On February 28, 1994, Jordan Ellis Melton was born to Claude and Rochelle Malone Melton. Jordan was a bright, vibrant spirit, full of energy. He would awake before the house began to stir and announce; “When God says wake up, it’s time to wake up.”

Jordan was extremely smart and performed at an accelerated pace. He was educated in the Hoover City School System and was active in extracurricular activities ranging from t-ball to chess. Jordan fulfilled his ultimate football goal of playing for the Hoover High School football team and was a proud member of the Hoover High School Class of 2012. He attended college at the University of South Alabama and later at Jefferson State Community College.

From toddlerhood, Jordan was ambitious. His sense of ingenuity and inquisitiveness developed into a unique intelligence. He sought employment at an early age, mowing lawns in the neighborhood and assisting neighbors in need. He started in the restaurant industry, then moved into wholesale distribution. With his father, he owned a lucrative landscaping business. However, his heart for service continued to tug at him. In 2021, decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a fire chief. In 2023, he proudly graduated from firefighter recruit school.

Accomplishing the goal was always Jordan’s priority. He felt a calling to mentor young men who were losing their way and purpose in life. Over the past few months Jordan began walking a path that would take him into that place God could use him best. On July 12, 2023, another plan collided with God’s plan. However, it didn’t change God’s purpose for how Jordan’s smile, compassion, and character would be used to transform the hearts, minds, and souls of others here on earth. God’s plan is still working on a global level through Jordan’s mother and the Jordan E. Melton Memorial Crusade for Justice. A blaze of transformation is now in full effect and will create new responses to how we and future generations that are hurt, angry, or vengeful choose to react. This is not the end of Jordan’s work. It’s the beginning of a greater service, the most important chapter of his life’s story.

Jordan’s legacy remains through his strong family bonds. He is survived by his mother, Rochelle “Gaston” Malone; father, Claude Ellis Melton; sister, Jessica Elise Melton Stephens; nephew, Isaiah Ellis Stephens; grandmother, Fannie Melton (Jessie/deceased); grandfather, Robert Malone Jr. (Sandra); a special mother figure, Kim Blackledge; bonus siblings, Keon and McKenzie Blackledge; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, and friends.