Gordon Earl Roberts III (Jones), 76, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026. He was born on November 1st, 1949 in San Bernardino California to Gordon Earl Roberts II and Florence Margaret Edson.

As a lifelong learner, Gordon spent his professional career working in education with high-risk students in a juvenile correctional facility in California. He loved his country and served in the United States Navy for 4 years out of San Diego California. He served as youth pastor and worship leader at University Park Church. He was passionate about science and literature, and spent much of his free time reading, studying, and sharing his findings with others. He was a storyteller at heart, and loved to capture those stories through photography and film as he would often do on trips with his wife and gatherings with his friends and family. He had a stash of candies and sweets that he shared over his lifetime with his grandchildren and his great-grandson.

Gordon was a passionate man, full of joy and zeal for knowing Jesus and making him known. Whether inside or outside the classroom, he never met a stranger and strove to get to know everyone he encountered in his life. He immersed himself in his church and community, with a primary focus of connecting with and praying for the people he met. Written on a list that grew to nearly 15 pages in length, Gordon was committed to daily bringing the joys and sorrows of his friends and family to his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Florence. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Paula Jones; his daughter Jennifer Castillo and her husband Keith Castillo, his granddaughter Alyssa Selby and her husband Austin Selby, his grandson Kyle Castillo, his grandson Connor Castillo, his great-grandsons Elliot Selby and Theodore Selby (expected in early 2027); his sister Sharon, his aunt Ruthie; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Please join the family in celebrating Gordon’s life on Tuesday, September 8th at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local church.