Gordon Edward Dean, affectionately known to family and friends as “Gordy,” was born on October 22, 1950, on Clinton Street in Woodbury, New Jersey, to the late John and Lottie Dean. Gordy was raised in North Woodbury, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was proud of where he came from and loved being from North Woodbury. No matter where life took him, those North Woodbury roots were always a part of who he was.

Gordy attended and graduated from Deptford High School. From an early age, it was clear that he had a love for anything on wheels. He especially loved driving and racing his black Chevy, and anyone who knew Gordy knew he never passed up an opportunity to do a few donuts wherever he could. His love for cars, speed, and the open road stayed with him throughout his life.

His passion for driving eventually became his livelihood. From racing his own car at Atco Raceway, to working for Ken’s Tow Truck and Gulf Oil Company, Gordy built a life around something he genuinely loved. He later became the proud owner and operator of his own tractor-trailers through G.E. Dean Trucking. He continued doing what he loved for many years and eventually ended his working career with Sure Shot Trucking Company. For Gordy, driving was never simply a job—it was a part of who he was.

Gordy had a lifelong love for horses and horseback riding. He was the proud owner of his own show horse, Mr. Persuasion, who held a very special place in his heart. Horses brought Gordy great joy and remained one of his greatest loves throughout his life.

Gordy also loved to dress. He loved clothes, fashion, and looking sharp, and he took great pride in his appearance. He had his own sense of style and always liked to look his best. And anyone who knew Gordy knew how much he loved his cowboy boots and cowboy hats. They were simply a part of his style and a reflection of the things he enjoyed.

His love for horses stayed with him throughout his life, even during his final months. When it had become difficult for Gordy to get out and enjoy the things he once did, his dear friends Rafael and Fidel of Bridgeton brought something he loved directly to him. They brought horses to Gordy’s home so that he could ride one last time. It was a special and unforgettable moment—Gordy back in the saddle, surrounded by people who understood just how much that part of his life meant to him.

Gordy loved the Lord, and his faith became an important part of his life. In 2017, he was baptized by Pastor Mark Simmons and became a member of North Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member until the day of his passing. Gordy also shared his faith through music as a member of the choir.

Gordy was truly beloved by all. His nieces and nephews adored him, and family meant a great deal to him. He was also known for something that everyone who knew him could agree on—Gordy loved to talk. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, anywhere. It didn’t matter whether he had known you for years or had just met you; before long, there was a conversation, a story, a lesson to be learned, and usually some laughter. Gordy genuinely enjoyed people, and people genuinely enjoyed him.

Gordy’s life was defined by the things he loved and, even more importantly, by the people who loved him. He was a man who enjoyed life, valued his family and friendships, and never needed a reason to sit down and have a good conversation. He leaves behind countless stories, plenty of laughter, and memories that his family and friends will carry with them for generations. To know Gordy was to know a man who was simply and unapologetically himself—and that is exactly how he will be remembered.

Though his journey here has come to an end, so many things will continue to bring Gordy to mind—the sight of a black Chevy, the rumble of a tractor-trailer on the open road, the beauty of a horse in motion, memories of North Woodbury, a church song, or simply a good conversation that lasts a little longer than expected.

Gordy was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lottie Dean; his three sisters, Marsha Smith, Lillian Dean, and Veronica Starks; and his brother, Donald Dean.

Gordy is also survived by his brother, John Dean(Dorothy), his nephews, Isaac, John IV, Kwsind, Katari, and Tahara; his nieces, Leah, Morgana, Orlanda, Trenace and his close friend, Achsah Slaffey; and a host of other family members, friends, church family, and loved ones whose lives he touched throughout the years.

He leaves to cherish his memory his three children, Andrea Dean, Kyle Dean, and Latasha Dean; six grandchildren, Rhawn Harvey, Fareed Abdullah, Kalina Dean, Takhi Dean, Honesty Hill, and True Hill; and four great-grandchildren, Mia, RJ, Victor, and Zayne.

His road may have ended, but the love, laughter, stories, lessons, and memories Gordy created along the way will travel with us forever.