Gordon Pannell

Gordon Pannell, age 94, of Lee County, Ga passed through death into eternity on August 5, 2023 and is now face to face with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 10:00am at Crown Hill Cemetery. Pastor Butch Knight and Pastor Pete Daughtry will officiate. Gordon was born November 23, 1928, in Bon Air, Alabama to Johnnie Newton and Beulah Justice Pannell. After the family moved to Worth County, he attended Worth County High School. Always athletic, he played on the school basketball team, football team and participated in track and field events. He enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating from high school serving from 1948 to 1952 and was promoted to Sergeant. Gordon returned to Albany after the Corps and married Anita Nelson. They were married for 59 years until her death in October of 2012. He owned and worked at Standard Plumbing together with his brother, Winston, for approximately 15 years, after which he continued the business himself until retirement. Gordon joined First Baptist Church of Albany in 1977 where he was a tireless servant and volunteer. His cheerful smile, laughter and firm handshake greeted members each Sunday for many years. He loved and enjoyed his church and his church family. He was a pilot and enjoyed flying to and attending air shows across the country, often times with his nephew, John Leiter. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with his brother, William, and his son in law, James, on the water fishing. He and our Mom loved working in their yard together and spent many years making and keeping it a beautiful place to enjoy. His Bible could always be found close by wherever he sat at home and as a family, we will all miss hearing his prayers of thanksgiving and praise as we gathered together. Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Anita, brothers, William Pannell, Charles Ray Pannell, Lavon Pannell, Roger Pannell, Winston Pannell, sister, Mildred Christie and son in law, Joe Woody. His is survived by sons Keith Pannell (Kim) of Dawson, Ga., Glenn Pannell (Katrena) of Lee County, Ga., daughters Pam Allen (Steve) of Lee County, Ga., Patti Christian (James) of Cape Coral, Fl., Kelly Epperson (Eddie) of Lee County, Ga., four granddaughters, Emily Christian, Crystal Howe (Josh), Zoe Epperson, Erin Epperson and great grandchildren, Bentley, Anabelle and Aria Howe; sisters Fran Leiter of Doerun, Ga., Dorothy Elizabeth (Cookie) Kirksey of Albany, Ga., Jo Carole Lewis (Carl) of Villa Rica, Ga., and brother, Mark Pannell (Becky) of Lee County, Ga., and many nieces and nephews. Special appreciation is extended to dear friends, Charles and Janice Sheppard, Tom and Julie Walker, and caregiver, Beverly Fenton. The family’s heartfelt thanks are extended to the many loving hands and staff at Oaks and Horizons for their compassion and care for our Daddy. We also extend our thanks to the staff at Phoebe Hospice, especially his nurse, Dawn Ellis, Val Pickett, Veronica Fudge, Chaplain Joseph, our sister, Kelly, and all of the other unseen Hospice heroes who work so tirelessly to bring comfort and help to the families. Our Daddy met no strangers and was a friend to everyone he met. Those who wish to honor his memory may make donations to First Baptist Church of Albany, 145 Oakland Parkway, Leesburg, Ga 31763 or Samaritan’s Purse, P O Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607.

Gordon Pannell

November 23, 1928 - August 5, 2023