Charles Milas Jordan

Charles Milas Jordan, 96 Charles Milas Jordan, 96, of Bradenton, FL, achieved victory over death and the grave and entered into the arms of Jesus Wednesday September 23, 2015. Born November 17, 1918 in Albertville, Alabama to Albert Baker and Edna Mae Jordan, Charles was one of eleven children. His earlier years were spent working on his family’s large farm, and attended Solitude School, and Solitude Baptist Church. During the Great Depression years his father died of an extended illness causing Charles and the other children to have to spend more time tending the needs of the farm, eventually dropping out of school during his 8th grade year. After other jobs as a young man and during WWII he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the Coastal Artillery, then the Field Artillery in the European Theater of Operations. During his time with the 5th Army’s 766th Field Artillery Battalion he became an NCO (non-commissioned officer) of a 155MM howitzer cannon and was engaged in several major battles throughout Italy. It was during this time he learned the value of digging foxholes to avoid bullets from strafing enemy aircraft and shrapnel from their bombs. He often said he became the “best foxhole digger in the 5th Army.” Returning home after the war, Charles entered the Alabama School of Trades in Gadsden on the Montgomery GI Bill and graduated top of his class with Diplomas in four different areas within three years. It was there he realized his love for Mathematics. Mastering Algebra, Calculus, and Trig was just a step in developing the tools he would need for many years to follow. Even before graduation he was hired by the Allis–Chalmers Corporation where he worked in the Experimental Lab in Gadsden, and later in Independence, Missouri. Then, as the U.S. entered the space program, he was sought after by several NASA contractors in Huntsville, Alabama. In 1961 Charles began work with Chrysler Corporation’s Aerospace Division and became a lead prototype builder as a draftsman, journeyman machinist, and tool & die maker. During these years he worked on the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs, and was involved in the production of the Saturn V rocket which carried man to the Moon and back. He often said he always enjoyed his work and looked forward to going to work each day. He retired in 1983. Charles met his first wife, Hazel Powell of Rome, GA, in Oklahoma City, recognizing her as a young lady who had worked in the same factory as he in Chattanooga, Tennessee before the war. They were married in 1944 and had one son, Terry, a now-retired Southern Baptist Minister and Military Chaplain. Following the passing of Hazel after 47 years of marriage, Charles “re-met” and married Ila Mae Spratling of Albertville, AL, his childhood sweetheart, who was also his neighbor during his growing up years. They lived “back home” in Albertville for a number of years before moving to Carrollton, GA to be close to Ila’s daughter Jan and family, where Jan’s husband, Marc Limbaugh (of Gadsden), is pastor of Christ Fellowship Church. Ila Mae passed after 20 wonderful years of marriage and Charles moved to Bradenton, FL. to be closer to his son and family. Charles loved his Lord Jesus and enjoyed studying the Bible. He was a man of great integrity, serving faithfully in his churches where he lived, and was loved by all. He was instrumental in the building program of Paden Baptist Church in East Gadsden, AL, was a member of the Glencoe Masonic Lodge #846 for over 50 years, and credited his long life and good health to the faithfulness of his Lord Jesus, with whom he walked for over sixty-five years. He had been a role model to many young men and an example of Christ’s love as a joyful, unselfish servant to all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Ila Mae, brothers Tom Jordan, Albert Jordan, and James Jordan.; sisters Anna Higgens, Zoy Tolbert, Georgia Hill, Deborah Cobb, Erlene Ballew, Edna Pearl Pair, and Julie Mae Herring. He is survived by his son, Rev. Terry Jordan (Jeanne) of Bradenton, FL, step-daughter Jan Limbaugh (Rev. Marc) of Carrollton, GA, and Gary Spratling of Birmingham,AL.; eight grandchildren, Vicki S. Friel (Rev. John D.), and Michael C. Jordan (Faith) of Bradenton, Rachel Pope (Kendall), Bethany Ellis (Seth), Jonathan Limbaugh (Kristen), Jordan Limbaugh (Lacey), Jeremy Limbaugh, all of Carrollton, GA, and Jared Limbaugh (Katie) of Clinton, MS. Great grandchildren include Shannon Friel, Lyndsie Friel, Myles Jordan, Hope Jordan, and Trinity Jordan of Bradenton, Janna Pope, Tristan Pope, Kendall James Pope, Luke Pope, Ariel Ellis, Eli Ellis, Ivan Ellis, Olana Ellis, Wyatt Limbaugh, Owen Limbaugh, all of Carrollton, and Nolen Limbaugh, and Easton Limbaugh of Clinton, MS. Funeral services will be held at the Albertville Memorial Chapel, 5011 US Hwy 431 Albertville, AL, Monday , September 28, 2015 at 2:00pm with visitation beginning at 12 Noon, with burial following at Marshall Memorial Gardens, 3364 AL Hwy 205 North, Rev. Marc Limbaugh, Officiating.

Charles Milas Jordan

November 17, 1918 - September 23, 2015