J Gordon Hylton

In Loving Memory of

J. Gordon Hylton

Joseph Gordon Hylton, 65, of Charlottesville, Virginia passed away in the early hours of May 2, 2018 at the UVA Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 29, 1952 in Pearisburg, VA, Gordon was the son of the late Joseph Gordon Hylton, Sr. and Ruby Clarkson Hylton. Gordon was a law professor at the University of Virginia. He was a graduate of Oberlin College, where he majored in history and English literature, the University of Virginia, where he was one of the first graduates of the joint J.D.-M.A. program, and of Harvard University, where he earned a Ph.D. in the history of American civilization. Gordon was a passionate teacher and dedicated scholar, who devoted his life to the study of legal history, sports law, and the civil rights era. Beloved by his students and friends alike, he was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of history and culture, sharp wit, and kind soul. He loved playing softball (was the proud co-founder of the North Grounds Softball League at UVA while a student in the 1970s) and was known to be unbeatable at trivia, serving as the “Phone a Friend” on Who Wants to be a Millionaire four different times. Gordon is survived by his son, Joseph Gordon Hylton, III; three daughters, Veronica Hylton and Matthew Nazarian, Elizabeth Hylton, and Caroline Hylton; one brother, Myles T. Hylton, and dog, D.J. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg with the Rev. Dr. Brian Burch and the Rev. Roger Roller officiating with burial following in the Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg Friday evening from 6 – 8 pm. A Memorial Service will be held in Charlottesville on Saturday, May 12th from 3:30 - 6:30 pm at the University of Virginia Inn at Darden Dining Room. Memorial contributions can be sent to the J. Gordon Hylton Memorial Fund, care of Dan Vogus, 113 Roades Court, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Flowers can be sent to First United Methodist Church in Pearisburg. Online condolences can be sent to the family at givensfuneralhome.com.