Hardie Jordan was born June 13, 1922, in Shuqualak, Mississippi, to the union of Charlie Jordan and Bessie Scott Jordan. Hardie was preceded in death by one sister, Ella Cross and four brothers, Sammie, Floyd, Benny and Leroy Jordan. He departed this life on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, Mississippi.
Hardie lived a long, productive and fruitful life. He began his military career when he served in the CCC (WPA Civilian Conservation Corps), from 1939-1941. He entered at the age of 17 yrs. old. At that time, the government paid $25 per month for work such as building Pparks, roadROOF
s, post offic
es and plant
ing trees. Ea
ch month, he sent $20 of his $25 pay, home to his family. He was honorably discharged from the CCC, in September of 1941 at 19 yrs. old.
Hardie Jordan returned to Shuqualak, Ms., but within 20 days he was drafted into the Army. Before he could report to the Army, he took and passed the exam for the Navy. That began his 17-year Navy career. When his military career ended, Hardie settled in Chicago, Illinois. He was hired as a Stock Clerk at Chicago’s main Post Office, in the downtown area. That job had a lasting effect on Hardie because he labeled and cataloged all his personal letters, correspondence, all items he purchased and received, for the rest of his life. In addition, he remembered what he documented – much like a photographic memory.
Hardie left Chicago in 1972 and returned to Shuqualak. He purchased a home on Running Water Road where he resided until his departure. He worked at the Brickyard for 13 years until it closed. He then worked for 18 years as a Night Watchman at the Barge Forest Products Company. During that time and well into his 90’s, Hardie delivered boxes of meals to his homebound neighbors. He loved that job because it gave him a chance to talk to so many people.
Hardie Jordan leaves to cherish his devoted nieces: Jean Reid, Alice Crockett and Jackie Head; nephews Larry, Floyd, Jr., Kevin, Keith, Tyrone, Charles Jordan, John and Danny Cross. He also leaves a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins and special cousins, Joseph and Ellice Jordan, as well as a special friend, Bessie Dunn. He will be missed by many, many friends in his community.