Gordon Bennett Hoskins, Jr. of Huntsville, AL passed away March 12, 2023 peacefully at home. He was born to Ollie Mae Monroe and Gordon Bennett Hoskins, Sr. on September 13, 1935 in Muskogee, OK. Gordon grew up in Pangburn, AR and graduated from Pangburn High School in May 1953.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 63 years, Roselie Neeley Hoskins, whom he met in Huntsville on a blind date in 1958; his daughters, Diana Kay Hoskins, Cynthia Hoskins Pierce (Keith), and Jennifer Leigh Hoskins (Chris Jorel); grandson, Benjamin Alexander Pierce (Ali); and extended family, friends, and dear neighbors. Gordon was preceded in death by his mother, Ollie Mae Monroe, father, Gordon Bennett Hoskins, Sr., and daughter, Patricia Lynn Hoskins.
Gordon served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1954 to 1958. His training as a radar technician while stationed in Newfoundland helped to launch his post-military career into the space program. From Mercury through Apollo and the Moon Shot to the Space Shuttle, Gordon became an expert in the field of Reliability, Maintainability, and Safety Engineering. His numerous colleagues had the utmost respect for his knowledge and tireless work ethic. His prestigious career took the small-town Arkansas boy and his family to Taranto, Italy, New Orleans, LA, Dover, DE, and Titusville, FL before settling back in Huntsville.
In retirement, Gordon found joy in the more earthly pursuits of following the stock market, collecting vintage Italian paintings, caring for a variety of adopted cats, perfecting the art of frying bacon, and loving his family with no limits.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 14 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 15 at 1:00 p.m. at Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
