The following article appeared in the High Point newspaper in October 1944.

Mr. And Mrs. Mack D. Gordy Mark 65th Wedding Date Here.

High Point has played an important part in the lives of Mr and Mrs. Mack D. Gordy of 430 South Main street, who are celebratinig their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary in this section where they were both born in the 1850s, later married and lived to a ripe old age.

Thursday was the 65th anniversary of their marriage and they held openhouse for their relatives and friends there, beginning at 6:30 in the evening and continuing until a late hour, many calling to extend greetings to this well-known couple.

Retired for the past thirty years, Mr. Gordy worked as a tinsmith here for many years, his shop being located on the present site of Eckerd’s drug store and marked by a five-foot coffee pot of tin, which was a landmark in High Point for a half-century.

Mrs. Gordy is the former Sarah Haney, daughter of the late Thomas and Rebecca Haney of Randolph County.

Twelve children were born to Mr and Mrs Gordy, ten of whom are still living and six residents of High Point. The sons are Paul H. Gordy, Fred L. Gordy and Donovan Gordy, all of High Point and the daughters are Mrs R. H. Garland, Mrs. L. W. Kearns, Mrs. J. R. Plummer of High Point; Mrs. L. S Pate of Jacksonville, Fla., Mrs. R. G. Ryan of Greensboro, Mrs. J. R. Agnew of Spencer and Mrs. V. F. Crissman of Lexington. Mrs. Agnew is one of twins, her brother, Grover having died. Sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren are descendants of this happy couple, who were married in 1879 in this city and lived in a house still standing on the Ragan Estate, before moving to their present home.

Both Mr. And Mrs. Gordy are remarkable active considering their age and enjoy having their family and friends in their home. Mr. Gordy will be eighty-six the fifteenth of this month, while Mrs. Gordy will be eighty–two on October 27. They have watched High Point grow to a small hamlet to its present prominent place in the business world and are proud to call it their “homeplace.”

Family Story

Mack Daniel Gordy's original will left his investments equally divided to his children and grandchildren. His seventh and eight daughters, Mary Gordy Criswell and Norma Gordy Plummer had a new will drawn up and had him sign it on his death bed. Mack Daniel Gordy never knew he was signing a new will nor did any of the his other children. The new will left everything to Mary Criswell and Norma Plummer. Mary Crisswell's husband was a pharmacist and he had a brother that was a lawyer. This brother drafted a new will for the two sisters. Norma felt since she moved back home to take care of her ailing father prior to this death she and her sister, Mary, should inherit everthing. This did not set well with the other brothers and sisters since Mack Daniel owned property all over High Point, NC and was a multi-millionaire. Two of Mack Daniel Gordy's sons, Fred Lyon Gordy and Paul Harold Gordy, hired an attorney and challenged the will. It took two years and even went to the Supreme Court but the overturn was denied. This caused tension among the brothers and sisters for years. In the final will Mack Daniel Gordy's daughter, Dollie Roberta Gordy Kearns, received $25.00 and his daughter, Flora Lee Gordy Ryan, received a building in High Point, NC. The remaining assets of Mack Daniel Gordy went to Mary Gordy Crisswell and Norma Gordy Plummer.

The following obituary appeared in the High Point newspaper in November 1948.

Mack Gordy, 90, Dies At Home On South Main Street

Mack D. Gordy, 90 of 440 South Maint Street died at his home Tuesday evening at 8 o’clock after an illness of three years and a serious illness of one week. He had been a resident of this city for the past 69 years, operating a sheet metal business until 1909, when he retired. He was an active worker in the Main Street Methodist Church.

Mr Gordy was born in Randolph County October 14, 1858, a son of Moses and Mary Ann Myers Gordy. He was married September 29, 1879 to Miss Sarah E. Haney, who survives with seven daughter, Mrs. H. H. Garland, Mrs. L. W. Kearns and Mrs. J. R. Plummer, all of High Point, Mrs L. S. Pate, Jacksonville, Fla., Mrs. U. F. Crissman, Lexington, Mrs. R. J. Ryan, Greensboro, Mrs. J. R. Agner, Spencer: Three sons, Fred L., Paul H., and Donovan Gordy, all of High Point: 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a half sister, Mrs W. P. Ridge of High Point.

Funeral services will be held in the Gordy home Thursday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock by Rev. E. M. Jones, pastor of Main Street Methodist church, and Rev. W. R. Kelly of Greensboro. Burial will be in the family plot in Oakwood cemetery. The body will be returned to the home Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock.

This article appeared in the High Point newspaper the day after the funeral.

Mack D. Gordy

Services for Mack D. Gordy, 90, retired businessman and resident of this city for the past 69 years who died at his home, 440 South Main Street, early Tesday evening after a serious illness of one week, were helf from the late residence Thursday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock by Rev. W. R. Kelly, Greensboro, a former pastor. Burial was in the family plot in the Oakwood cemetery. The honorary pallbearers were W. D. Simmons, O. E. Kearns, G. H. Kearns, T. A. Kearns, Claude A. Lewis. Dr. T. M Stanton, John W. Welborn. H. M. Taylor, Dexter Welborn and R. R. Ragan. The active pall bearers were Robert Garland, Grover Garland, Mack Lee Gordy, Keith Kearns, Lawrence Leonard, Fred Leonard, Clyde Allred and G. H. Wicker. The many beautiful floral offerings were carried by members of the J. W. Clinard Bible Class of the Main Street Methodist church and friends.

During the services Mrs. J. R. Boone and Mrs. John York sang one selection.

Obituary for Mack Donovan Gordy

The High Point Enterprise December 21, 1968

M. D. Gordy Dies Friday

Mack Donovan Gordy, 66 of 314 Woodrow Ave died at 7pm in High Point Memorial Hospital where he had been a patient for a few hours. He had been in declining health for several months. Mr. Gordy was born in High Point May 11, 1902, a son of Mack D and Sarah Horney Gordy. A lifelong resident of High Point, he was never married.

Surviving are seven sisters: Mrs. J.R. (Norma) Plummer, 314 Woodrow Ave., Mrs. J.R. (Frances) Agnew, 718 Brookside, Mrs. Leon (Dolly) Kearns, 403 Sunset Dr., Mrs. Robert (Lou) Garland 236 Montlieu Ave., Mrs. Uba (Mary) Crissman, Rt 8, Lexington, and Mrs. J.G. (Flora) Ryan of Greensboro; two brothers, Fred L. Gordy, 213 Montlieu Ave and Paul H Gordy, Rt 1, High Point.

Funeral will be held at 3 pm Sunday in Sechrest Chapel by the Rev. O. Dewey Smith. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. The body will remain at Sechrest Funeral Home. The family will be at the funeral home tonight 7 to 9.

Obituary for Nellie Louise Gordy Garland

Mrs. Garland is Dead at 89

Mrs. Lou Gordy Garland, 89, of Emerywood Court Apartments died at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday at Wesleyan Arms Nursing and Convalescent Center. She had been in declining health since October.

Mr. Garland was born August 21, 1883 in High Point, a daughter of Mack Daniel and Sarah Haney Gordy. She had been a resident of High Point all of her life. On Dec 17, 1902 she was married to Robert Henry Garland. He died February 14, 1967. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and a honorary life member of the Women of the Church Presbyterian Church U. S.

Surviving are two daughters. Mrs. Jueff (Lucille) Pierce of Myrtle Beach and Mrs. Clyde (Helen) Allred of 900 Ferndale Blvd; one son Robert G. Garland of 806 Ferndale Blvd; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; six sisters, Mrs. Lee Pate of Murfreesboro, Tenn, Mrs. L. W. Kearns of 403 Sunset Dr., Mrs. Jack Ryan of the Presbyterian Home, Mrs. J. R. Agnew of 718 Brookside, Mrs. Uba Crissman of Lexington and Mrs. John R. Plummer of 314 Woodrow; and two brothers, Fred L. Gordy of 213 Montlieu Ave. and Paul Gordy of Atlanta, GA.

Funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in Sechrest Chapel by Dr. W. Krrk Allen, Jr. Entombment will be in the Garland Mausoleum in Oakwood Cemetery. The body is at the Secrest Funeral Home.

The familyt requests that memorialsl be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to a charity of one's choice, rather than to the funeral.

Obituary for Fred Lyon Gordy

April 20, 1976, Tuesday High Point Enterprise

F.L. Gordy is Dead at age 89 Fred Lyon Gordy, 89, of 213 Montlieu Ave died Monday at 1pm in High Point Memorial Hospital. Mr. Gordy was born in High Point May 5, 1886, a son of Mack Daniel and Sarah Haney Gordy. He lived in High Point all of his life and was of the Presbyterian faith. He married Nora Greer Oct 25, 1911. She died Feb 17, 1976. He was a salesman for Beeson Hardware until retiring in 1959. Surviving are one son, Dr. Thomas D Gordy of Pittsfield, Mass., four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, six sisters, Mrs. Laura Pate of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Mrs. Flora G Ryan of 201 Greensboro Road, Mrs. Frances G Agnew of 718 Brookside Drive, Mrs. Dollie G Kearns of 403 Sunset Drive, Mrs. Mary Crissman of Lexington and Mrs. Norma Plummer of 314 Woodrow Ave., and one brother, Paul Gordy of Albany Ga.

Funeral will be 2pm Wednesday in Sechrest Chapel by Dr. W Kirk Allen Jr. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park. The body will remain at Sechrest Funeral Home, and the family will be there tonight 7:30 to 8:30.

Kearns Enlistment

Malcolm joined the United States Army Air Corp as a Private at age 22 on Jun 9, 1943 at Camp Croft, SC for the duration of the war plus 6 months. His SN was 34776391. Malcolm served as a ball turret gunner on a B-17-G Flying Fortress flying out of Polebrook, England.

Infant Son of Man Fighting Overseas Dies In Hospital (High Point, NC Newspaper Article)

Malcolm Leon Keams, Jr., infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm L. Kearns, died at a local hospital Sunday, February 13, 1944. The child was born on February 11, 1944. Mrs. Kearns is making her home with her parents at Trinity while her husband is overseas with the Army Air Corps. Surviving are the parents, the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. L. W, Kearns of High Point and Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Woodlief of, Trinity. Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of J. W. Sechrest and Son this afternoon at three o'clock by Rev. W. R. Kelly, pastor of the Main Street Methodist church and interment will follow in the family plot in the Oakwood cemetery.

Kearns Infant (High Point, NC Newspaper Article)

Funeral services for Malcolm Leon Kearns, Jr., infant son of Malcolm L. and Blanche Woodlief Kearns who died at a local hospital Sunday, were conducted from the chapel of J. W. Sechrest & Son Monday afternoon at three o’clock. Rev. W. R. Kelly, pastor of the Main Street Methodist church, officiated and interment followed in the family plot in the Oakwood cemetery. A large number attended the services and the floral offerings were carried by relatives and friends and were in charge of Mrs. O. L. Smith.

Family Story

Malcolm Leon Kearns' plane was shot down after a bombing run over Berlin on Aug 6, 1944. Severely wounded with the plane going down, the crew threw him out of the plane. The Germans found him on the ground without a parachute. He was listed as Missing-In-Action and as dead on Aug 6, 1944. Malcolm was on his fourth bombing mission when he was shot down. He received the Purple Heart posthumously. Malcolm was in the service approximately 13 months and was buried in Wust, Germany in a public cemetery for five years before being returned to High Point, NC. A member of the flight crew was on a train passing through High Point and stopped to tell his mother and father, Dollie and L. W. Kearns, what happened on the flight. Read the actual report below.

Malcolm Leon Kearns' First Mission
Friday, July 28, 1944
City: Merseburg, Germany
Target: None Listed
Plane Name: Black Widow

Malcolm Leon Kearns' Second Mission
Monday, July 31, 1944
City: Munich, Germany
Target: None Listed
Plane Name: Wisconsin Beauty

Malcolm Leon Kearns' Third Mission
Tuesday, Aug 1, 1944
City: Chateaudun, France
Target: Airfield
Plane Name: Dozy Doats

Malcolm Leon Kearns' Fourth Mission
Thursday, Aug 3, 1944
City: Saarbrucken, Germany
Target: Railroad & Marshalling Yard
Plane Name: Silver Meteor

Malcolm Leon Kearns' Fifth Mission
Friday, Aug 4, 1944
City: Anklam, Germany
Target: Airfield
Plane Name: Thunderball

Malcolm Leon Kearns' Sixth Mission
Saturday, Aug 5, 1944
City: Nienburg, Germany
Target: Underground Oil Storage Tanks
Plane Name: Unknown

Malcolm Leon Kearns' Seventh and Last Mission
Sunday, Aug 6, 1944
City: Berlin, Germany
Target: None Listed
Plane Name: Screw Ball

The following is a Confidential Report of Malcolm’s last mission dated Aug 8, 1944 signed by Patrick W. Flournoy, Jr., 1st Lt AC. Malcolm was in the 8th Air Force, 351st Bomber Group, 511th Bomb Squadron.

He left Army Air Field (AAF) 110 and flew East to Berlin, Germany on a heavy bombardment mission. Last report 2 to 3/10, small cumulus estimated top 6 to 8,000 ft., visibility good on 6 Aug 44 at 1230. The plane was last sighted in enemy anti-aircraft and enemy aircraft. Aircraft was a B-17-G, A.A.F. SN 42-107046 with engine type R-1820-97 Serial Numbers: SW-006322, SW-006335, SW-006284 & SW-006291. There were nine crewmembers on board. Source: Footnote.com

Confidential Report Change

The above Confidential Report was changed to Restricted on 15 Mar 1946 and was signed by E. A. Bradunas, Lt. Col, AC & F. M. Musnch, Capt., AC.

This incident took place 1 km southwest of Wust, Germany, 2 km east of Brandenburg/Havel airbase Brandenburg-Briest.

Individual Casualty Report Source: Footnote.com

According to government records Sgt Malcolm L. Kearns flew seven missions instead of four missions as a ball turret gunner.

Missing In Action (High Point, NC Newspaper Article)

Sgt. Malcolm L. Kearns has been reported missing in action since August 6 when he was taking part in bombing operations over Germany, according to a War department message received Sunday by his wife, Mrs. M. L. Kearns, 412 Fourth Street. A gunner on a Flying Fortress, he has been overseas since July and in service approximately 13 months.

Memorial Services (High Point, NC Newspaper Article)

Memorial services for Sgt. Malcolm Kearns will be held Sunday at 3 o’clock at the South Main Street Methodist church and will be in charge of Rev. Walter Kelly and Chaplain O. F. Montgomery, of the ORD in Greensboro. Music will be furnished by the church choir and special numbers by soldiers from ORD. Sgt. Kearns was killed August 6, 1944 while on his fourth bombing mission over Berlin when his plane was shot down. He has been awarded the Purple Heart posthumously. His wife, the former Miss Blanche Woodlief, lives at Trinity and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Kearns, reside at 613 Willowbrook. The family request that no flowers be sent to the service.

Tribute Paid To Sgt. M. L. Kearns, Killed in Action (High Point, NC Newspaper Article)

Tribute was paid to the life of Sgt. Malcolm L. Kearns in a memorial service held Sunday afternoon in Main St. Methodist church. Sgt. Kearns was an active member of both the church and Sunday school until time of his induction into the services of his country June 9, 1943.

Rev. Walter Kelly, pastor of the church, was in charge of the services,, assisted by Chaplain O. F. Montgomery, Major L. B. Cannon, Cpl. Donald Trexler and Sgt, John B. Sealy who came over from ORD in Greensboro. Relatives and friends filled the church auditorium.

Sgt. Kearns was reported missing in action over Germany August 6, 1944, and recently, the family was advised that he was killed in action on that date.

With Fielding Kearns at the organ, the service was opened with organ music and Chaplain Montgomery gave the memorial address.

Sgt. Kearns was born in High Point October 10, 1920; and educated in the local schools, graduated with the class of 1937. On July 6, 1940, he was married to Miss Blanch Woodlief of Trinity, who survives. Other immediate survivors are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Kearns; a sister, Mrs. Helen Stevens; one brother, Keith Kearns; and his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Mack D. Gordy. Before entering service, he was employed by the Triangle Hosiery Mills.

EDWARD W. HANDEL , age 83, of Savanna died Friday, October 19, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A Funeral Service was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. Burial was in the St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Savanna. Military rites were accorded by the Savanna Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post #2223. A Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, October 22, 2007 at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Savanna VFW or Disabled Veterans in Ed's memory. Ed was born on February 4, 1924, the son of William R. and Bertha B. (Schueler) Handel at their home in rural Savanna. He attended Savanna Township High School and graduated with the Class of 1942. Ed married Violet M. Cramer on March 10, 1944 in Mt. Carroll. Ed joined the United States Army Air Corp in August of 1943. Ed became a Prisoner of War when his plane was shot down over Berlin, Germany on August 6, 1944. Ed was discharged from the United States Army Air Corp in November of 1945. Ed farmed with his wife in rural Savanna for over sixty years. He was also employed by the Burlington Railroad for thirty-eight years. Ed was a member of the Savanna VFW, American Legion and Moose. He was a longtime member of the Savanna Community Church. Ed enjoyed woodworking, especially carving walking sticks and building birdhouses. Ed also liked to travel and play cards. Most of all, Ed loved spending time with his family. Ed is survived by his wife, Violet; two sons, Eddie (Liz) Handel of Brownsville, Minnesota and Bill (Deb) Handel of Champaign; three daughters, Vicki (Bob) Stretton of Savanna, Laurie (Glenn) Miller of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Kathy (Brad) Williams of Lansing, Iowa; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen (Paul) Rath of Savanna; and several nieces and nephews. His parents, and one brother, George Handel precede Ed in death.

ORRVILLE -- Edward E. "Ed" Gavin, 84, 1724 Kenwood Drive, died on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, at Dunlap Memorial Hospital, Orrville, following a long period of declining health. Services will be held at Christ United Church of Christ, 301 N. Main St., Orrville, on Friday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Randall Gehres officiating. Burial will take place in Crown Hill Cemetery, Orrville, where military rites will be conducted. Friends may call at Christ United Church of Christ, tonight (Thursday), from 6-8 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Friday. Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is handling arrangements. Online registry and expressions of condolence may be left at the funeral home's Web site, www.aublefuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be sent to Christ United Church of Christ, 301 N. Main St., Orrville 44667. Ed was born on Feb. 17, 1923, in Leetonia, the son of Edward W. and Bernice N. (Tyson) Gavin. Ed was a 1941 graduate of Orrville High School and later was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943. He served in the European Theater and was a tailgunner on a B-17. His plane was shot down on Aug. 6, 1944, during a mission over Berlin by a German fighter plane. He was wounded, captured and was a prisoner of war until May of 1945. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. He was united in marriage to Dora E. Mast on Jan. 19, 1946, in Orrville. She survives. Ed was employed as an agent for Western-Southern Life Insurance and later was a car salesman for George Lamb Chevrolet and Dale Beckler Ford for many years. He was a member of Christ United Church of Christ, American Legion Post 282 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3446 in Orrville. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards and watching sports on television. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Surviving in addition to his wife, Dora, are two daughters, Sharon (Larry) Singer and Connie (Jim) Reynolds, both of Orrville; three grandchildren, Gary (Dana) Singer, Michael (Angela) Singer and Melanie Lamb, all of Orrville; four great-granddaughters, Courteney, Shelby, Nicole and Tonya Singer; and his brother, Roland (Hannah) Gavin of Orrville. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lt. Col. Clinton F. Ball was the Commander of the 511th Bomber Squadron from Nov. 24, 1942 - Sep. 23, 1943. Under his command all bombers had to have his last name, "Ball", in the airplane name. Thus Screw - Ball. Maybe they were sending him a message.

The ball turret gunner had a very cramped space to work in. He remained out of the turret on take off and landings and only entered the turret as they neared their target or when enemy fighters were present. It is highly possible that their feet and legs went to sleep from flying in this position for several hours making it hard to stand up after leaving the turret.

Obituary for Flora Gordy Ryan

Mrs. Flora Gordy Ryan, 93, of the Presbyterian Home in High Point died Monday at the home.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

She was a native of High Point and spent most of her life in Greensboro. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.

Surviving are daughters, Mrs. G. H. Wicker of Greensboro, Mrs. A. N. Park of Atlanta; sisters, Mrs. J. R. Agnew, Mrs. U. F. Crissman and Mrs. John Plummer of High Point; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

The family will be at Hanes-Lineberry North Elm Street Funeral Home 7:30-8:30 p.m. today, other times at the home of Mrs. G. H. Wicker, 3703 Madison Avenue.

Obituary for Frances Gordy Agnew

Mrs. Frances Gordy Agnew, 94, of the Presbyterian Home died there at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

She was born in High Pint September 18, 1893, a daughter of Mack D. And Sarah Haney Gordy. She had been a resident of High Point 32 years moving from Spencer, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church. In March 1914 she married John Rives Agnew, who died July 2, 1966.

Surviving are her daughter, Mrs Margaret A. Fowler of N. Myrtle Beach, SC, two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. The body is at Sechrest Funeral Home on E. Lexington Avenue.

Next day obituary information

Funeral for Mrs. Frances Gordy Agnew, 94, of the Presbyterian Home, who died Wednesday, will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Sechrest Chapel on E. Lexington Avenue by Dr. R. Scott Woodmansee. Burial will be in Floral Garden Park Cemetery. The body will remain at the Sechrest Funeral Home. The family will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Williams, 403 Sunset Drive.