M. Ray Jordan, 96, the last of our family's greatest generation, died peacefully Sunday, November 26, at hishome in the Lakewood Neighborhood at Province Place of DePaul, Norfolk, Virginia. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Margaret Edwards Jordan, in 2008.
Born in 1921, Ray was the only child of Alvin and Ida Beatrice Jordan. He spent his youth in both Hertford, NC and Norfolk, VA.
Ray served as a Navy medic in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Using the GI Bill, he graduated with a degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan in 1953. He joined the Corp of Engineers for several years, working in Saudi Arabia and having opportunity to travel to Europe on weekends in cargo planes. All told, he visited 43 countries and all 50 states over the years. While working as an architect from 1955-1991,Ray also enjoyed stamp collecting, and major home renovations, gardening and many road trips across the United States and Canada .
Yet, he may be most remembered for his gentle manner, kindness, and thoughtfulness toward all he met. Ray's Christian faith was central to his life. He lived his faith daily, embodying the verse, Micah 6:8: "What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." He and Mom were active members of Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, and Dad was happiest to be in a serving role as an usher where he would welcome all with a smile.
Ray is survived by his daughter, Meg Jordan (Dorothy Henneveld) and son, Staley Jordan (Jean Hill Jordan); grandchildren: Macy and Grace Jordan; Lydia Emmett (Erik Priebe), David Emmett (Jessica Zimmering) and Thomas (Kristine) Emmett; and four great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Ben, Anneliese and Isaac.
A Memorial service will be held to honor Ray's life on Saturday, December 2, 2017, 2pm, at Tabernacle Church of Norfolk, 7000 Granby St, Norfolk, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's name may be made to Union Mission Ministries, Norfolk. P.O. Box 3203, Norfolk, VA 23514.
Special thanks to the staff of Lakewood at Province Place of DePaul for their love and care for Ray over the years.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Smith & Williams Funeral Home.
3 Entries
December 5, 2017
Meg
I am very sorry for the loss of your dad.He lived a long and Godly life.I am sure your life will never be the same.But know you will see him again.
John MacMillan
Virginia Beach ,Virginia.
December 2, 2017
Katherine Cross
Dear Meg and Staley, your dad was a wonderful, kind, talented man. Condolences to you.
November 30, 2017
Valarie Dobson
My dear Meg, Staley and Family,
Mike and I want you to know how much of a role model your parents were to us when we lived on the third floor apartment on Mowbray Arch. We bonded in faith and love of neighbor and for those gifts we are truly grateful. They are in heaven and resting in the arms of Our Lord.
Sincerely,
Mike and Valarie Dobson and Family
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