Archibald "Gordon" McLarty, age 77, peacefully passed away at his home on Monday, May 8, 2017, surrounded by his loving family after a battle with lung cancer. Gordon was born on July 7, 1939 in Durham County, NC to the late Dr. Furman Gordon McLarty and Betty Suttle McLarty. Gordon grew up in Durham on the Duke University campus and later moved to Shelby in 1958. He attended Hargrave Military Academy and graduated from Shelby High School. He was an alumni of Wofford College where he was a member of the SAE Fraternity. Following college he served as a golf professional at Lan-Yair Country Club and then spent several years as a stock broker, both in Spartanburg, SC. Upon returning to Shelby he spent many years in the automobile business at the Shelby Auto Auction prior to his retirement. Gordon was known for his infectious smile, friendliness, and kindness toward everyone. His name was synonymous with the game of golf. It was truly his love and passion. Not only did he love the game, but also the friendships that were cultivated over the years on the course. He belonged to the Men's Golf Association at the Cleveland Country Club for over 50 years.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara White McLarty and their two daughters Mindy McLarty Johnson and her husband Duane Johnson of Winston-Salem and Mary McLarty of Greensboro; two granddaughters, Mary Chapman Johnson and Katie Johnson; and his two special canine companions Bo and Gracie, who never left his side.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to the third floor staff of Carolina's Healthcare System-Cleveland; especially his nurses, Kandace Smart and Paige Shipley and to Dr. Robert Gossett and Dr. Michael DeArment.

Gordon was a member of Central United Methodist Church where his service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11:00am with Rev. Danny Leonard officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service in the church Fellowship Hall. They will also be at home at other times.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 200 E. Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150; Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or the Gordon McLarty Memorial Golf Scholarship, c/o Shelby High School, 230 E. Dixon Boulevard, Shelby, NC 28152, to a deserving student.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. McLarty.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com