Gordon Atwood Noble

Staff member of Hampton Funeral Service in Boone for nearly 50 years.

The Reverend Gordon Atwood Noble, lovingly known as Poppie, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Boone, North Carolina. Gordon was born on Nov 16, 1936, in Charleston, West Virginia to The Reverend Cecil and Mrs. Anna Noble.

Gordon received his education from Maryland Institute of Art, New England School of Theology (which later became Berkshire Christian College), Worcester Junior College, Lenoir Rhyne College, and Appalachian State University. He wholeheartedly served his Lord and Savior, alongside his wife, Miss Jane, for 53 years. His ministry began in Dunbar, West Virginia and he was soon called to Boone, North Carolina in 1966, where he pastored the Boone Advent Christian Church for nearly 50 years.

His calling card said, “Called to Serve”, and serve he did. While in Boone, Gordon, or “Preacher” as many people knew him, filled more roles than can be mentioned or even remembered, including a devoted staff member for Hampton’s Funeral Service for nearly 50 years, Rural Postal Carrier for the United States Postal Service, a member of the Watauga County Rescue Squad, member of the Boone Civitan Club, Gospel Radio Show Host for WATA, Emcee of several Gospel singing events, Chaplain for the Watauga County Emergency Services, Grand Marshall of the Boone 4th of July Parade, member of the Watauga County Ministerial Association, Evangelist for Youth Camps in seven states, Revival Pastor in as many as ten states, President of the General Appalachian Advent Christian Youth Fellowship covering four states and five conferences, coach of numerous sporting teams, and much more.

Gordon is preceded in death by his father, The Reverend Cecil Noble, his mother, Anna Noble, two brothers, Bernard Noble and David Noble, and one grandchild, Tyler Benjamin Pedersen.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Noble, his daughter, Kimberly Noble Pedersen, his son, Mark Noble, and 5 grandchildren, Zachary Atwood Pedersen, Natalie Noble, Elizabeth Noble, Olivia Pedersen, and Andrew Noble.

While the family cannot express the loss we feel, Poppie will live on in our hearts in the way that he touched our lives and the lives of so many that he dearly loved in the community and beyond. We know we will be sharing stories for many years to come.

They say the measure of a man is not determined by his show of outward strength (and he fought so hard), or the volume of his voice, or the thunder of his actions, or his intellect or academic abilities. It is seen rather in terms of the love that he has for his family and for everyone, the strength of his commitments, the genuineness of his friendships, the sincerity of his purpose, the quiet courage of his convictions, the fun, laughter, joy, and happiness he gives to his family and to others, his love of life, his patience and his honesty, and his contentment with what he has. Poppie, we feel like you broke the mold for the measuring stick.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Boone Advent Christian Church with a receiving of friends immediately following until 6:00 pm. A private entombment service at Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens will follow the receiving.

The body will lie in state at Hampton’s Funeral Home on Friday, March 21, from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM and Saturday, March 22, from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral And Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.