Walker D. Jordan

Walker Daniel Jordan, Sr., 89, of Gastonia and Charlotte, NC, died on Wednesday January 4, 2012 following an extended illness.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Alice Campbell Jordan, and three children, Linda Dianne Jordan of Greenville, SC, Walker Daniel Jordan, Jr. of Charlotte, NC and William Ronald Jordan and his wife, Julie of Windermere, FL. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Laura Anne Jordan, Walker Daniel Jordan, III, Justin Ronald Jordan and Zakary Daniel Jordan.

Born in the community of Angelus in Chesterfield County, SC, Mr. Jordan was the son of Daniel Gilbert and Daisy Peach Jordan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Mazie M. Pittman, Maggie M. Johnson, Fannie M. Hargett, Belle M. Thompson and one brother, James Middleton.

Mr. Jordan graduated from Macedonia-Angelus High School, then immediately joined the U.S. Navy where he served as a flight engineer during World War II. His life long career in the automobile business began when he bought a used car, drove it home on leave, then sold it to a fellow serviceman. After the War he opened a used car business and later purchased a Pontiac franchise in Lancaster, SC. In 1961 he opened Jordan Volkswagen in Gastonia, NC. He moved to Charlotte in 1967 where he owned and operated several franchises including Alfa Romeo, Infiniti, Mazda, Toyota, Volkswagen and most notably Independence Nissan until his retirement in 1991. In addition to the automobile business he owned recreational vehicle businesses in Charlotte and Orlando as well as an air charter service based out of Monroe that he named JordanAir. His success in these businesses was attributed to his high integrity and his belief that “a man is only as good as his word.”

Known for his outstanding business sense and strong leadership qualities, Mr. Jordan held various positions in the automobile industry including president of the Greater Charlotte Area Automobile Dealer Association, Chairman of the Nissan National Dealer Advisory Board, Chairman of the Washington Region VW Dealer Advisory Board as well as numerous positions with the North Carolina Nissan Dealers Advertising Association.

Mr. Jordan was a member of St. John’s Baptist Church of Charlotte. He was a member of Carmel Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf. His other hobbies included hunting and fishing, wood working and watching the Atlanta Braves. He was also an accomplished pilot with multi-engine and instrument ratings.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at St. John’s Baptist Church in Charlotte. Interment will follow the service at Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, January 6th at Harry & Bryant Company, 500 Providence Road in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or to a charity of your choice.