Dr. Edward I. Gordon

Dr. Edward I. Gordon, 80, of Farmville, Virginia, died at his home on September 20, 2025 with his wife, Pam, by his side. Edward Gordon was born and raised in Millburn, New Jersey, the son of the late Buddie Gordon and Lee Gordon. At the age of 7, he was stricken with Polio and suffered severe muscle paralysis. He survived by being placed in an iron lung. After recovery, he could not play sports because he needed leg braces to walk. However, he excelled academically. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Chemistry from Seton Hall University, a Doctor of Medicine Degree (M.D.) from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) from Johns Hopkins University. He completed his residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Gordon was Board Certified in Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine.

In 1973, Dr. Gordon was recruited to establish a medical practice in Farmville, Virginia. In the ensuing 45 years, he became the epitome of the country doctor treating thousands of patients of all ages routinely working into the evening hours and making house calls when his patients could not come to him. Dr. Gordon started the Pediatric Department and the Nursery at Southside Community Hospital. He started helicopter transportation at the hospital. He served as Medical Examiner for Central Virginia for many years. He trained new medical examiners and was consulted by medical examiners located throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was a consultant to the Department of Homeland Security and trained Emergency Medical Technicians in the area. Dr. Gordon served as Medical Director at the Piedmont Regional Jail and Medical Director at The Woodland.

Dr. Gordon was not only a skilled and compassionate physician, but he was also a generous benefactor. In 2009, Longwood University began the process of establishing a Nursing (BSN) Program. Dr. Gordon donated one million dollars to fund a clinical simulation center for the new nursing school. It was the largest gift from a local donor in the 170-year history of the university. Today, the Dr. Edward I. Gordon, M.D., Clinical Simulation Learning Center is a state-of-the-art critical component of the Longwood University School of Nursing.

Edward Gordon was a leader in the Farmville community. He served on the Longwood University Board of Visitors and was elected to serve on the Farmville Town Council. As a member of those bodies, he was able to foster a positive relationship between Longwood University and the Town of Farmville.

In retirement, Ed and Pam traveled throughout the United States going to Nashville, Las Vegas, New Orleans, the Great Smoky Mountains, Disney World, Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon. They also took cruises to Alaska, Mexico, Haiti, the Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands.

In many ways, Ed Gordon was a modern-day Renaissance Man. He was skilled in science and medicine. He mastered modern technology. He loved new gadgets. He was constantly looking for ways to improve his community whether it be successfully advocating for new lights on Main Street in Farmville or by securing defibrillators to be placed in schools, churches and public buildings. And he became a fan of bluegrass and country music even being a backstage special guest at the Grand Ole Opry.

Ed is survived by his wife, Pamela L. Gordon; his son, Michael Gordon; his granddaughters, Olivia Gordon Brinkley (Aaron) and Mariah Gordon; his service dog, Ann; Mother-in-law, Peggy Lane (age 92); Father-in-law, Bill Lane (age 94).

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 10:00AM at Puckett Funeral Home with interment to follow in Westview Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Thursday evening 6:00-8:00PM at the funeral home.