Russell Thomas Jordan, Jr.

Russell Thomas Jordan Jr., affectionately referred to as “Rooster” by his daughter, died on August 1, 2026, at the age of 71 after an extended illness.

Russell was born on October 25, 1954, in Wilson, North Carolina to Blanche and Russell Thomas Jordan, Sr. He was the second youngest of five children.

He graduated from Hillside High School in Durham, NC. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from Durham Technical College.

He married Margaret A. née Lester, June 13, 1981, Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Augusta, Georgia.

He worked for over 30 years at the Savannah River Site as a crane operator and manager, a job that demanded precision, focus, and dedication. Among other projects, he worked on equipment used for the Cassini HuygensMission. He was the kind of worker who showed up early, did what needed to be done, and didn’t need applause for it.

Russell was also a great chef who specialized in Cajun food. A devout Episcopalian, he served his church by cooking for its annual Mardi Gras dinner, a ticketed fundraiser event that brought the community together. He could make people laugh even when things were rough, and he showed love through action more than words.

He was happy to serve as a volunteer with both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He was often found backstage at the Augusta Players shows building sets and generally helping out. Russell was a dedicated and trusted volunteer with the Boshears Fly In, a charity fundraiser. He also donated 30 gallons of blood primarily to babies over his adult lifetime.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Margaret Jordan née Lester, his beloved daughter, Blanche Elizabeth Torrence (Reuben); his two grandsons, London Graves and Oliver Lester, his cherished sister, Patricia Flora (John); his dear sister Janice (Al); his nieces; Amy Mountain (Erin);and Lisa Seward (Sean); His nephews; Terry Flora (Cynthia); Michael Jordan (Maggie); Keith Jordan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest brother, Jerry Allan Jordan (Evelyn); his youngest brother, John Jordan (Deborah); his in-laws, Benjamin H. Lester, Jr. and Bessie Evelyn Lester née Roller.

A Celebration of Life service officiated by The Very Rev. Al Crumpton, IV will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, 2:00 pm at Our Savior Episcopal Church located at 4227 Columbia Road, Martinez, GA

Russell worked hard and loved even harder. He was tough, funny, and stubborn to the end—the kind of man who truly earned the nickname “Rooster” and wore it well.

The family requests any donations be to our Savior Episcopal Church or to Golden Harvest Food Bank, 3310 Commerce Dr, Augusta, GA 30909