Michael Joslin Gordon

Michael Joslin Gordon

Michael Joslin Gordon, age 77, passed away January 16, 2023 in his beloved hometown, Rock Hill, South Carolina. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Eleanor Gordon and brother Joseph.

Mike grew up in Rock Hill and graduated from Clemson University. He was a member of the Numeral Society, now known as the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After college, he attended Officer Candidate School and admirably served our country in the Army as Second Lieutenant.

Mike was a serial entrepreneur and natural salesman. He loved his customers and they loved him back. Mike co-founded the nationally known golf lifestyle brand Divots Sportswear, sold hundreds of thousands of soft sculpture dolls as CEO and founder of The Patch Factory, made golfers happy at his store Niblicks on Hilton Head Island, and held a partnership in Piedmont Specialty Advertising with his brother Jim. The family is certain God will soon call and place an order with Mike for 8 dozen embroidered shirts and matching hats, but not before upselling some screen printed koozies. If Mike heard this himself, he would be sharing his infectious laugh in certain agreement.

Mike is survived by his patient and loving wife, Ann, a long-time executive at the Charlotte Observer.  Mike’s siblings Joan Waks, David Gordon (Kathy), Susan G.DeRamus (David), and Jimmy Gordon (Donna) will now be responsible for something we all loved about Mike, retelling the same 20 stories to anyone who would listen: the eagle he made at Augusta National, the time he and best friend Jack Leader snuck out of the house and “borrowed” (and wrecked) his dad’s car, the time he cleaned his many great neighborhood friends in Joslin Pointe at the poker table, and many more.

Mike’s children, Phil Gordon (Barb) and Ashley Stone, and stepchildren Christine Sykes Lowe (Fielding), Ryan Burns (Julie), and Alan Burns will miss him greatly.

Mike’s amazing and talented grandkids span from A to Z: Anisa, Austin, Jacob, Lila, Sarina, Xander, Zachary, and Zakai. And, we can’t forget to mention his faithful canine companion, Mr. Boots.

A celebration of a life well-lived and loved will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 1694 Bird Street, Rock Hill, S.C. at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Or, if you are so inclined, please buy yourself a bottle of his favorite, Dewars, and toast Mike with a shot (or two) on the rocks.