Gordon Yue Woon Yu, 79, of Columbia, South Carolina died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 22, 2015. Born April 19, 1936, in the Canton Province of China, he was a son of the late Robert Yee and Psui P Yan Yee. In 1963, Gordon joined his wife Anna in New York City, where the couple welcomed two daughters. 10 years later, they moved to Columbia, SC, to open one of the first Chinese restaurants in the area and welcome their third daughter. For over 35 years, Gordon worked hard, setting an example for his family and teaching them how to hold their own in the kitchen. He was extremely generous and believed in the simple pleasures of life, among them: spending time with his grandchildren, a fresh stack of McDonald's hotcakes, black coffee, Dunkin Donuts cruellers, and watching football. He was a kind, gentle spirit and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Anna Wai Na Tom Yu; daughters, Joyce Yu Welch (Jay), Dr. Tina Musahl (Volker), Julie Yu Whitlock (Justin); grandchildren, Tate and Ryan Welch, Sophia, Anneliese and Camilla Musahl, Devon and Tyler Whitlock; brother, Sherman Yee; and sister, Tsui Ping Chan. In addition to his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry and Glenn Yee.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Wednesday evening, October 28th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel.