John Henry Jordan

John Henry Jordan

With deep love and remembrance, we honor the life of John Henry Jordan, a loving husband, devoted father, influential uncle, and treasured friend. Born on October 8, 1936, in Slocomb. Alabama, his family later moved to Panama City where he attended public school.  He later joined the United States Army which helped shape the foundation of his life and values.

John established a legendary work ethic, spending his career as a professional Truck Driver. He dedicated 45 years of committed service to MR2 and Florida Rock, where his reliability became his professional hallmark.

In 1967, John became a founding member of The Gents. As a “Gent,” Johnny received numerous awards and plaques acknowledging and honoring his selfless service and dedication of sponsorship to The Gents, Inc. and the Bay County community at large. John also had the distinct honor of being named Citizen of the Year by Upsilon Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi, Inc. on November 9, 2008 in Panama City, Florida.  At the time of his passing, he held the distinction of being the last remaining member of that original 1967 group.

John grounded his legacy in faith at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He held an unquenchable thirst for biblical knowledge; his daily morning routine began before daybreak with a conversation with God in prayer, followed by the diligent reading and study of his Bible. On November 28, 1997, he was ordained as a Deacon, a role he held with great honor. He lent his voice to the Men’s Choir and served for many years as the Treasurer. Being deeply financially literate, Johnny made it a pastime to daily read and keep abreast of the stock market. As Treasurer, he was the embodiment of honesty and integrity; he strictly followed the guidelines established for the position, refusing to cut corners or provide favors. He stood his ground for what was right. On January 25, 2004, he became the Head of the Kitchen, where he was later acknowledged for his outstanding service as Kitchen Coordinator. He served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Eldric Kirkman and the late Pastor Woodrow Wilson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Willie Mae Pitts Jordan; children: Elouise Carlisle, Nathaniel Frazier (Montrez), Cynthia Stinett, and Resa Jordan (Jerravonnie Jackson); grandchildren: Torri Frazier, Qyuni Handfield, Cameron Pitts, Chimere Pitts, Grady Carlisle, Wayne Jackson, Ray Williams, Xavier Guilford, Quintana Christian, and Ricardi Tolvier; and seventeen great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends

A Celebration of life will be Saturday, February 28th at 11am at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Panama City with Pastor Eldric Kirkman officiating.  Interment wil follow in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Panama City with arrangements entrusted to the caring staff and licensed professionals at Peoples Funeral Home in Marianna, Florida.