Ray Jordan, 67, a resident of Brantley passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 17. According to his wishes, a memorial service has not been planned at this time. 

If you looked up the word generous in a dictionary, all you’d find was a picture of Ray Jordan. His heart was made of gold and as big as the Empire State Building. Examples of that generosity are innumerable and legendary. Everyone knew if they were having motor or car issues, all they had to do was call Ray, who was an incredibly gifted mechanic. Regardless of what time of day or what he was doing, he was always going to stop what he was doing so that he could either walk them through what they needed to do or, in the cases of those who were befuddled by diesel mechanics, simply go over there to do it himself. Did he charge for such services? Of course not! He lived to help others, especially those who were most in need. His largesse did not stop at family, friends, or neighbors. Ray was simply unable to pass by anyone who needed help, whether it was a random stranger on the interstate who was obviously having car issues or simply stopping to remove debris like buckets and tarp straps that were dangerous obstructions in the road, you could always count on Ray. It is certainly no exaggeration to say that this world would be a whole lot better place if there were more people who lived to help and serve others like Ray. That kind of gift is a priceless treasure that should always be cherished and emulated. 

No one was more aware of how special Ray was like his family. He lived to spoil them as much as possible, especially with his love. He was the rock they all depended on and they could not have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, or brother in their lives. His sense of humor and ready smile made him easy to love and provided constant entertainment to all of them. He loved nothing more than to see them smile and make them happy, which is why he was terrible at keeping birthday and Christmas gifts a secret! He was always ready for a trip to the beach with them as well, though he didn’t much care for the trip to get there or to spend time in the ocean. No, what Ray loved was simply relaxing in that sweet, salty air while he enjoyed just finding somewhere to sit so he could watch the waves come rolling and crashing in. There was no better view for him…well, except possibly a Saturday in the fall spent in Jordan-Hare Stadium!! Above all, he taught his loved ones how to love with their whole hearts as well as the value in both hard work and finding time to simply enjoy life. I know of no better legacy that anyone could leave behind than that. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Jordan and Betty Grimes Jordan. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Cindy Watkins Jordan; their children, Christopher Jordan, Amanda (Alex) McLendon, Kent Barganier, A.J. (Christina) Barganier, and Keri Jordan (Dallas Dean); grandchildren, Jacob, Kaylee, Kassidy, Allie, Andrew, Avery, Kent Jr, Emily, Dalton, and his “precious,” Kara Lynn; siblings, Patsy Tyree, Rhonda Jordan, and Rickey Jordan; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.