Obituary for Richard Jordan, Jr.

Richard “Rick” Jordan, Jr., 64, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away in his home surrounded by family on March 5, 2022, following a courageous battle against cancer.

Rick grew up in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and began his career as a police officer in Aberdeen and Hickory while earning his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Gardner-Webb University. Rick had a knack for operating by the book and was not one to shy from danger, having once been involved in a high-speed police chase resulting in the top half of his cruiser getting torn off by an 18-wheeler. Rick’s endless pursuit of justice led him to become a Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) special agent and to eventually join the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  While at ATF, he spent 17 years with the elite Special Response Team (SRT) and was key in the implementation of the Firearms Instructor Training Program. He once served as part of a government assigned protective detail for Colonel Oliver North and was also instrumental in the hunt for Olympic bomber Eric Rudolph. Upon discovering a passion for training, Rick went on to earn a Master’s degree in Human Resources Training and Development from Seton Hall University.

Rick’s distinguished career in law enforcement continued as he transformed a 450-acre former juvenile detention facility in Moore County into Samarcand Training Academy, a state-of-the-art law enforcement training center for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. In recognition of Rick’s extraordinary and honorable 30 years of service to the federal and state governments, Rick received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the most prestigious award presented by the Governor of North Carolina.

Beyond Rick’s professional accomplishments, he was a devoted Christian, husband, and father. A loving husband, Rick enjoyed twenty-four wonderful years with his beloved wife, Susan. Those who knew him will remember his love of fine bourbon, his joy of family beach trips, and his wicked slice on the golf course. Perhaps his greatest passion, however, was supporting his daughters in their volleyball careers and traveling to tournaments across the country with other volleyball parents. Rick’s deep friendships and love for his family and God were his strength as he fought a tremendous battle with cancer. Rick was recently baptized at Moments of Hope Church and was looking forward to being restored and reunited with his Savior in heaven.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Jordan, Sr. and Ann Schachner Jordan, and his brother, Barry Jordan. Rick is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Adriana; step-children, Daniel (Lindsay Stedman), Hillary (fiancé George Fourkas) and Elisabeth (Tommy DeJuneas); and his brothers, Terry (Dawn Jordan) and Sean (Laura Jordan).

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service for Rick at Carmel Presbyterian Church, 2048 Carmel Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28226, on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor David Chadwick officiating. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, Rick has requested donations for a monument honoring fallen law enforcement officers to be built at Samarcand Training Academy. Donations to the monument can be made at www.givesendgo.com/RickJordan.

Arrangements are in the care of Boles Funeral Homes & Crematory, 425 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387.

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