Obituary of Kirk Jordan
JORDAN, Kirk Patrick – Kirk Patrick Jordan, age 76, passed to his eternal life while at home in the company of his family on December 16, 2018. Born December 17, 1941 in Anderson, SC, he was the only child of the late William Clyde Jordan and Sara Mildred Kirkpatrick Jordan.
While growing up in a loving family, he was surrounded and nurtured by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. In his formative years and throughout his childhood, he was a member of the First Baptist Church where, at an early age, he developed his personal lifelong relationship with God.
He attended local schools and graduated from Boys High School. He would go on to attend college at The Citadel in Charleston, SC, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. Following graduation with the Class of '64, he married the love of his life and soulmate, Barbara Jane Manning, at Ruhamah Methodist Church in Starr, SC. After their marriage, he was stationed in Ft. Bliss where he proudly served in the US Army from 1964 – 66.
Following his military service, he would go on to a career that included 30 years with IBM and another 15 years with Lockheed Martin. During his extraordinary career, he worked on the Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs in Alabama and Florida. His professional career would culminate in his retirement in 2014 when he and Barbara retired to Summerville, SC, after 30 years in Maryland.
Kirk was an adventurous type who enjoyed all sports, but especially college basketball and all of the sports teams of his beloved Citadel Bulldogs where he could be found in regular attendance to support them regardless of the season.
His discipleship was a living lesson to others as he shared his lifelong walk with God. Despite the physical challenges that came with his PSP diagnosis, he was determined to be the best example of Christ's love in a human form. Whether it was encouraging others to push beyond their comfort zone or leading in service to others, he was always a gentle friend who personified examples of grace and humility that inspired everyone who knew him.
During his faith journey, he is also remembered fondly as a youth leader in Florida and Maryland where his unwavering faith and positive influence helped shape the lives of so many children and young adults. He was an active member and leader while at Brook Hill UMC in Frederick, MD, before his retirement. He continued to share life lessons and to mentor others, including his cherished friends in the Bethany UMC Connections Sunday School Class who will always remember his sense of humor, compassion for others, and an unselfish willingness to help wherever needed, without reservations or hesitation. His examples of courage in the face of adversity were truly life changing to those who were blessed to have him in their lives. The number of people who were touched by him is immeasurable.
Perhaps he will be most remembered for what was his greatest treasure – his family and the legacy they created. He is survived by his courageous and faithful wife Barbara, to whom he was married for more than 54 years. Their union and lifelong commitment to each other would bless them with two children, a daughter Kelly Jordan Meck and her husband Daniel, and a son, Kyle Kirkpatrick Jordan and his wife Barbara. Over the years they would collectively share in the opportunity to make so many beautiful memories, especially at the family retreat on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.
Kirk is also survived by the grandchildren he so loved and adored: Emma Meck, Andrew Meck, Matthew Meck, Kate Jordan, Sara Jordan, and Jack Jordan. His extended family included his aunt, Claudine Jordan, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and last, but not least, his dog Max.
A visitation and memorial service to reflect on the celebration of Kirk's life will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Bethany UMC - Spell Chapel, 118 W. Third Street, Summerville SC. Visitation will start at 10:00AM and service at 11:00AM.
Intermentr will be at The Citadel Campus, Memorial Bell Tower Columbarium in January 18, 2019 at 2:30 pm.
A second memorial service and reflection will occur at Brook Hill UMC, 8946 Indian Springs Road, Frederick, MD., on Friday December 28, 2018 at 11:00AM. There will be a reception with refreshments following for all in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Kirk’s name in care of Bethany UMC, Brook Hill UMC, or www.psp.org/kirkjordan.
