Jesse Joseph Jordan II

DARLINGTON - Jesse Joseph Jordan II died June 30, 2017, at his home.He leaves one dearly beloved son, Dr. Jesse "Mike" Joseph Jordan III; daughter-in-law, Susan Evans Jordan; granddaughter Amanda Jordan-Brainard (husband Colin Brainard), and two great-grandchildren, Kaden (10) and Piper (6) Brainard, all now living in Camas, Washington.Born and reared in Lanett, Alabama, Jesse was the son of W.Y. and Bernice Jordan. The eldest of their four children, his siblings (Ann Proctor, Will Jordan, and Hugh Jordan) all predeceased him.Jesse graduated early from high school, joining the U.S. Navy at 17 and serving as a pilot during World War II. After the war, he returned to Florida to marry his lifelong love, Rebecca Hall. He deeply loved Rebecca, and was devoted to his wife of 55 years. (Rebecca died in 2000, and Jesse never remarried.)A seeker of knowledge, Jesse earned his bachelor's (1951) and master's (1953) degrees from Auburn University (then Alabama Polytechnic Institute), then started a career in education. First a high school mathematics teacher, he became a principal, assistant superintendent, and then filled numerous roles in the U.S. Dept. of Education during the Nixon, Carter, and Reagan administrations. During his tenure there, he traveled across the country assisting in the desegregation of public schools. He reached the highest non-political rank in the U.S. Dept. of Education, and was honored to be selected to the Senior Executive Service. His thirst for knowledge stayed with him his entire life, as he read books about mathematics, science, history, and sports (especially Auburn football).Jesse chose early retirement from government service, in order to move to Florence where he could be a devoted and involved part of his granddaughter's life. However, it would be a stretch to say he "retired," given his active lifestyle. A dedicated member of First Baptist Church, he served as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, and Deacon. He also became quite involved in the Florence Optimist Club, eventually being elected Lieutenant Governor of SC Optimists. More recently, he has enjoyed living independently in his cottage at Bethea Retirement Community, enjoying friends, fellowship, and activities such as motorcycle rides with local law enforcement.As Jesse instructed, he was cremated and interred with Rebecca at Mount Hope Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 20, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., at Bethea Chapel, Bethea Retirement Community, Darlington, SC. His Family will welcome friends in the lobby for refreshments following the service.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethea Retirement Community, 157 Home Ave., Darlington, SC 29532.