Cherokee native Tom Brock Jordan was a lively nonagenarian. At age 90, he was still active in church, business, the community, and with his family.

An avid golfer for decades, he continued to manage to play a frequent round of his favorite game.

He was keenly aware of local, state, national, and international events. Just a week before suffering a stroke, he and this writer stood in the church hallway after a worship service and had a long discussion about the condition of the United States of America. He noted “I’m really concerned about this country” and sincerely suggested some logical ways to correct a number of the problems.

His recent trip to Washington, D.C., as a participant in an Honor Flight — which took World War II veterans to visit their new monument in the nation’s capital — had stirred his long interest in government and political topics.

He said “At first, I didn’t really want to make the trip, but my son Jamie really insisted that I go. I am glad that I did. It was a great experience.” He even joked, “When we passed by The White House, I wanted to stop and offer some advice.”

A native of Cherokee County, Jordan was one of two sons of Ethel Mae Brock Jordan and George Hoyt Jordan. According to daughter Becky McMichen, “Dad and his brother George Harold Jordan are the fourth generation of the family to operate the J.T. Jordan and Sons Gin” (along U.S. Highway 411 in the Bomar community). “That gin combined with the Lindsey Gin in Alexis to form the Cherokee Gin and Cotton Co. 10 years ago.” (The combined gin operation is located along Maple Street just two blocks from the Cherokee County courthouse in Centre).

In addition, the family has been involved in the J.T. Jordan and Sons store ---also situated along Highway 411 and just a short distance from the gin.

Tom Brock Jordan was graduated from Cherokee County High School. Following some time at Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, He attended the University of Alabama. Ms. McMichen states that he didn’t get to complete his degree at the U of A because he began his military service as the U.S. entered World War II.

“Dad was a flight instructor in the Army Air Forces.”

After the war, he continued to fly his small plane, often flying recruits for his favorite team---the Crimson Tide---and a favorite coach Bear Bryant. Son Jamie inherited his dad’s love of flying and became a general aviation pilot at a young age.

Jordan was an avid fan of University of Alabama football. For several years, he hosted an annual summer picnic to introduce scores of northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia friends to the U of A coaching staff. He was named an honorary member of The A Club. He also was a member of the Red Elephant Club and the local and national U of A Alumni Association.

For 25 years, Jordan served as a member of the counting class at Centre First Baptist Church. He frequently arrived at the church office dressed in some bright golfing attire so that he could go straight to the golf course after church.

He was a member of Centre First Baptist Church for more than 50 years.

Tom Brock Jordan always commented that he wanted “to die with his boots on.”

He almost got his wish.

He suffered a stroke on Sunday, February 28, and died only four and one-half days later on Friday, March 5.

A celebration of life service was held in the sanctuary of his church on Sunday afternoon, March 7.

The family suggests that memorial donation be sent to Tom Brock Jordan’s three loves — Centre First Baptist Church (300 East Chesnut/411 Bypass; Centre, AL/35960); Honor Flight Tennessee Valley (P.O. Box 1487 WS; Huntsville, AL/35807); Alabama A Club Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 1961; Tuscaloosa, AL35403-1961).

Tom Brock Jordan is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marianne; daughter Becky and son-in-law Randall McMichen and their daughter Mary Helen;, son Jamie and daughter-in-law Kelly Jordan and their son Jesse; son Phil Jordan and Cathy Miller; brother George Harold and sister-in-law Geraldine Jordan and their daughter Freida (Nick) McMichen.