Curtis Eugene "Gene" Jordan

Curtis Eugene “Gene” Jordan, 89, of Smiths Station, AL, earned his wings on June 21, 2025. A visitation will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 Hwy 431 N, Phenix City, AL 36867, on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:30am EST, followed by a funeral service at 11:30am EST. Services will conclude with a procession to Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery for a committal service featuring full honors from the United States Army.

Gene was born on October 18, 1935, to the late Curtis Jordan and Susie Mae Childs Jordan. At 17 years old, Gene joined the US Army, looking for a better life, which led him away from sharecropping in rural Alabama, across the United States and many tours abroad. He retired as a decorated Master Sergeant after 20 years of dedicated service, a Vietnam Veteran, and Bronze Star recipient. He then continued with a career in Civil Service with the Department of the Army at Ft. Benning, retiring after an additional 20 years of service. He spent 15 years as an instructor of Communications and Electronics, and 5 years as a Contract Officer. Gene earned a bachelor’s degree from Troy State University, an associate’s degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College, and a degree in HVAC from Opelika Technical College. He made a home in Smiths Station, Alabama, with the love of his life, Barbara Gilbert Jordan, whom he stayed faithfully devoted to for over 52 years, until his passing. He was a proud father and husband, enjoying a life of many talents and hobbies, most notably, country music. He was a member of a band, The Good ‘Ole Boys, having written and recorded “An American Soldier” and various other songs. Gene was a member of the Let’s Pick Group, sharing his passion for music with the community. He was also a member of the VFW-665 Cols, GA, Ft. Benning Management Association, and a former member of the Refrigeration Engineers Society. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, and watching University of Alabama football and NASCAR. Aside from writing music, Gene also wrote a book, “From a Sharecropper’s Son to a Triple Dipper”, sharing his life story from his modest beginnings to the peak of his success of ‘triple dipping’. Gene was a man of strong character, and believed “your word is your bond”. He was very conscientious, dependable, loyal, and selfless. He lived an example of unconditional love. He was strong-willed and incredibly resilient, as he fought and survived many health challenges, which would have conquered most of us single-handedly. Gene will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Jordan and Susie Mae Childs Jordan; daughter, Jennifer Flynn; son, Terry Jordan and adopted son, Daniel Jordan; sisters, Vivian Jordan Ramsey, and Sue Jordan Calhoun.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Jordan; daughters, Joanne Jordan Davidson (children Keely and Cameron), Debbie Jordan Flickinger (Jim), and Denice Swortzel (Scott); sons, Jeffrey Jordan (Virginia); Michael Jordan (daughter Mariel Alana), and brothers, Thomas Jordan and Paul Jordan (Jeannie); and many additional grandchildren and great grandchildren.