Fred Jordan

Fred Jordan CHESAPEAKE - Fred Jordan, known to his Maury schoolmates as "Fatha" Jordan, was called home to Jesus Oct. 26, 2008. At his side were his beloved companion and also his daughter. Born into a family of seven, Freddie grew up between the Lafayette Winona section of Norfolk and spent summers in Willoughby Spit, enjoying a simpler life in then-thriving Norfolk. His employment began at age 12, when he worked a milk route for Marr's Dairy. From then on he found no area of work uninteresting to him. Among other things, Fred was a stockroom clerk at the W.T. Grant store and climbed telephone poles with the aid of a leather belt and steel spikes for C&P Telephone (even surprising a friend by calling her from the top of a Wards Corner telephone pole.) He took time out to obtain an associates degree from Old Dominion University and then lived near New York City where he sang with the Barry Brothers Big Band and at Bordewicks in the Bronx among other places. Then onto a tour in the Merchant Marines and from there he went to Palm Beach, Fla., and had two radio shows at WJNO. When he wasn't hosting his Saturday Night Dance Party for the local youths, he interviewed celebrities such as Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley whom he met with at the Palms Theater in 1955 at Presley's first stage show. Lured home by letters from friends saying how good it was in Norfolk, Fred returned and was soon using his 15-foot plywood surfboard to patrol the waters as he lifeguarded for the Gay Manor Hotel on 39th & Atlantic. During the colder months, he worked in sales for WAVY-TV and began selling real estate. He discovered a love for sales. Always known for being well dressed, Fred began an extended career in the fine men's clothing business. Still active in his singing, he performed for the Old Dominion Opera Workshop and emceed the three Virginia Beach Jazz festivals, masterminded by Tommy Gwaltney. Fred moved to Chesapeake to manage the new Hub Store in Great Bridge. He continued in the clothing business for many years, retiring after 20 years with the Quality Shop in downtown. Upon retirement, he worked part time for the City of Chesapeake and obtained his Master Gardener's certificate. He was active in his church, the Lafayette-Winona retired men's club and the local musicians meetings. After 30 years solo, Fred found the love of his life, in his later years, as he and Betty Jeanne Williams, Portlock graduate, became inseparable companions. Fred is survived by his companion, Betty Jeanne Williams of Chesapeake; daughter, Tana Jordan Seltzer of Virginia Beach; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. A funeral will be conducted Thursday at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, 8464 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, at 2 p.m. The burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.