of Little Rock, AR
October 6, 1934 - November 24, 2023
On November 24, 2023, Brad died at home after a 3-year illness.
Brad was born October 6, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee to Bradley Jordan Sr. and Thetus Farish Jordan. He is survived by his wife and hiking/traveling companion, Helen Herr; son, Kirk Edward Jordan and Dawn; daughter, Michele Jordan Love and Randy and daughter, Kelle Jordan Hutson and Earl Fuller. Brad leaves 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, including his beloved great-granddaughter and swimming partner, Augest Anne Hutson. He is preceded in death by one son, Mark Thomas Jordan.
As an only child, he had a wonderful childhood growing up in Helena, Arkansas. Brad went swimming in the Mississippi River, fishing Storm Creek Lake and Old Town Lake, frog gigging and he enjoyed all the other wonderful outdoor hunting and fishing opportunities in the Delta area. Brad joined the military service upon graduation from high school in 1952. He served in the United States Marines during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in 1957. Brad graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1961 with a degree in Civil Engineering on the Dean's Honor Roll.
Brad began his lengthy career in engineering and construction with Ebasco Services of New York City. Brad and his family moved frequently from project to project in many states as he moved up the corporate ladder. He became the youngest Resident Engineer in Ebasco history and worked in its Nuclear Projects Division.
One very cold morning while shoveling snow in Vermont, Brad made the decision to come home to his beloved South. Thus began a long career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Brad served in many interesting assignments with the government, always excited for new challenges, like his move to Oman on the Arabian Peninsula to work on military projects. He retired from government service in 2000.
Before becoming legally blind in 1996, Brad was a competitive pistol shooter and shot skeet with his children, who became excellent shooters. He enjoyed the art of Taekwondo and earned a second-degree black belt with his son, Kirk. He was an accomplished white-water canoeist and taught his children how to navigate white water in a canoe. Brad and his family fly fished all over the United States and Canada. Brad and Helen loved dogs, especially German Shepherds and Standard Poodles, competing with their dogs for many years in Obedience and Tracking Trials. Brad was a long-time member of the Little Rock Dog Training Club serving as President, Vice President, Training Director and Trial Chairman.
Upon retirement, Brad and Helen experienced adventures such as hiking across Italy, Ireland, Alaska and the Tetons; sailing in the Caribbean; sea-kayaking off the coasts of Georgia and Florida; swimming with dolphins in Costa Rica; traveling by bus in rural Mexico; hiking the U.S. and Canadian Rockies to elevations of 11,800 feet and so much more.
All in all, it was a very wonderful life with lots of fun and happy times. If Brad had it to do again, he would want to do it with Helen.
We would like to express our gratitude to Arkansas Hospice and Chris Braithwaite for their special care.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023 at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Pulaski County or First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, Arkansas.
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12 Condolence(s)
Robert Farish
Friday, January 19, 2024
Sad to hear of Barry's passing. We last visited about ten years ago. He' s four years older than me. My dad and I visited him when he was in Marine Boot Camp in San Diego. Mark Thomas is buried off highway 16 - about 40 miles from here. For all his travels, those are the only times I remember us meeting. His mom, Aunt Thetus was a favorite of mine. Barry was good to stay in touch with my sister Jo. He was a high achiever and I looked up to him. I know he had good times fishing with Mama Farish and envy the time he was able to spend with her. If any of his children ever travel this way, please feel welcome here. Jana and Judy live in Point Richmond and David lives in Santa Rosa - works at the Children's Museum. Jana is a soon to retire Lt. in the SF Fire Dept.
Wyck Blankenship
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Our prays go out to your family, so sorry to hear this. Good people, we were so blessed to know him.
Sheriff Bob Blankenship (Retired)
Sunday, December 10, 2023
I’m heartbroken to hear of Brad’s passing. I have many great memories of he and Kirk training with me. I always valued his friendship. Both he and Kirk were such hard workers in Taekwondo and left a lasting impression of dedication and great character. Many times I’d talk to my brother about these two men, always with the intention of attempting to locate them. But time and other commitments got in the way of “good intentions”. As I ponder of the past I can mentally see those two doing Quad drills and never slacking. 2nd Degree was fittingly earned. So glad to see his life accomplishments, and his large family. I hope to reach out to you Helen through this. May God Bless you and the rest of your family. So sorry my Brother and I couldn’t be at the service. bobcatblankenship@att.net
DR H F BUNNY AND JUNE BROWN
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Helen and family,
June and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family on the earthly demise of Brad. May he now rest in peace. We know he has seen the face of GOD because he now sees everything clear as a bell. No more red and white cane to lead him through life. All of his dogs are awaiting his arrival at the Rainbow Bridge.
May the Peace of Christ be with you,
June and Bunny
Danielle Brown
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Loved Brad so much and I had so many wonderful memories. I will miss him tremendously.
Dan Shattuck
Monday, December 4, 2023
Uncle Barry was a wonderful person and lived life to the fullest. Rest in Peace
Lori Raibourn
Friday, December 1, 2023
I’m so sorry to hear this. I love you both so very much. I loved spending time with Brad whether having lunch or helping with the dogs. Brad will be missed for sure.
Gena Fielder
Friday, December 1, 2023
We are saddened to hear of Brad’s passing. He was always so nice to us. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
The Fielders
Jennifer Dalton
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
I feel very grateful that I had the opportunity to get to know Brad through my friend Helen. He always welcomed me into their home, and he was always fun to talk to. He will be missed. I'm so had that Brad and Helen were able to have so many fun adventures together during their retirement years. My love and sympathy go out to Helen and all of Brad's other family members.
Cynthia (Turner) Blansett
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Brad was a very special person to work with in my years at the Corps of Engineers. He always had a "hello" and smile on his face. He will be missed by many. I extend my sympathy to Helen, children and other family members.
Michael Biggs
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Brad was one of the first supervisor's I had when I started working for the Little Rock District Corps of Engineers. He was a smart, hardworking leader who taught me a lot about engineering and construction. As I matured and grew as an engineer, Brad became a mentor and friend. I have very good memories of working with Brad. He is missed.
Michele Love
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Remembering an incredible father, my Poppa, who was intelligent , funny, and loving. I miss you so much. Rest in peace.