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Shae Crook (shaescandles@gmail.com) wanted to share this with you

"Running man" Jordan dies at age 52

by Severo Avila Peter
Marshall Jordan was undoubtedly one of Rome's most well-known characters. But most people only knew him as the "running man," sporting a pair of shorts, jet black hair, a tan and a friendly smile while running all over the city. Jordan, it turns out, was much more than just a runner. Eccentric? Perhaps. Unique? Certainly. But to those who knew him, he was a devoted, compassionate friend and brother. And he possessed a depth of character that many overlooked. Jordan died at his home Tuesday. He was 52. His sister Jodi Jordan said she spoke to him every day, and she'll remember most his generous spirit and devotion to his mother. "He was the most loving brother," she said. "I can"t tell you how kind and wonderful he was to my mom, who passed away two years ago. He was her primary caregiver, and he was completely devoted to her." Jodi said Jordan volunteered at the Hosea Feed the Hungry Shelter for more than 20 years. The Atlanta shelter provides food for homeless individuals and families. Jordan was born in Douglas, but the family moved to Rome where he and his three brothers as well as Jodi attended Berry Academy. He excelled at basketball while at Berry, being named to the Rome Area All-Star Team as well as the Prep All-American Team. Bill Thornton was the boy's basketball coach at Berry Academy at the time. He had since maintained a close friendship with Jordan. All his life he called me coach," Thornton said. "Some people say he's a little strange. But I say "I'll tell you about Peter." He was a devout Catholic, never missed church. He also served in the Army for two years. And until his mother died, he was her sole caregiver. He had a remarkable devotion to God, family and country." Thornton said he and Jordan were very close and he hoped Rome residents had gotten to know Jordan as he did. "He was a very unique guy," Thornton said. He loved to run, and he was very, very loyal. He'd say "Coach, I appreciate all you did for me and my family. When you get old you won't have to go to a nursing home cause I'm gonna look after you." Jodi Jordan said her brother loved Rome and felt completely connected in the community. "He used to say that he knew every part of Rome and always told me that he felt so connected to everyone through his running. He loved that community. I hope people know what a wonderful guy he was. The world is a quieter place without him." Jordan is survived by his sister Jodi and brothers Jonathan and James. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized. Thanks for reading!
RN-T.com

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Cobb Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Brad Bowen officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Randy Knight, Ben Clayton, Ken West, Randy Terry, Felton Hadaway and Charles Horne.Honorary casketbearers will be Edward Harris and Terry Hayes. An honorary escort will be provided by his motorcycle friends. Born Dec. 13, 1959, in Moultrie, Mr. Crider was the son of Lucille Knight Crider and the late Larkin C. Crider. He was a painter with Blanton's Body Shop and was a member of Heritage Church. He was preceded in death by his brother, Danny Crider; and his granddaughter, Sarah LaFavor.Survivors include his wife, Pamela Doggett Crider of Moultrie; his mother, Lucille Knight Crider of Moultrie; one daughter, Tonya Michelle LaFavor and husband Cole of Eastman; one grandson, Justin LaFavor II of Eastman; a sister-in-law, Beverly Crider Hayes and husband Terry of Moultrie; and two nephews, Shannon Crider and wife Christy and Troy Crider, all of Atlanta.The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at Cobb Funeral Chapel. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cobb Funeral Chapel.Please sign the online guestbook at www.moultrieobserver.com.