owned funeral home in Blacksburg after purchasing it from Port Elsewhere II late last month.

The mortuary was founded by Scott's uncle, Bill Gordon, in 1948. But during the past 20 years, ownership of the funeral home changed hands three times before finally making its way back to the Gordons.

"It is a piece of our family history," Scott said, "and I'm happy it is back in our possession."

Scott first became interested in the funeral business while working with his uncle in 1967, just before he enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam. After his military duty, Scott continued his quest to being a funeral director by attending

embalming school in Atlanta. He eventually took a job at Shuford- Hatcher Funeral Home in Gaffney.

Scott credits much of his business experience from his time working with his uncle and at Shuford-Hatcher,

saying he was lucky to have the opportunity to work with "two good Bills."

"They were two of the best and what I learned from them means more to me than anything else I will learn in this field," Scott said.

A lot of what Scott learned he was able to pass on to Adam, who believes in blending old methods with new ideas.

"Dad primarily works with the families while I use my experience in numbers," Adam said. "The things we both know help us better serve customers and helps keep costs down."

For most people who work at funeral homes, time to spend with their family is usually at a premium. But though many members of Scott's family serve the community as teachers and police officers, they still are able to find time for each other.

Finding time to spend with loved ones gives the Gordons ample opportunity to share the love they have for each other with those in need during their time of grief.

"Only two people to walk the Earth have not died, which pretty much means death is sure," Adam said. "But when that time comes, we hope that families can walk in here and feel the love we have to give and be comforted during the difficult time."