Gordon Hendrix, Jr.

Successful business entrepreneur Gordon Hendrix of Hendrix Enterprises passed away peacefully early Sunday evening. Gordon was a staple of Clemmons, not just because he leased and owned numerous properties in Clemmons and Lewisville, but also because he was a man of noble character. Gordon was  born to Gordon Cephis Hendrix Senior and Dora Wyatt Hendrix in Sparta, North Carolina on January 1st, 1937. Gordon did not need schooling, though, in order to learn the ways of the world. Gordon realized he could cut some extra pine clippings and sell those for extra cash. He saved all of that money and bought a cow at ten-years-old. The first night the cow came to the farm, she had twin calves. It seemed Gordon had bought the metaphorical golden goose. Now, Gordon, had three cows to milk for the price of one. Tenth grade was the final grade Gordon completed in school. He then accepted a job at a General Motors plant making $100 a week. Later, he applied for a job at the Pennsylvania Railroad and became a conductor. Back in the mountains of Sparta, Gordon found work with his brother who owned a hardware store. It was at church with his parents, however that he met his wife Judith. Gordon moved to Galax and began working at Galax Plumbing and Heating. In 1967, Gordon came to Winston-Salem to start his own plumbing business. He quickly was able to procure jobs by bidding competitively. As a result, he began working on schools, the YMCA in Lexington, hospitals, jails, and churches. Other good things came by his way during this busy season. His son Craig was born. After a time, Gordon decided to build. He built Bay Meadow Apartments in Clemmons. When Gordon rented ten apartments, he would build ten more. A friend approached Gordon about building apartments in Lewisville. Together they built Brookway West. It was also Gordon who built the Bronze Building in Clemmons and the row of offices located near the current 2520 restaurant. He was also responsible for naming the streets that were on or around his development. one unusual street name was Cephis. Many in Clemmons may not know that Cephis was Gordon’s middle name. Gordon treated all of his tenants like family. Some tenants have rented out space from Gordon for more than forty years. Over the years, Gordon has donated to many causes and has an array of certificates of gratitude on his wall to reflect his philanthropy. From the heart association, politicians, and helping those with cancer, Gordon donated to an abundant number of good causes. Gordon’s surviving sister is Virginia Whetzler and husband Bob, son Craig Hendrix and wife Anita, grandkids Andrew Kakouras Alexandra and Hunter, great grandkids Annaliese, Dalton Koester. Preceded in death are brothers Clarence, Lenord, Ralph and Clive. Also sisters Eva, Ruby, Nina, Maxine, Wanita and Ruth and daughter Teresa Kim Hendrix Kakouras. A graveside service outdoors will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Church, 3106 Mountain View Road in Glade Valley. Friends wishing to make a donation can obtain flowers at Sparta Florist on 65 East Doughton Street, Sparta, NC 28675. Family and guests are invited to fellowship following the service at Gordon’s vacation home located at 232 St. Andrews Drive, Roaring Gap in Olde Beau Estates. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.