- Mr. Calvin Douglas “Doug” Gordon, age 79 of Mount Airy passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Gordon was born on January 25, 1946, in Randolph County, North Carolina to the late Calvin and Betty Adaline Via Gordon. Doug proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard ending his career as a 2nd Lieutenant. He also attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte obtaining his bachelor’s degree in 1972. Mr. Gordon was a member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers; he was also an avid chess player, and a sports fanatic. Moreover, he loved his family and spending time with them; as well as singing Johnny Horton songs on the long family trips with his children. Doug was a long time member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Furthermore, he was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Surviving is his wife of 46 years, Helen Magdalene Easter Gordon; his children, Jenifer Gordon, Michael Gordon, Lisa Blum; stepdaughter and stepson-in-law, Donette Sykes and Chris; five grandchildren, Brad Roberson and Morgan, Dustin Roberson and Megan, Dylan Lovill, Phoenix Ballentine, Michael David Gordon, II; and two step great-grandchildren, Aubry Roberson and Zoey Roberson. In addition to his parents, Mr. Gordon was preceded in death by stepson, Donald Lee Lovill, Jr. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, 11:00 AM at Pine Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Johnny Johnson and Reverend Chad Phillips officiating. No formal visitation will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Pine Ridge Baptist Church, 1142 Pine Ridge Road, Mount Airy, North Carolina 27030 or Mountain Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, North Carolina, 27017.
REST IN PEACE: Clifford Phillips Jr., 57 — A Life Tragically Lost in Service to Animals
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we share the tragic passing of Clifford Phillips Jr., age 57, who was killed in a horrific and deeply disturbing incident while performing his duties at an animal shelter in Mississippi. Clifford, a dedicated worker and compassionate soul, was mauled to death by two dogs on the shelter grounds — a place where he had spent countless hours caring for, rehabilitating, and advocating for the voiceless.
The devastating incident has left his family, friends, coworkers, and the wider community in shock and mourning. Clifford’s life was one of quiet service, spent doing the kind of work that often goes unnoticed but is absolutely vital. He had long been known as someone with a tender heart and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals, particularly those abandoned, neglected, or misunderstood.
Those who knew Clifford say he had a calming presence, both with people and with the animals he worked with. He was a steady hand in a chaotic environment — someone who didn’t shy away from the hard cases or the difficult days. Whether it was walking a scared dog, helping with late-night medical care, or simply sitting with an animal that had never known love, Clifford showed up — every day, with patience, humility, and purpose.
Tragically, on what began as just another routine day at the shelter, Clifford encountered two dogs that turned on him in a violent and fatal attack. Though emergency services responded quickly, the injuries he sustained were too severe. He passed away doing what he loved, in a place he cared for, among the animals he had devoted his life to.
In the wake of this tragedy, questions are being raised about shelter safety protocols, animal assessments, and the conditions that led to this heartbreaking outcome. While those investigations are necessary, now is also a time to remember the human being at the heart of this loss — a man who gave so much of himself in service to others.
Clifford’s family has expressed both unimaginable grief and profound love for the man they knew. “He was the kind of person who always made sure the animals got fed, even if it meant staying late or missing a meal himself,” said one close relative. “He didn’t have much, but what he had, he gave. That’s just who he was.”
His co-workers at the shelter describe him as a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of calm in often tense and heartbreaking situations. “We’ve lost a pillar of this shelter,” said a colleague. “Clifford was the heartbeat of this place. It’s hard to imagine walking into work without him here.”
As the community reels from this sudden and violent loss, tributes have begun pouring in. A candlelight vigil is planned outside the shelter to honor Clifford’s memory, and a fundraiser has been launched to support his family with funeral expenses and to potentially establish a memorial in his name.
Clifford Phillips Jr. died doing what he loved — giving care, time, and compassion to creatures who had known little of it. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy of kindness, dedication, and courage will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Clifford. You mattered. You were loved. And you will be deeply missed.
