Donald Derek Jourdain

Donald Derek Jourdain of Pinopolis, entered into eternal rest on May 5, 2016. He was 77 years old. Born on February 26, 1939, in Calhoun County, Elloree, S.C., he was the son of the late Leland Jourdain and Vera Jourdain Wactor.

Retired Master Sergeant Donald D. Jourdain served in the United States Army for 20 years. During that time he was stationed in Germany, Italy, and New Mexico, before accepting a position in Washington, D.C. for the White House Communications Agency. Traveling worldwide with United States Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter, he was responsible for setting up secure communication lines for the President and Vice President. After retiring from the Army, Don moved his family back to South Carolina and began working for, and later retiring from, AT&T.

He possessed a deep faith in God, acting as Lay Leader and Usher in his church. He enjoyed traveling, coaching soccer, playing golf, playing softball, fishing and hunting. He loved the outdoors and passed on his knowledge of plants and birds to his family.

Don is survived by his wife, Gayle Parler Brown Jourdain, of Pinopolis; daughters – Tina Jourdain Rydel and her husband, Larry Ross Rydel; Donna Lynn Jourdain; son Randall Derek Jourdain and his wife, Elisa Gail Jourdain; adopted daughter - Emma Grace Brown; step-son - Jeffrey Brown and his wife - Linda Brown; two step-daughters – Jennifer Brown Bishop and her husband, George Bishop; and Lisa P. Brown; 9 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; brother – Franklin Jourdain and his wife, Ruby Jourdain. He was predeceased by great granddaughter – Lilllian Serenity Brown.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Wednesday morning, May 11, 2016, at 11 o’clock in First Baptist Church of Moncks, directed by RUSSELL FUNERAL CHAPEL. Burial will follow in St. Stephen Episcopal Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Moncks Corner from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

The family requests that memorials be made to Callen-Lacey Center for Children; 5055 Lackawanna Blvd., North Charleston, S. C. 29405.

Family will receive friends 10 am until service