Jordan Carrison Waite

Born on July 31, 1933, Mike lived a life filled with extraordinary experiences. As a young boy, he lived in Paris, France, where his family witnessed the growing turmoil of World War II. In May 1940, at just six years old, Mike and his family fled the German invasion of France. Traveling by automobile to Genoa, Italy, they boarded the S.S. Washington bound for the United States, crossing the Atlantic along a zigzagging course to avoid German submarines. Their journey eventually brought them back to the family home in Camden, South Carolina, beginning a new chapter in a life that would be marked by resilience, determination, and adventure.

Growing up in a military family, Mike lived in various parts of the country, including South Carolina, New York, Washington state, and Washington, D.C. In 1952, he fulfilled a personal ambition when he earned admission to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Just three weeks after entering the Academy, Mike lost his father, yet he persevered and graduated in June 1957.

Following graduation, Mike entered the United States Air Force, where he trained as a navigator and served at military installations throughout the country and in Puerto Rico. He continued his military service in the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard, ultimately retiring in 1979 with the rank of Major. His years of service reflected his lifelong sense of duty, discipline, and pride in his country.

On August 6, 1966, Mike married Nancy Louise Filer, beginning a partnership that would span 60 years. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and enduring commitment, raising four children: Allison, John, Jenna, and David. Above all, Mike took tremendous pride in being a provider for his family, and much of what he accomplished throughout his life was motivated by his desire to give them opportunities and a secure future.

Mike enjoyed a diverse professional career, working for Delta Air Lines, Lockheed Georgia Corporation, and several companies in the chemical industry. In 1985, he and Nancy established Waite Industrial Distributors, a business specializing in metal finishing chemicals and equipment. Together, they operated the company for 36 years, closing its doors in 2021 when Mike was 88 years old. His strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and determination were evident throughout his professional life.

Outside of his career, Mike had a tremendous passion for the stock market. An enthusiastic and dedicated investor, he took great pleasure in following the markets, researching investments, and putting his financial knowledge to work. Through his success in investing, Mike was able to put all four of his children through college and build the family's beloved beach house at Sunset Beach, North Carolina, affectionately named “Waite N Sea.” These accomplishments were sources of tremendous pride for Mike, not simply because of their financial significance, but because of what they meant for his family. The beach house became a lasting symbol of his hard work, generosity, and desire to provide for those he loved.

Mike also had a lifelong love of history and thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories of his own remarkable experiences. He possessed a natural curiosity about the world, enjoyed meaningful conversations, and never hesitated to ask questions or offer his perspective. His stories provided not only entertainment but also a connection to history that few have experienced firsthand.

Faith was an important part of Mike's life. A longtime member of St. Martin's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, he faithfully attended the Tuesday morning prayer breakfast, where he valued the fellowship and opportunity for thoughtful discussion. Mike approached his faith with the same curiosity that characterized so much of his life. He was never afraid to ask questions, seek greater understanding, or engage in meaningful conversations about matters of faith. His inquisitive nature reflected a lifelong desire to learn, reflect, and grow.

Those who knew Mike will remember a man of strong convictions, a generous heart, and an unmistakable stubborn streak. He was hardworking, determined, and rarely one to back down from what he believed. Mike was a man who did things his own way, worked hard for what he believed in, and found great satisfaction in providing for his family. His generosity was reflected not only in what he gave, but in the opportunities he created for those he loved.

To his seven grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Pops,” a title that held a special place in his life. While Mike's 93 years were filled with extraordinary experiences and accomplishments, his greatest legacy was undoubtedly the family he and Nancy built together. The love, lessons, laughter, and memories he shared with them will endure for generations.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy Filer Waite; his four children, Allison Waite, John Waite (Traci), Jenna Taylor (Stan), and David Waite (Ashley); and his seven cherished grandchildren, Walsh, Jackson, Margaret Palmer, Logan, Bryce, Adaline, and Hank. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Nan Waite; and his nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Sumner, Kathryn, Elizabeth, and Natalie, along with their families.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Brigadier General Sumner Waite; his mother, Elizabeth Carrison Waite; his sister, Betty Manning (Bernard); and his brother, Sumner Waite II.

A memorial service celebrating Mike's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at St. Martin's in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, with burial in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the parish hall.

Donations may be made to:

St. Martin’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church

5220 Clemson Avenue, Columbia, SC 29206.