Alney Davis Jordan

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; blessed are his children after him.” Proverbs 20:7

Alney Davis Jordan

July 18, 1931 – January 3, 2026

Alney (Al) Jordan, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, left this world to be with his Lord on January 3, 2026. Al was born in Fulton, Kentucky, lived simply, served his country, and loved his family. Al was a proud veteran of the US Air Force and dedicated his life to service both in uniform and at home.

Al graduated from Roosevelt High School in St. Louis and St. Louis University where he won numerous medals as a champion swimmer and swim team captain. Al completed the ROTC program and upon graduation was commissioned as an officer in the US Air Force. Al completed initial operational pilot training on the C-119 and spent four years in Germany and France flying missions throughout Europe, Greece, Turkey, Pakistan and North Africa. Al subsequently transitioned to the C-47, was promoted to Captain and transferred to Rabat, Morocco. There, he used his French language skills to train Moroccan Air Force pilots to fly the C-119.

Al later transitioned to the C-130A in Columbus, Ohio where he conducted extensive aircraft formation flight testing for the purpose of increasing US Army paratrooper airdrop velocity. He was later certified as Initial Cadre instructor pilot on the new AC-130 gunship, promoted to the rank of Major, and deployed to Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam from January to December 1969 for combat duty. There he flew the AC-119 and AC-130 gunships on nighttime close air support, armed reconnaissance and interdiction missions against the Tet Offensive in the vicinity of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Al was appointed as the lead Tactics Officer for all Vietnam gunship operations where he developed aircrew tactics, techniques and procedures which were incorporated in operations during the Vietnam conflict and were critical to safer and more effective combat gunship operations. He was promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel and subsequently transferred to Sumter, SC assigned to the 9th Air Force Inspector General office.

Al was awarded the BRONZE STAR MEDAL for meritorious achievement in a combat zone while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. Al logged over 6,000 flying hours and retired from active duty in Oct 1973 after 20 years of honorable service to our nation.

After retiring from the Air Force, Al enjoyed a career as a buyer at Palmetto Wholesale in Columbia, SC and later as a real estate agent where he met his wife, Judy. Together they enjoyed many years together traveling and enjoying their large family. Al was the treasurer at Living Springs Lutheran Church for 12 years and served in various volunteer positions at Laurel Crest where Al and Judy have resided since 2017.

Al’s years of service reflected his courage, integrity, discipline, and love of country – qualities he carried into his role as father and grandfather. He was blessed with a large family that was the joy of his life. His family remembers him for his quiet strength, steady guidance, and the way he smiled when surrounded by those he loved most.

Al is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judy Bearsch Jordan of West Columbia, his children David Jordan (Doni) of Irmo, SC, Lisa Parker (Ted) of Delta, AL, Kimberly Hammons (Joseph) of Scottsdale, AZ, Steven Jordan (Lee Ann) of Crocker, MO, Mark Jordan (Paula) of Irmo, SC, Michael Jordan of Scottsdale, AZ, and Christopher Jordan (Jennifer) of Williamsburg, VA, adopted daughter and granddaughter Jessica Bosch (Ron) of Lake Wylie, SC, and step-daughter Cathie Ott of Columbia, SC; grandchildren Jordan Parker (Lindsey), Elizabeth Groff (Lynn), Alexandria Abrams (Tyler), William Jordan (Kristen), Clinton Jordan, Lauren Hubert (Corey), Spencer Jordan (Savannah), Kathleen Jordan, and Wesley Jordan, Emily McKnight, Kaitlin Sykes (Jacob), and Josh Ott (Taylor); and 18 great-grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by the mother of his children, June Kelly Thornton. Al leaves behind a legacy of devotion, honor, and love that will live on in the generations who follow. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

The family would like to thank the staff of Laurel Crest, All Seasons Hospice, and especially the wonderful nurses in the Skilled Nursing facility at Laurel Crest for their attentive care. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Laurel Crest Employee Gift Fund, 2817 Ashland Rd., Columbia, SC 29210.

A private burial service will be held at Woodridge Memorial Park in Lexington, SC. A memorial service will be held on Friday January 16th at 10:15 AM at Laurel Crest Retirement Community in the Three Rivers Room, 100 Joseph Walker Drive, West Columbia, 29169.