Ernest Dwight Jordan

Ernest Dwight Jordan, M.D., departed to his heavenly home July 24, 2016, following an extended illness. Born March 13, 1928, in Britton, South Dakota, he was the son of Ernest Stephen Jordan and Edith Slingsby Jordan. Growing up in South Dakota and Minnesota, where his father was a school superintendent and his mother a high school music teacher, Dwight's love of music and passion for learning developed. Graduating from high school, he entered Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, studying pharmacy. During this season he heard the dynamic preaching of Dr. Billy Graham at a Youth for Christ rally. When telling his story of that night, he would always end with, "That night my whole life was changed and I danced all the way home."

Ultimately graduating with a degree in pharmacy from University of Illinois, he pursued a medical degree at the University of Iowa Medical School in 1951. During these years, Dwight directed a church choir at his local church and served as president of the U of I Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) chapter. When a young nursing student, Marilyn Carol Ruhl, joined the IVCF group, Dwight's life was made complete. It wasn't long before they became inseparable and married in 1954, graduating together with their separate degrees in 1955. Dwight's medical internship was completed with the Navy and found the two newlyweds moving to Great Lakes, Illinois to work at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. Ultimately assigned to the Fifth Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California in 1956. California became home.

Moving to Bellflower, California, Dwight joined the Bellflower Medical Group in 1958, later becoming the medical director and finally retiring in 1993. He maintained his membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians and in the Christian Medical and Dental Association until his retirement. A man of conviction and passion, his priorities were family, medicine and playing the piano. Teaching the Bible to high school students and young marrieds and flying single engine planes were just a few of his passions. While teaching high school Bible classes, he would offer a reward for any students who were faithful in attendance and study with an airplane flight over the Los Angeles basin. These were always followed with a picnic in the park.

Finding that he wasn't able to communicate with his hearing impaired patients, Dwight and Marilyn learned sign language (ASL). He became well known, among the hearing impaired community, as the doctor who could talk with his hands. Together they taught and interpreted for the Praising Hands Church, a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Lakewood, California. Later, in the '90's, Dwight, along with Marilyn, also served as a Stephan Minister after becoming a member of Hollywood Presbyterian Church.

Dwight was the proud father of two children, Valerie Ann Jordan Mangrum, Durango, Colorado, and Timothy Dwight Jordan, M.D., Raleigh, NC. Music was a central component in their home. Soprano, alto, tenor and bass recorder ensembles along with piano replaced the TV. Family weekends were often spent at their cabin in Lake Arrowhead, California. Briefly making Lake Arrowhead their home in 1996 and joining the Lake Arrowhead Presbyterian Church.

Dwight and Marilyn moved to Raleigh, NC in 2003. It was their delight to be near son, Timothy and wife, Lucy, along with granddaughters Abigail, Amanda and Mollie. Always active in a church community they joined First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh.

Dwight is preceded in death by his parents and brother. His remaining family includes his wife of 62 years, Marilyn Jordan, daughter, Valerie Jordan Mangrum, son-in-law, Dr. William Mangrum, Durango, CO, granddaughter, Cristen Alexa, Santa Fe, NM, son, Timothy D. Jordan, M.D., daughter-in-law, Lucy Blevins Jordan and granddaughters, Abigail, Amanda and Mollie.

A Witness to the Resurrection Service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2016, 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh, 112 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC. In honor of Dwight's life, for any contributions given, the family suggests the following: "The Second Mile Fund" at First Presbyterian Church, 112 S Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601, Christian Medical and Dental Society, PO Box 7500, Bristol, TN 37621 memo: "Triangle CMDA" or Transitions HospiceCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.