ORDON, DR. LARRY JOHN On Monday afternoon, April 18, 2011, Larry John Gordon slipped into eternal slumber at Texas Regional Hospital in Sunnyvale, TX. He left all who knew and loved him a wealth of memories, unfailing love, and an indelible mark on each of our lives. Larry was born February 24, 1949, in Paris, TX to the late Hershel and Eddie Mae Jackson and John Henry Gordon. His parents preceded him in death and brother-in-law, the late David Forney, Jr. He united in marriage with Carrie Mae Forney on December 31, 1988. He attended Gibbons High School and later graduated from Paris High School in 1967. He went on to receive degrees in Music Education from Bishop College (Bachelors), East Texas State University (Masters), and Columbia Pacific University (Doctorate). Dr. Gordon joined Ebernezer AME Methodist Church at an early age. When he moved to Dallas he later joined Harvest Baptist Church (Dallas) and presently attends Kingdom Life International Ministries (Balch Springs). T-Byrd (as he was well known) embarked upon a career in music that spanned over 40 years. One of his major accomplishments was a Grammy nomination with Grammy-winner Art Greenhaw for Southern Meets Soul: An American Gospel Jubilee. He continued to strive for that Grammy win with submission of several recordings such as Da Byrdman Cometh, ComMUSICation, Da Byrdman of Al Catraz, various recordings with other musicians and artists that included James Brown, The Light Crust Doughboys, and many more. He performed nationally and abroad before some of the most affluent people in the world such as His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco, Jerry Jones, Ross Perot, Oak Ridge Boys, Tony Bennett, Oprah Winfrey, Fmr. President George Bush, Regis Philbin, and many more. And he performed for an array of events such as the Cattle Barons Ball, Crystal Charity Ball, Beau Arts Ball, wedding receptions, private parties, marched in parades, and so on. What a legend in his own right!

Dr. Larry "T-Byrd" Gordon (as he was well known) leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 34 years, Honorable Mayor Carrie Forney Gordon (Balch Springs, TX); his son Larry "Lil' Larry" John Gordon II (Curb-Warner Bros. Songwriter/Recording Artist); Mrs. Sarah Jane Forney (mother-in-law); Hershel Marie Jackson (sister) and her children, Denitra LaShawn Jackson, JaQuoia Renee Sylvester and KaDarrius Brushun Jackson; Pauline Forney Smith (sister-in-law) and her children William Arthur Smith, Crescenda Ekwere, and Robert Arthur Smith; Murline Babineaux LaCour (sister-in-law) and her children Marlene Guidry McCall, Valerie Carter Smith, Charles Babineaux; Edward "Eddie" Ray (adopted father, mentor and friend); four Godsons William Arthur Smith, KaDarrius Brushun Jackson, T-Byrd Welz Oliver, and Amari Strather; and a host of nieces and nephews. So many family and friends that we would need hundreds of pages to complete

Service will be held at 1:00PM, Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Family Catheral of Praise in Mesquite, TX. Wake will be held at 6:00PM on Friday, April 22, 2011 at Restland Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park.