Clarence C. Jordan

Clarence C. Jordan, beloved husband, father, Navy veteran, and engineer, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the third youngest of seven siblings. A graduate of Central High School, Clarence later served in the U.S. Navy as a Submariner during the Vietnam era. He made history as the first African American of his time to graduate from the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School, serving aboard the USS Skipjack and USS James K. Polk.
Clarence had a brilliant 47-year engineering career. After facing housing discrimination in 1974, he designed and built his own home, which still stands today.
Nicknamed "Inspector Gadget" for his love of technology, Clarence also enjoyed chess, cards, bowling, and traveling the world. He especially cherished attending Naval Submariner reunions with his wife Douise.
Clarence loved his family and faith. He served his church and often stepped in to support loved ones, even teaching his mother to drive at 50.
On July 22, 2011, he married Douise (Thomas) Jordan, blending their families in love and unity.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Beverly Ann Jordan; his parents, Albert Lewis Jordan and Anna Mae (Hinkle) Jordan; and siblings Albert Lathan Jordan, Elbert Neil Jordan, and Dorothy Ann Jordan (Duffy).
Clarence is survived by his wife Douise; children Karen Louise (Jordan) Collins and Kenneth Earl Jordan; granddaughter Brittany Chanelle Collins; great-granddaughter Mariah Yasmine Hill; and siblings William Andrew Jordan, Patricia Louise (Jordan) Woods and Annette Marie Jordan.
Also survived by Douise’s children: Kaneika Pinto-Rivera and daughters Téa Medley and Iryz Pinto-Rivera of High Point, NC; Khrystina (Morrison) Jacobs, Ray II and Franklin (pet grand-turtle) of Charlotte, NC; and Frazier McCollum, Jr. with daughters Josie and Jasleigh Sorrells of Charlotte, NC. His legacy lives on through those who loved him.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." — Matthew 25:23 (KJV)

Memorial Service:
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 11:00 AM
Nations Ford Community Church
5901 Nations Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

Service streaming link:
https://vimeo.com/event/5267702