On Thursday, August 15, 2024, our beloved father; Edward “Sonny” Ray Jordan departed this world at the blessed age of ninety-one. Sonny was born on June 22, 1933 in Norfolk Virginia to Artelia and Edward Jordan and was the eldest son of ten children. After graduating from high school, Sonny enlisted in the United Stated Army and became a military soldier at the young age of seventeen. Sonny bravely defended our country against communism when he fought in the Korean War.
During that time, he was wounded twice and awarded the purple heart. As he recuperated in Japan, Sonny learned to sing several Japanese songs that played on the radio each day. After he was discharged and safely back in the states, Sonny reconnected with several childhood friends and together they formed two groups, “The Five Delights”, where he led the group singing, “They’ll Be No Goodbye”, as well as, “The Mood Makers”, where he sang, “Dream A Dream”. (And, those songs can be found on YouTube) In addition, Sonny’s son-in-law Kent Smith sang with the group years later. In 1956, Sonny met Mary Matthews and they fell in love.
On July 17, 1958 they were married and later blessed with four children. Sadly, they grew apart after many years of marriage and eventually separated and divorced. However, they remained good friends. Sonny was employed as a flooring installer and while on a job he met Norma Hairston who became the love of his life. Years later Sonny and Norma relocated from New York to Florida. On July 6, 1999, Sonny was honored as one of the Pioneers of Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll and Doo-Wop by both the Doo-Wop Is Alive Organization and The Atlanta Doo-Wop Association.
On July 25, 2003, Sonny and Norma flew to South Korea where he was proclaimed an Ambassador. For Peace for his service in Korea. Together they attended the 50th Anniversary Signing of the Korean War Armistice and the unveiling of the War Memorial of Korea. Sonny and Norma married on September 19, 2009 and happily entertained family and friends and traveled around the world. The greatest joys of Sonny’s life were family, friends, traveling, poker, music and singing; but on August 15, 2024, he was called home to receive his wings and is now singing in God’s glorious realm with a host of heavenly angels in God’s majestic choir.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; Artelia and Edward, his first wife Mary, sisters; Cassandra and Gloria, brothers; Leonard and Paul, his son Tyrone, sons-in-law Kent, and Cyril “Chubby”, step-daughter Cathy and his beloved wife Norma.
Those he leaves behind to mourn his passing are his children; Cassandra “Sandy”, Edana “Dana”, Victor, Dorian, Vanessa, Anthony and step-daughter Debra, his grandchildren; Shanell (Keith), Dasia, Chris, Genesis, Starrfire, Marcus, Rommel Jr., Shanaya, and Shaniya, his great grandchildren; Nevaeh and Novalee, his brothers; Carl and Michael “Tony”, his sisters; Camilla, Delores and Sheila, ex son in law, Staney, his childhood friends/brothers; Walter “Buddy”, Julius “Juma”, Ray, Mel and George, his poker buddies, his devoted home assistant; Rebekah, as well as a multitude of other family and friends.
In appreciation, the family would like to acknowledge all of the heartfelt sympathies, condolences and prayers received.
Sonny was a joyful man of peace, generosity and love. His personality and spirit were bright and energetic. Thank you for your trust and friendship.