With utmost love and highest respect, the Jordan families of Roanoke, parts of Georgia and Virginia, sadly announce the passing from this life of their father, grandfather,  and brother, Mr. William Heflin Jordan, 78 of Roanoke.  William transitioned from this life on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton.

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WILLIAM HEFLIN JORDAN

"Who wouldn't want to know a man such as this, except Jesus"
(Gloria Jean Jordan Sadler, Sister)

“Motivated”, “Achiever”, and “Patriarchal” are three simple words that could capture the life force of the man we know as William Heflin Jordan.

Fondly known by many hometown folks as "Billy", William was born May 7, 1944, into the family of the late George Jordan, Jr. and Katheryn (Brooks) Jordan.  Sadly, before he reached adulthood, he lost his beloved mother.  

Emulating his siblings — older and younger — Billy attended public school here in Roanoke, graduating with the historic Randolph County Training School Class of 1962 under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin A. Outland — finishing with such standouts as Gene Autry Thornton, Sandra Bussey, and Roydale “Roy” Terry.

Sometime afterward, he made a career decision to join the military and enlisted in the Marine Corps at the Birmingham Recruitment Center. Once he made that commitment, he gave it his all.

Mr. Jordan served our grateful nation in the United States Marine Corps USMC-11, another name for the 11th Marine Regiment in Camp Pendleton, California.  

During his tenure, he was an overwhelmingly decorated and highly appreciated Marine serving during the Vietnam Era.

His career ushered him toward three areas of service:  Motor-Transport Operations Chief  (17 years, 7 months); Marksmanship Instructor (2 years, 11 months); and First Sergeant (12 years, 8 months). Together, these assignments translated into over 33 years of active service.

William’s interests were as diverse as his many skills, leading him to train in Motor Vehicle Operations; Nuclear, Biological & Chemical Defense; Techniques of Military Instruction; Leadership & Substance Abuse, and finally, First Sergeants Training.

His Military Decorations were just as impressive: Rifle Expert, Pistol Expert, Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/star; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unity Commendation with 4 stars; Navy Unity Commendation; Vietnam Service Medal w/star; Navy Achievement Medal w/star; Meritorious Mast; Letter of Appreciation; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross; and finally but not least, Unit Citation w/palm & frame.

His last duty assignment was the East Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. 

After more than 33 years, having risen to the rank of E-9 Command Sergeant-Major and having served honorably, William retired from active duty.

While serving as a career Marine, he met the love of his life, Marianne Harp of Albany, Georgia. On August 11, 1983, they were married at the Courthouse in Albany. As a demonstration of his deep love for her, years later, William would surprise his beloved wife with a “real” wedding with all the trimmings. They remained together for the duration of his military service; and upon his retirement in 1993, returned to live on the Jordan family homestead in Roanoke.

Happy to be “footloose & fancy-free”, William and Marianne both happily filled their retirement years with service to their church and community.  William became involved with Canaan Baptist Church, Welch. Skilled in the culinary arts, he initiated a breakfast program, providing free meals to residents all over the community.  For years, this program blessed seniors, and families all over our communities. Breakfast plates would be regularly dispatched and delivered by an army of missionaries who converged on Canaan's grounds every Sunday morning.  And, what a blessing it was to have him oversee such a gratifying outreach program. It was appreciated by everyone who participated both on the giving and receiving end.

A true missionary with a BIG heart, Billy worked as a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club for many years; he operated a free grocery store from his barn, giving away the food until the FDA shut him down; he served his community by opening his home to battered women and drug addicts,  giving them a sanctuary until they were able to relocate to more permanent homes.

His beloved wife, Marianne preceded him in death, on January 27, 2018, leaving him to complete his earthly journey alone.  As his own life neared its end, William waited to hear God's transitory call. That call fell fresh upon his waiting spirit on Friday morning, January 20, 2023, at 12:21 AM, at Tanner Medical Center, Carrollton, GA.  Like a good Marine, he had completed his earthly assignment:  he served his God; his country; and finally his family — giving it his all…

William will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him... including four sons: Thelvie Winston (Carla) of Atlanta, GA, Mario Jordan (Katrina) of Macon, GA, Walter Warren Gaddy (Amie) of Roanoke, AL and DeCarlo Jordan (Elaine) of Atlanta, GA;  four daughters: Bernita Banks, Lisa L. Banks, & Demetria Boyd (Jerold) all of Atlanta and Zanita Mitchell of Richmond, VA;  siblings: brother, George Jordan (Elaine) of Jacksonville, FL; brother, James “Jimmy” Jordan (Robin) of Lineville, AL; sisters, Gloria Jean Sadler (Aldren) of Conyers, GA, and Charis “Pat” Jordan of Youngstown, OH; brother, Wilson Billingslea (Francine) of Ellenwood, GA; and sister, Betty Jean Woody (Lorenzo) of Five Points, AL;  sister-in-law, Anna Jordan of Anaheim, CA; twenty grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a great host of other loving relatives and friends.

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