Billy Derwood Gorden Jr.

May 17, 1946 --- October 3, 2025

Billy Gorden, a loving husband, father, Pop, Uncle, cousin, and friend passed away on October 3, 2025, at the age of 79. Billy was raised in Corsicana and was a graduate of Corsicana High School in 1964. In the summer after high school, he met the love of his life Nelda Minatra. They were married February 4, 1966. Billy was a Christian by faith, having been baptized as a child at Memorial Baptist Church in Corsicana. Billy was a current member of the Cowboy Church of Corsicana.

Billy was an avid collector. He loved to hunt and collect arrow heads, and he loved to collect coins. He had acquired a vast collection of both. He loved to metal detect, he would go out for hours looking for rare finds. Billy also had a passion for old cars; he loved his 1968 Buick Skylark convertible. Billy had a heart for service, he followed in his Uncle Dewey Gorden's footsteps by becoming a Mason. Billy was a member of the Eureka Masonic Lodge #1060. He served as a past Master Mason. Billy also received his 50-year pen as a Master Mason. Billy served 5 years in the National Guard Infantry. When his sons were young, you could find Billy at their sporting events, he made as many events as he could to support them. Billy loved a good poker game, he played with his buddies on a weekly basis. He also loved good music, he listened to ZZ Top & he loved to hear Jimmy Reed. Billy spent many years traveling with his job, nothing made him happier than coming home. Home was his peace.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents: Billy D. Gorden Sr. & Ruby Inez, Brother Donnie Gorden, his father-in-law & mother-in-law Jodier and Fay Minatra and his great grandson Greyson McConnell.

Billy is survived by his wife of 59 years Nelda Minatra Gorden; his 4 sons Terry & wife Tess, Tim, Tony & wife Tammy, and Chris & wife Heather. Billy is survived by 16 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Brother Rodney & wife Mona Gorden, Sister-in-laws Debbie & Lee Yankee, Cheryl Minatra & Shelley Koontz. Billy had nieces and nephews that he loved: Shane Farmer, Patrick "Skeeter" Gorden, Lance Gorden, Ruben Yankee, Laury Stansbury & Melissa Robinson. And many of his son's friends who were also considered family members.

Graveside service will be held for immediate family members & friends at 12:00 pm Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Hopewell Cemetery in Navarro County, TX.

Arrangements provided through J. E. Keever Mortuary, Inc., Ennis, Texas.

Submitted by family