Deacon John Henry Jordan, age 88, of Panama City, Florida, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Medical Center. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his devoted wife and his loving family.
Early Life & Service:
Born October 8, 1936 in Geneva, Alabama, John was the second oldest of four siblings born to Nathaniel and Lessie Jordan. Growing up in the rural Wiregrass region, his early life was rooted in the values of family and resilience. While he did not get to finish his schooling during his childhood, John never lost his desire to learn. In 1995, he returned to the classroom to complete his education and proudly received his high school diploma—a moment that served as a lifelong lesson to his family that it is never too late to reach a goal. Following his youth, John answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army, a period of service that instilled in him the discipline and duty he carried for the rest of his life.
Love & Family:
In 1958, John met the true love of his life, Willie Mae Pitts. Their journey together was one of rare longevity and devotion; they were later united in holy matrimony on July 9, 1988. Together, they built a life defined by deep faith and mutual support that lasted nearly seven decades. Career & Community: John established a legendary work ethic, spending his career as a professional truck driver. He dedicated 45 years of committed service to MR2 and Florida Rock where his reliability became his professional hallmark. In 1967, John became a founding member of the Gents. As a “Gent,” Johnny received numerous awards and plaques acknowledging and honoring his selfless service and dedication of sponsorship to the Gents, Inc., and the Bay County community at large. John also had the distinct honor of being named Citizen of the Year by Upsilon Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi, Inc. on November 9, 2008 in Panama City, Florida At the time of his passing, he held the distinction of being the last remaining member of that original 1967 group.
Faith & Ministry:
John grounded his legacy in faith at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He held an unquenchable thirst for biblical knowledge; his daily morning routine began before daybreak with a conversation with God in prayer, followed by the diligent reading and study of his Bible. On November 28, 1997, he was ordained as a Deacon, a role he held with great honor. He lent his voice to the Men’s Choir and served for many years as the Treasurer. Being deeply financially literate, Johnny made it a pastime to daily read and keep abreast of the stock market. As Treasurer, he was the embodiment of honesty and integrity; he strictly followed the guidelines established for the position, refusing to cut corners or provide favors. He stood his ground for what was right. On January 25, 2004, he became the Head of the Kitchen where he was later acknowledged for his outstanding service as Kitchen Coordinator. He served faithfully under the leadership of the late Pastor Woodrow Wilson and Pastor Eldric Kikman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Lessie Jordan; sister, Shirley Smith; and brothers, Curtis and James Jordan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Willie Mae Pitts Jordan; children, Elouise Carlisle, Nathaniel Frazier (Montrez), Cynthia Stinett, and Resa Jordan (Jerravonnie Jackson); grandchildren, Torri Frazier, Qyuni Handfield, Cameron Pitts, Chimere Pitts, Grady Carlisle, Wayne Jackson, Ray Williams, Xavier Guilford, Quintana Christian, and Ricardi Tolvier; and seventeen great-grandchildren.
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