Edward Jordan

Edward R. Jordan, 62, of Milton, passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in Milton, Florida, on August 31, 1955, and is the oldest son of Buddy and Carole Jordan. Ed was a Milton High School graduate Class of 1973 and a member of the 1972 State Runner-Up football team and the 1973 Final Four baseball team. He went on to play baseball for the Pensacola Junior College Pirates and the University of West Florida Argonauts while working on his education. He earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree from the University of West Florida. Ed was an educator in the Santa Rosa County School District for 35 years at Gulf Breeze Middle School and King Middle School (Science and Physical Education). He was an avid member of the community and contributed numerous hours coaching little league baseball. He was also a member of First Baptist Church of Milton and was ordained as a Deacon in 1978 at Hickory Hammock Southern Baptist Church. He taught the children’s ministry, Royal Ambassadors while a member of both churches and enjoyed opening his home to youth groups during Disciple Now. Some of Ed’s fondest memories were of the Hickory Hammock softball team where lifelong friendships were formed and their many accolades, which included four national championships. Ed was named to the All-American Softball team numerous times and is listed in the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In his spare time he enjoyed running, amateur botany, playing golf, and spending time with family and friends. He could always be found at Milton High School sporting events cheering on the Panthers. Ed made his profession of faith during a revival at an early age and continued his love for the Lord throughout his life. His heart’s desire was for everyone to know Christ, enjoy the blessings of salvation and to meet again one day. Ed married his high school sweetheart in 1976, Kathy Parker. They have two children Jacob (Heather) and Jada (BJ Southers) and three grandchildren Luke, Tripp, and Elijah. Ed is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren; his parents, Buddy and Carole Jordan; two brothers, Brian (Missy) and Carl (Donna); one sister, Tracey (Danny Worrell); one aunt, Mina (Gary) Bamonte; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ann and Ray Callaway; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Debbie (Steve) Lowery, Brenda (Terry) Stephens, Debbie Jan (Greg Hershberger) and David (Cindy) Callaway; nieces and nephews, Troy Jordan (Whitney), Madalyn Jordan, Lexi Worrell, Caroline Worrell, Darren Barnes (Rebecca), Keith Barnes (Dawn), Troy Lowery, Jeremy Lowery, and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Milton, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday, December 15, 2017. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 16, 2017, with Dr. Jonathan Russell and Dr. David Spencer officiating. Burial will follow at Serenity Gardens Cemetery with Lewis Funeral Home directing. Pallbearers: Blackie Black, Claude DeVane, Johnny Norton, Troy Payne, Bill Timlin, Guy Thompson, Clayton Tolbert, Chuck Willis Honorary Pallbearers: Randy Bassett , Gary Blakemore, Larry Brewton, Kenny Cranford, Chris French, Greg Gillis, Buddy Hinote, Rick Hunsucker, Greg Jernigan, Ronnie Jernigan, Pat McLellan, Gary Mooneyham, Jeff Peacher, Mike Peacher, Buddy Powell, Mike Phillips, Jimmy Rinehart, Murry Rutledge, Robert Smith, Jason Summers, Ted Waters, Benjie West, Max Williams, Richard Wingate, Dr. Bruce Young The family wishes to thank the staff of Emerald Coast Hospice for the love and care given to their loved one during his illness along with Dr.’s Tarek Eldawy and Gerald Lowery of Sacred Heart Cancer Institute. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Men’s Ministry or Construction Ministry of First Baptist Church of Milton, 6797 Caroline St., Milton, FL 32570.