Joshua Lee Gaydon

Mr. Joshua Lee Gaydon was born on March 3, 1997, to Phyllis and Patrick Gaydon in St. Louis Missouri and departed this life on August 11, 2023. 

Joshua grew up in Florissant, Missouri and attended various schools in the Hazelwood School District.  After graduating from Hazelwood Central High in 2015, Joshua attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. While at "LU” few people knew Joshua was their beloved mascot “Stripes” for three years.  He was also a part of the Academy for Men of Color in Education, under the leadership of Dr. Marrix Seymore.  There he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.  After graduating from “LU" and being tired of shoveling snow in the cold winters, Joshua moved to sunny Gainesville, Florida.   He was employed by the Alachua County Public School system as a teacher and taught at both Williams and Lake Forest Elementary Schools.

Joshua loved sports.  He played basketball, football, soccer, baseball and loved to swim.  His favorite Sports team was the Baltimore Ravens.  He even had a “Raven's Room” full of purple and gold memorabilia where he could watch the game and cheer his team on.  

Joshua loved teaching kids.  His passion for teaching began in high school in the exploring teaching profession class with Ms. Shea.   He taught swimming lessons during his summers as a lifeguard in high school.  He also coached a little league baseball team while in college. And ultimately becoming an elementary school teacher until his passing. 

Joshua loved acting.  He started acting in church plays at the age of 3.  He also starred in numerous plays over the years. After coming to Gainesville and joining the Star Center his acting career took off.  He starred in “Ebony Scrooge”, “The Bodyguard”, “Aretha”, “The Color Purple”, “Once on this Island” and "Who’s in the Box".  He also starred in a "Heart 4 Christmas" with I AM Production.  

Joshua loved God.  Joshua was an active member of the Faith Church and dearly loved his Faith Church family.  He served as an usher there until he found his true calling with the media ministry. 

Joshua leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Phyllis Gaydon, and father, Patrick Gaydon; one sister, Ariana Gaydon; two grandfathers, J.L. Patterson and Alphonso Gaydon, Sr.; one aunt, Felecia (Ray) Thompson (Ray); uncles, Toni Plummer (Susan), Phillip Patterson, Alex Patterson (Ashanta), and Alphonso Gaydon, Jr.; cousins, Racheal Johnson (Tyler), Isaac Thompson, Sebastian Patterson, Ashanti Gaydon, Nicholas Johnson, and Tyler Johnson; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. 

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