Garland Wayne Jordan, 1917-1999Garland Wayne Jordan was born on April 2, 1917, in Fountain Run, Kentucky, the son of Calvin and Georgia Jordan. His family moved to Perkin, Illinois, when he was 5 years old. He lived in Perkin with his parents and two brothers where he graduated from high school. Wayne served seven years in the United States Air Force from 1939-46. Several important events occurred while he was in the Air Force. He married Zella Marie Estelle on August 10, 1940, and heard his call into the ordained ministry in 1944. He received his formal education after leaving the Air Force by earning his B.A. degree from Grand Rapids and his M.Div. degree from the Baptist Seminary in California. Wayne was ordained an elder in 1956 by the Evangelical United Brethren Church and served pastorates in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois before transferring to the Virginia Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1964. He served two pastorates in the Virginia EUB Conference and served six appointments in the Virginia United Methodist Conference before retiring in 1983. After retirement he served three appointments in the Petersburg District. Wayne was known for his well-prepared and short sermons. He constantly was improving his understanding of the Scriptures and challenging the church to follow the Great Commission. Wayne was not a spectator but a participant in all areas of life. He is survived by his wife with whom he shared 59 years of family life, which was blessed with three sons and two daughters. Wayne died on July 15, 1999, after an extended illness. The Christian Service of Death and Resurrection was held at Wesley Church, Hopewell, with the Rev. Anthony Layman, the Rev. John Crawford and the Rev. Alexander Roberts. He was buried in Fairfax beside his son who preceded him in death. It can be said, Wayne "ran with endurance the race that was set before him, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of his faith." Thanks for the life and ministry of Dr. G. Wayne Jordan. — Lee B. Sheaffer |