Paul William Jordan, 81, of Hayesville, passed away at his home Tuesday, April 2, 2019, surrounded by his family.
Paul was born in Blairsville, Ga., to the late Victor and Pauline Jordan on Sept. 26, 1937.
He was a graduate of Hayesville High School and Tri-County Community College, with an associate’s degree in horticulture.
Paul joined the U.S. Navy in 1955, where he specialized in flight training simulation and retired as master chief in 1981 after 26 years of service.
He married his wife, Patricia Fay McDonald, on Sept. 27, 1958, in Decatur, Ill. When he and Pat moved back to Clay County, they grew Christmas trees and cane, to which they made syrup.
Not one to sit idly around, Paul immersed himself in his community. Paul served three terms as a Clay County commissioner. He was also instrumental in implementing a water and sewage system for the county, and the construction and completion of the new courthouse and county office complex.
Paul also served on the board of Tri-County Community College, Clay County Food Pantry, Moss Memorial Library, Clay County Lions Club, was chairman for the Clay County Board of Health, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Vestry, co-chairman for the Church Country Fare and voted Clay County Citizen of the Year in 2003.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Pauline; three brothers, Gerald, Edward and Ray; and one sister, Lois.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; son, Dan (Michele); daughters, Becky (Craig), Lori (Brad), and Chrissy (Doug); eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Phyllis and Thelma; and brothers, Lorin, Sylvan “Bruce” and Wayne.
A celebration of Paul’s life was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Hayesville. Paul was laid to rest in the memorial garden that he helped create at the church.
Military graveside rites were conducted by the American Legion Post 96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville, and Marine Corps League, Marble.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of time or money to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 677, Hayesville, NC 28904; or Clay County Food Pantry, 2278 Hinton Center Road, Hayesville, NC 28904.
You may send tributes to the Jordan family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.