Phillip Earl Jordan was the first-born Baby Boomer in the tri-cities area on January 1, 1946. He came into this world being celebrated on New Years’ Day. He left this world surrounded by his daughters, siblings and nephews on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021, which was his favorite day of the year.
Phillip was the tenth child of fourteen children born to George Jamerson Jordan, Sr. (GJ) and Sarah Phelts Jordan. He was born in Columbus, GA at Bush Hospital. He always was so proud to be part of a large family and bragged on them as often as he could. Phillip attended Columbus High School and then completed his education as a graduate of Hallie Turner Private School. He also grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ as a young man and rededicated his life again years later. He would speak often about trusting in the power of prayer.
Phillip enjoyed doing for others and as a young man, he even worked fire and rescue for Columbus, GA, and then served in the US Army National Guard. He was a lifelong businessman and gifted salesman. He started his career working for his brother at Jordan’s TV and worked for RCA, Zenith and HHGregg. Eventually, he became the National Salesman of the Year for three years in a row for Curtis Mathes before owning three stores of his own in Columbus, Lagrange and Phenix City, Alabama.
He also enjoyed restoring old cars, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, and always enjoyed great music and dancing when he could. He shared many stories of growing up and dancing with his mother and sisters. He was always the one to call and ask about flying kites or show up with fireworks on Fourth of July. Every season and holiday were for the sole purpose of enjoying making magic happen and bringing family members together. Those were just treasured memories that he loved to share.
Phillip was most proud of his family. He took great pride in always making holidays special family times, and Christmases were a time to make magic happen. Many of Christmas Eves were spent not only assembling toys for his girls, but then he would leave and go help other family members get their gifts put together. It was important that every light, bell and whistle was fully operational, and every sticker was in just the right place. He loved all things Christmas and even compiled a playlist for the family of their favorites, including Christmas in Dixie by Alabama, and Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons, by Willie Nelson. Everything had to be perfect before the sunrise on Christmas Day. He loved helping Santa every year by sitting in for him at the local stores, and even helped with phone calls on Christmas Eve. He took his position as “Santa’s Righthand Man” seriously. So much so, that once Christmas was all in place, he knew that it was time for a rest. It was such a perfect ending to a beautiful life to have him go to Heaven on Christmas Day.
He leaves behind his daughters, Sherri Buell (Greg) and Kelly Crookham (Lenny). Granddaughters include Brittney Slutzky (Josh), Jordan Gutzman (Tyler), Spencer Newman (Grant), and Kellen Crookham. Step grandsons include: Eric and Charlie Buell. Great grandchildren are Luke, Ethan, Elle, Madison, and Hudson. Also, he was blessed by his “bonus” daughter and her family, Sharon Cutler (Billy), their daughters Carissa Glover (Andy), Hayley Cutler and Jennifer Whitehead (Shane) (who was also her Pawpaw’s caregiver), and grandchildren include Leigha, English, Zoey, Hunter, Logan, Brydyn, and Klaire. Phillip was a dog lover and leaves behind his sweet sidekick, Bella, and many grandpuppies that will miss those extra treats from Pawpaw.
He is also survived by siblings Barbara Reese, Jack Jordan (Caroline), Cheryl J. Flowers, Patricia J. Cloud (David) and Regina Keller (Burton) and preceded in death by Richard Jordan, Sr., George Jamerson Jordan, Jr. (Jimmy), Jeff Jordan, Sarah Worthington, Judy Gambill, Sheila Rodgers and Mike Jordan. Phillip was always proud to be the “Greatest Uncle” to so many nieces and nephews.
The family will welcome friends and family at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary on December 29, 2021, for visitation beginning at 10:00am, with a celebration of life service in the Chapel at 11:00 am, and immediately following will be a graveside service at Parkhill Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers will be his nephews.
The family appreciates your expressions of love and sympathies. Flowers are welcome and donations can be made to Macon Road Veterinary Clinic in Columbus, GA support those pets and their owners in a time of need.
