Saul Martin Gordon

Saul Martin Gordon, 88, of Statesville, passed away at Carolinas Medical Center surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2017. Saul was born May 12, 1928 in Statesville, NC to the late Charlotte and Louis Gordon. He graduated from Statesville Senior High in 1946 and then attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1946-1950 where he was a member of Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity. While attending UNC he met the love of his life Gene Lester. They were married August 2, 1950. He started his career in 1950 at L. Gordon Iron & Metal Company and retired as Chairman and CEO. Saul made sure he saw L. Gordon Iron & Metal into 2017, the company's 100th year. Saul was a dancer, golfer, singer and horseman. He loved his work, his synagogue, and serving his community. Saul was deeply loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, family, employees, friends and community. He was forgiving beyond a fault, passionate, revenant, cheerful, and compassionate. He was enthusiastic in all life pursuits. He was extremely loyal to friends and family. He was a tireless and vigorous worker, speaker, and toastmaster. Saul was a community leader and dedicated to his employees and customers. Saul served on many community and philanthropic boards. Among his numerous roles he served in many leadership capacities.He was past president and of the Statesville Kiwanis Club; chairman and co-founder of the Tarheel Classic Horse Show; organizer and chairman of the Statesville Community Appearance Commission; chairman of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Iredell County; Chairman of Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County; President of Congregation Emanuel of Statesville; Chairman of B'Nai Brith Service Organization; and Bank of America Regional Advisory Board Chairman. He also served in multiple leadership positions for the Institute of Scrap Metal Recycling Industries. Among them he was Southern Chapter President; vice-chairman for the Fair Trade Committee; National Director At-large; and a twenty-year seminar leader on Shredder Maintenance and Safety. Among his many distinctions and honors, Saul was a recipient of the Tennessee Governors award and made an honorary citizen of the state. He received the Statesville Community Education Award; North Carolina Governor's Certificate of Appreciation; Mary Jane Kistler Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to School and Community; Mass Mutual National Family Business of the Year Recipient; and was named the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of the Year. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Gene Lester Gordon of Statesville; daughter Charlotte Gordon Margolis of Charlotte and children David Margolis and Amy Korta (Luke); son Craig Randolph Gordon; and daughter Susan Gordon Sandler (Bernie) and daughters Mollie Sandler and Ellis Sandler. Saul is additionally survived by sisters-in-law, Rona Gordon of Statesville and Toby Gordon of Statesville, nieces and nephews, Barry Gordon of Troutman, Mark Gordon of Greer, SC, Richard Gordon of Statesville, Robert Gordon of Statesville, Wendy Pake of Mooresville, Louis Gordon of Mooresville and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Melvin Gordon, Ellis Gordon (Barbara), Alfred Gordon, and Kalman Gordon. Funeral services will be conducted by Rabbi Michael Shields on Thursday, January 12 at 3:30pm at the graveside, Oakwood Cemetery. There will be a service and visitation at Temple Emmanuel immediately following. Active pallbearers will be Bernie Sandler, Barry Gordon, Mark Gordon, Richard Gordon, Robert Gordon, Louis Gordon, Zach Gordon, Morrow Gordon, and Luke Korta. Honorary pallbearers will be all employees of L. Gordon Iron and Metal Company. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625; and Boys and Girls Club of Statesville, 1001 Cochran Street, Statesville, N.C. 28677. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.