Paul Gorder

Paul Rader Van Gorder, 88, went to be with his Lord on Monday, September 14, 2009. He was born in Marysville, OH, to the late John and Sadie Van Gorder. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and faithful pastor. He was reared in Butler, PA, and graduated from Bob Jones University in Cleveland, TN. He served the Lord as pastor of two churches: Third Street Baptist, Cordele, GA, (1942-1945), where he met his bride; and Colonial Hills Baptist, East Point, GA, (1945-1969), where he helped establish Colonial Hills Christian School and emphasized world-wide missions. His travels included mission trips to Japan, Taiwan, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, and Trinidad. In later years, he was Associate Teacher of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, MI, (1969-1989). He wrote devotionals for Our Daily Bread and authored several books. He traveled and preached nationally and internationally during these and subsequent years. He was a Chairman of the Board of Columbia International University (formerly Columbia Bible College), and served on numerous other boards for colleges, mission organizations, and a Christian radio station. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Janie S. Van Gorder, and his sister, Marie V. Stratton. He is survived by two daughters, Rebekah V. Oliver and husband Jim of Moore, and Virginia V. Briggs and husband Ed of Charlotte, NC; one granddaughter, Katherine Oliver Carrera and husband Dean of Atlanta, GA; one grandson, James Paul Oliver of Spartanburg; and three beloved nephews. The family wishes to thank the staff at Skylyn Place and Hospice Care of SC for their loving care and support. The body will lie in state at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2009, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Roebuck, SC. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. conducted by Dr. Howard Dial, with burial in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately after the burial. A memorial service will be held at Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Lithia Springs, GA, on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Missions Fund of either Bethlehem Baptist Church, Box 229, Roebuck, SC 29376, or Colonial Hills Baptist Church, 7131 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Paul Rader Van Gorder please visit our Sympathy Store.