Eatonton native, George Jordan Jr., reaches century mark

On April 6, Eatonton native George Jordan Jr. becomes a member of the exclusive centenarians club. 

The eldest of 15 siblings, George was educated in the Putnam County school system and shortly after completing high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in World War II.

He served two tours, in 1943-1946, and 1946-1949, and says he can still vividly recall many events and things encountered during his tours in the combat zones. Upon completing six years of military service, George was honorably discharged from Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) and awarded the EAMET Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, a Unit Citation, and the World War II Victory Medal.

George said he feels “blessed” with the opportunity to attend the May 29, 2004, dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., adding that was a proud moment for him.

Upon returning home from military service, George used his God-given skills in carpentry, drywall, electrical work, plumbing, and flooring to build his own home in Eatonton. He also entered the workforce, getting hired at Enterprise Aluminum, where he was employed until the company closed its doors. 

Upon the company being sold to another owner, George said he continued his employment there until it closed for good, and he became part of the building’s demolition crew.

Meanwhile, George never lost his commitment to public service, as he took on the task and devoted his time to help build and support American Legion Post 583 on MLK Drive in Eatonton. The project became a pride and joy for him, and George is a lifetime member of Post 583, where he still loves entertaining people, asking questions, and providing a historian’s background about the Legion.

News reports, articles, and documentaries remain a big interest for George, keeping him very aware, informed, and knowledgeable of current affairs. He has a knack for keeping listeners very attentive to his spoken words in conversation.

George lived a life of servitude to his community, routinely volunteering to do jobs such as mowing lawns and doing minor home repairs for friends, sick and shut-in neighbors, and anyone else he could help. Idle time was not part of his demeanor; being occupied and busy was his pleasure.

George also was Eatonton’s first Black Boy Scouts Leader and an Eagle Scouts mentor. He is a lifelong member of St. John A.M.E. Church, where he once served on the Usher Board and remains a trustee. He also served 36 years on the Putnam County Hospital Authority Board and as Sergeant-at-Arms for American Legion Post 583.

George is the widower of the late Mrs. Maybell Y. Jordan, father of one daughter, Charlotte, one grandson Brien (of whom he is most proud as Brien is a Qatar Airways pilot), and his wife Hajar.

Among George’s favorite sayings are, “Be thrifty; read and use your head; don’t waste all your time on petty stuff and foolishness; and, don’t throw away your money, invest it.”

George Jordan is a joy to be around, just listen to him as he talks about life while working and encouraging you to help others in need. 

As George says: “Don’t count the years; make the years count.”

Contributed by George Meredith