Alpha Frater Richard Jordan, Montgomery civil rights activist dies at 74

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Civil rights activist, educator and community leader Richard S. Jordan will be remembered for the impact he made not only in the lives of his students, but of family and friends who were touched by his generous spirit.

Jordan died Wednesday after a brief illness. He was 74.

His daughter Vera Jor dan said he never recuper ated after falling ill Jan. 7, and doctors weren’t sure of the cause.

Richard Jordan was a fraternity brother and close friend of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and was among the more than 80 arrested during the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

“He definitely impacted a lot of lives,” Vera Jordan said. “He wanted to ensure that every life had value.”

During his time as a schoolteacher, he taught several influential people, including former Baptist Hospital Chief of Staff Dr. Wesley Barry and Montgomery City Councilman Willie Cook.

From 1970 until his retirement in 1992, Jordan served as superintendent at the Department of Youth Services’s campus in Mt. Meigs.

Even after his retirement, he remained active in the community working with the YMCA, the STEP Program and his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha.

“He was known at church and in the community for his love of history,” Vera Jordan said. “He had a wealth of knowledge and loved everything about Montgomery. These are the things I treasure and learned from him.”

While a student at Alabama State University, Richard Jordan met his wife, Viola, whom he was married to for 54 years.

“He and my mom were truly lifelong partners,” Vera Jordan said.

Richard Jordan was the proud father of four girls and grandfather to three boys.

“They (his grandsons) were his pride and joy,” Vera Jordan said. “He was known for his daughters but he finally got his boys.”

Richard Jordan was a member and deacon at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where his funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is holding their Omega Service (a special remembrance service) at 6 p.m. Monday. This service will also be at the church and the public is welcome to attend, Vera Jordan said.

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