Rufus Jordan

Obituary For Rufus Jordan

Rufus Jordan, 89, passed on Thursday, October 3, 2024 in Hurtsboro, AL.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Russell County High School Auditorium, 57 Warrior Way, Seale, AL. Rev. Jerome Anthony, Officiating. Burial to follow in the First Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Hurtsboro, AL. Public viewing is 3:00-5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Deacon Rufus Earl Jordan, the son of Rev. Moses Jordan, Sr. and Fannie Peoples-Jordan, was born on May 28, 1935, in Hurtsboro, Alabama. He departed this life peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at his home.

Rufus confessed Christ at an early age and joined the First Missionary Baptist Church in Hurtsboro, Alabama. He served in many capacities in the church, such as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher/Superintendent, and choir member. He was one of the lead singers for the Spiritual Aires Gospel Singers group of Hurtsboro, AL, for over 50 years. They sang on the WBIL Radio Station each Sunday morning and traveled all over performing at various churches. His favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8 and his favorite hymn is A Charge To Keep I Have.

Rufus attended the Russell County Training School, Hurtsboro, AL. He served a brief stint in the U.S. Army. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he attended Alabama A&M University where he received his degree in Industrial Arts. He went on to obtain a Master’s and Ed.S degree, and completed work towards a Doctorate Degree, at Auburn University, Auburn, AL.

Mr. Jordan returned to Alabama A&M to serve as a Professor in the Industrial Arts Department and, along with his colleagues, was instrumental in helping design the A&M logo. Mr. Jordan served in the Russell County School District as a teacher, basketball coach, and principal at Russell High School until it was consolidated in 1984. His tenure in the field of education continued with teaching and administrative positions in Bullock County and Muscogee County school systems. He retired with over 30 years as an educator.

He also served as an Administrator in the Continuing Education Department at Columbus State University, Columbus, Georgia, and was the Executive Director of the Junior Educators of Tomorrow (JET Center) in Hurtsboro for many years. Mr. Jordan served 18 years on the Russell County School Board as a member and President during his tenure.

He was a member of the Alabama A&M Alumni Association, and the Tuskegee-Macon County Alabama A&M Alumni Association Chapter, Tuskegee, AL. In May 2019, he was presented with the William Hooper Councill Service Award at Alabama A&M University. The award recognizes individuals who contributed the most to the successful operation of his/her respective alumni chapter.

Rufus was preceded in death by all of his siblings: Mose (Jannie) Jordan, Cassie B. (Annie Mae) Jordan, Eddie (Edith) Jordan, Johnny “Sam” Jordan, and Edith (Rozell) Lloyd; son, Keith Jordan; grandson, Demarius Jordan.

Rufus leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 62 years, Lillie Jordan of Hurtsboro, Alabama; three daughters, Anita Tolbert of Phenix City, Alabama, Dr. Jannie Jordan of Fort Mitchell, Alabama, and Dr. Christi (Edward) Butler of Odenville, Alabama; two sons, Harvey (April) Jordan of Columbus, Georgia. and Kelcey (Rhonda) Jordan of Valley, Alabama; 13 grandchildren, Alisha Phillips, Travis (Christina) Davis, Brittany Green, Adrienne (Phillipe) Millogo, Demarkus Jordan, Davion Jordan, Tabitha Jordan, Jakiah Jordan, Keyona Parker, Daressa Andrews, Christopher (Francine) Andrews, Cody Howe, and Summer Howe; 14 great-grandchildren; a devoted sister-in-law, Clara Samuel of Hurtsboro, Alabama and JoAnn Williams of Indianapolis, Indiana; five brothers-in-law, David Pugh and M.C. Pugh of San Diego, California, Willie (Regina) Pugh of Chula Vista, California, Joseph (Christine) Pough of Columbus, Georgia, Clarence (Isdra) Pugh of Montgomery, Alabama; devoted cousins Mary Glenn of Detroit, Michigan and Clara Kate Taylor of Union Springs, Alabama. A host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Devoted caregivers: Felicia Adams, Shakita Brown, Barney Pugh, Nephew, April Jordan, Daughter-in-law, Lisa Lloyd, Yolanda Robinson, Tiffany Harris, Surethia Lampley, Monique Glenn, Shantavies Morning, Jennifer Hardaway, Lydia Williams.

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