Obituary: Larry Joe Jordan

Larry Joe Jordan, born July 1, 1946, in Tuckerman, AR received his ultimate award on January 29, 2025, at his home surrounded by his immediate family.

Those gone on before him include his Adoptive Parents Carmen and Ivy Jordan and sister Lois Jean Jordan. Birth parents Hazel and Talmadge Tims Siblings: A.J. Tims, Troy Tims, Eddie McCollum, and Talma Jean Beshiers. Adoptive Parents Henry and Mamma Tava Hicks, Siblings: Paul and Charles Summers and Alta Wood.

Survivors include Kathryn Ann (Hampton) Jordan of the home. Elizabeth and Guy Scudder of Alma, AR. Mary Jordan and partner Terry George of Newport, AR. Grandchildren: Ricky and Darren Cohen of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Camilla and Jim Ranger of Bakersfield, CA, Sarah and Jarod Ring of Nairobi, Kenya, Kimberly and Quintin Russell of Fayetteville, AR., and Great-Grandchildren: Laila Ranger of Phoenix, Az, Caden and Deagan Ranger of Bakersfield, CA; Adah, Esther and Ezra Ring of Nairobi, Kenya; Dominic and Jeremiyah Russell of Fayetteville, AR. Siblings: James and Sheila Jester of Lockesburg, AR., Gail and Marion Smith and Tamma and Edward Smith all of Augusta, AR. Sister Cousins Carolyn Ward of West Monroe, LA. Pat Beede of Forrest City, AR. Pam Bright of Newport, AR. Sisters in Law; Mildred England and Altha Hampton of Augusta, AR, Brothers in Law; Larry Ray Hampton and Elvis Meilke of Jonesboro, AR, Kenneth and Elizabeth Hampton of Georgetown, AR and Raymond Hampton of Phoenix, AZ and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Larry Joe loved his hobbies, and he excelled at anything he put his mind to try and that was a long list. He loved music and shared that love with others. He learned to play guitar at a very young age and continued to add other instruments over the years. He loved his Arkansas Razorbacks, played football in high school, played and coached softball, bowling with family and on leagues, loved to train his Walkers, Blueticks, Black and Tans and hunt raccoons- some he brought home as pets and everything in between. Once he found Checkers, the passion grew and grew and stayed with him from then on. Some of the fondest family vacations revolved around a checker tournament somewhere. He won every title possible and played checkers both Nationally and Internationally via postcards. That is a story all by itself. He was honored to be a lifetime member of the American Checker Federation. Golf was another hobby that he excelled in and absolutely loved sharing with his lifelong friend Ronnie Sellers.

Larry Joe served his community with his whole heart and everyone else that he could convince to come along with him. He served in many clubs, non-profits, and agencies throughout his life. Those included Jackson County Emergency Squad, Newport Lion’s Club, Gideons International-Newport Chapter, Village Creek Golf Club, and the White River Women’s Shelter. It didn’t matter if he was president, board member, trash pickup or highway flagger he was all in for the things that he felt worthy of spending time doing.

His career consisted of 22 years at Victor Metal where he held many positions. He also served as union steward and president. When the day of metal toothpaste tubes concluded so did many jobs in Jackson County. Larry Joe thought his world had ended. He was encouraged to begin an “interim” job of selling cancer plans by his friend Clint Lackey and then burial insurance for both Dillinger and Jacksons Funeral Homes. One day Albert Hurst came looking for a man named Larry Joe. The rest was history. For the next 35 years he empowered lives. The Larry Jordan District of Modern Woodmen of America touched thousands of lives every day. The impact is immeasurable. A life quote that he shared with everyone was “Find someone everyday that you can add Value to their lives”. He believed this even to his last breath.

Larry Joe loved his God most of all and believed that working in the local church was a critical part of living/walking a Christian life. He started attending the Newport Pentecostal Church of God around 1954 and has held every position in the church during that time. He was a Youth Director, Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent. He mowed, waxed, plunged, painted, and anything else that was needed. He loves this church family and believes that loving people like Jesus comes in all capacities.

Recently he was honored with two titles that sum up his dedication and life work in the church. Pastor Tim Waterman and the Newport PCG Council honored him as Associate Pastor. Reverend Anthony Patterson recently presented him with his Certificate of Ordination from Global Ministries Network.

And last but certainly not least, he loved his family with every ounce of his being. His beloved bride, Kathryn, his soulmate of 59 years, was the center of his world. He honored her every single day, cherishing her with a love so deep that even in his final days, he told her he couldn’t bear to leave her. His baby girls, Elizabeth and Mary, were the lights of his life—until that first grandbaby arrived and turned his whole world upside down. From that moment on, his heart only grew bigger, overflowing with love for his Grands and Great-Grands—each one holding a special place in his heart, more than they could ever truly know. What started as the Jordan4 has grown into a beautiful family of 19 (and counting!), a legacy he was immensely proud to lead. His love for them was boundless, and his presence will forever be felt in the laughter, love, and stories shared for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you give to one of Larry’s favorite missions. He supported others in as many capacities as possible to daily add value to others lives. Join his life statement in supporting one of his favorite places that make a difference.

Newport PCG Men’s ministry

P.O. Box 575

Newport, AR. 72112

White River Women’s Shelter

P.O. Box 304

Newport, AR. 72112

Jackson County Humane Society

P.O. Box 154

Newport, AR. 72112

Gideons International

P.O. Box 72

Newport, AR. 72112