Ronald Lee Jordan
Ronald Lee Jordan, age 88, passed away peacefully, in the early morning on February 5, 2025, surrounded by loving family.
He was born on January 4th, 1937, to Reverend Frederick and Clara Jordan. He grew up in Roanoke, Virginia where he graduated from Jefferson high school. He soon embarked on a new chapter by joining the United States Air Force, where he met his bride-to-be, Marilyn, in a snowstorm in the middle of Nebraska. Over the next sixty-five years, they created a loving home filled with wonderful memories.
Ronald dedicated much of his career to General Electric, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 1996. However, retirement didn’t slow him down—he quickly found joy in a new role at Hertz Rental Car, turning what began as a hobby into a job he truly loved. (Even though he once got a speeding ticket trying to buy a watermelon).
A proud Masonic Lodge member for 25 years, Ron was also a pivotal part of the Salem Sports Foundation, working tirelessly to support local athletics. (Including spending his Decembers in coveralls, and pine sap hauling Christmas trees) His commitment to sports extended beyond the foundation—he held the chains on the football field for an incredible 60 years, a role he cherished as it kept him connected to the game and the community he loved. If he wasn’t on the field for sport, he was on the sideline cheering on one of his four granddaughters or his hoard of great-grandchildren.
The only thing Ron considered more important and trivial than his family, was his faith. He was a very proud member of West Salem Baptist church for the last thirty-two years, where he was a devoted member of his church choir, which he called “singing with the angels.” Loving Jesus and spreading the love of Christ was an essential part of his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Clara Jordan, brother, Fred Jordan, Jr. (Rosemary); and sisters, (Joann and Shirley).
Surviving is wife of 65 years, Marilyn Jordan; their two daughters, Debbie Giordano (Caudel Abbott), Cheri Keller (George Keller); granddaughters, Britney Giordano, Jessica Bohon, Kelsey Webber (Patrick Webber), Rebecca Keller; great-grandchildren, Noah, Kendall, Aiden, Ryleigh, Liam, Samuel and Parker. The wonderful Kuebler family; sister, Jackie (Darris); and countless nephews, nieces, cousins and many others who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Good Samaritan Sheila Strauss Hospice House or West Salem Baptist Church in Ronald Jordan’s memory.
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Monday, February 10th, from 4-7pm at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem.
A funeral service to honor his life, will be held on Tuesday, February 11th at 1p.m at West Salem Baptist Church, 500 Turner Rd., Salem, Va., with Pastor Nick Shaffer officiating. The interment will immediately follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.
The Family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at Good Samaritan - Sheila Strauss Hospice House for the compassionate care and support they provided Ron during his final days. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort and care to Ron, Marilyn and the rest of his family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
