Gordon Heiges

   Well known member of the Arkansas Broadcasting Community, Gordon W. Heiges passed away Sunday, August 13. His family, the first love of his life, was with him as he peacefully moved on. He was predeceased by his parents, Alton and Eileen Heiges. Left to reminisce over their lovable curmudgeon are his wife of 54 years, Mary, his sons, Tim (Heidi) and Ryan (Jennifer) and daughter, Carey McClain (David). His grandchildren, Hannah and Max Heiges, and Jake McClain, share memories of trips to Krispie Kreme(hats included), learning to drive the lawn mower (slow and steady), and movie theater visits (popcorn mandatory).

   Gordon is also survived by his brother, Bradley, and many beloved family members. His friends are many; his enemies non-existent.

   Gordon got the radio bug when he was attending Hickory High School and realized that his uncles, Al and George Heiges, had started WPIC Radio in Sharon, Pennsylvania. He was not interested in being on the air but wanted to sell commercials. Upon graduation from Youngstown University however, he joined the Mobil Oil Sales program. While driving his territory in Columbus, Ohio, one day he heard that RADIO Station WCOL needed salespersons. A career switch was in the making. Later, taking the experience gleaned in Columbus, he moved on to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; and York, Pennsylvania.

   At this time Gordon was married with a son. Over the years having added two more children, he and investors began Radio Station KMJX, Magic 105 in Little Rock, Arkansas. This was August 8, 1980.

   Gordon’s expertise was building a radio station’s viability in the commercial environment. Years later this quality was seen by the owner of Foxy 92 as he switched formats and began Power 92 Radio. Gordon then moved on to roll out Equity Broadcasting’s radio holdings and finally led Clear Channel’s Magic 105, The Edge, KSSN, and The Wolf. Owning a radio station was his dream but knowing his constraints, he began Gordon Media Group where he represented AM/FM and Internet Radio and television.

   In starting up a radio station Gordon firmly believed that to succeed, the first order of business was to make the station relevant to the community. He became an active member of the Arkansas Broadcaster’s Association, the Rotary Club of Little Rock, and the Little Rock Executive’s Association.

   Most evenings after pulling into his family’s home driveway, a walk to the street was part of his routine. There he would catch the eye of a neighbor and the convocation would begin. Work news would be shared, the pulse of the neighborhood felt, and maybe a beer or two imbibed. As important as his work community, Gordon always became actively involved in his family’s community. He helped build a pool in Virginia, directed traffic for luminaries and substituted as a line judge for soccer in Little Rock. He even let the cheerleaders make signs for the big game on his driveway using spray paint. Proudly he wore the sweatshirts and and hats of Otter Creek Elementary, J.A. Fair High School, Ouachita and UALR Universities. Occasions for family celebrations were never too far away. They meant laughter, quiet reflection, and memories made and shared.

   Memories of Gordon Heiges will be passed on for years to come. A celebration of his life is being held Saturday, August 26, at 11:00 am at St. James Methodist Church in Little Rock. A Visitation precedes at 10:00 am in the church’s Welcome Room.

   Memorials may be may to St. James Methodist Church's Mission Program