ROCKINGHAM — Arnold Reece Jordan, 97, of Rockingham, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021.
Arnold was born on Sept. 28, 1923, in Montgomery County, North Carolina. He was the only child of Daniel and Myrtice Comer Jordan. His mother passed away shortly after his birth. Arnold was raised by his grandparents. His grandfather was a Baptist minister in Star, North Carolina.
Shortly after graduating from Star High School, Arnold joined the Army as a rifleman and medic to fight in World War II. Arnold was a part of the allied campaigns for Normandy (D-Day), Northern France, Ardennes (The Battle of the Bulge), and Rhineland. After VE Day he was reassigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and was a part of the occupation of Japan just days after the surrender.
Upon returning from the war, he met and married his sweetheart, Louise McInnis. Eventually they settled in Rockingham where Arnold was employed by Ford Motor Company and J. M. Long Construction. He was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church for over 60 years. While at Mt Olive, Arnold taught the men’s Sunday school class, sang in the choir, and severed in various positions as needed.
During retirement Arnold enjoyed gardening with Louise, building wooden toys for his grandchildren, and playing hymns on his organ. In 2018, Arnold and Louise moved to Weddington Park Assisted living to be closer to their family. The staff and residents quickly became like family and will remain a special part of our family.
Arnold was preceded in death by Louise, his wife of 68 years; and his grandson Chip Day.
Surviving are his children, Brian Jordan (Susan) and Luanne Day (Ed); grandchildren, Christine Fletcher (Bryan), Jordan Day (Jackie), Maddy Goss (Matt), and Ginny Day; great-grandchildren, Blakely and Berkley Fletcher, James Jordan Day Jr.; half-sisters, Jessie Schaffer (Jack), Joyce Aycoth and Judy Murray.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the mausoleum chapel at Richmond Memorial Park with the Rev. Dan Main and the Rev. Delane Burris officiating. There will be an opportunity to greet the family after the service.
Memorials may be made to Mount Olive Baptist Church, 596 E. Washington St. Ext., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.
Carter Funeral Home of Rockingham is assisting the Jordan family.
