Richard Lawton Jordan, Jr.

Richard Lawton Jordan Jr. passed away on August 17, 2023 after a prolonged illness. Lawton was born on January 7, 1940 in Shreveport, Louisiana to his father of the same name and Adelaide McWhorter Jordan. He was the oldest of three children.

Lawton spent his childhood in Albany, Georgia and upon graduating high school attended Georgia Tech. In 1964 he graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law and after clerking for Judge Bond Almand at the Georgia Supreme Court, settled in Augusta where he lived the remainder of his life. Lawton began practicing law at the Hull Barrett law firm in 1965 until his retirement.

Lawton married the love of his life Susan Vallotton in 1968.

Lawton’s casual demeanor and informal wardrobe belied his deep intellect and sense of humor. He took great pleasure in practicing law and had many loyal friends among the attorneys and staff with whom he worked. Attorneys who practiced with Lawton had great regard for his judgment and his skill in working through difficult issues. Through his nearly 50-year legal career he counseled hundreds of individuals and businesses. Early in his tenure with Hull Barrett he worked with Hale Barrett in representing Charles Frazier in the early development of Sea Pines at Hilton Head. In later years his practice focused on representing Morris Communications, particularly in the area of mergers and acquisitions. In addition to being a lawyer, Lawton started and ran a model train business for several decades, in which he designed several limited-edition train cars.

Lawton’s Christian faith was expressed best through his actions. A hard worker his entire life, Lawton was a true paterfamilias. He was an expert problem-solver, whether it concerned complex legal issues, financial issues or the best car to drive, and his friends, family and clients frequently turned to him when they were facing difficulties, confident they would receive sound, wise counsel. He was often able to provide perspective when people felt helpless and felt most comfortable helping people in times of need.

Lawton took great pleasure in practicing law and following current events, but his greatest joy was his family. Ebullient and talkative, his lovely wife Susan was in some ways a contrast to Lawton’s reticent demeanor, but their partnership was loving, long lasting (54 years) and marked by a common sense of humor and kindness.

Lawton was an active, involved and generous father, encouraging his children to explore their interests and passions, and spending time with them as they did so. He stayed close to both children through adulthood, and never failed to end a conversation by letting them know he loved and was proud of them. Known as “LJ” to his grandchildren, Lawton was actively involved in every phase of their lives, from what schools to attend to what Christmas presents to give. His generosity, kindness, and sense of humor will live on in them and beyond.

An avid reader and student of history, Lawton loved reading and telling stories about his family’s history, particularly the Lawton and the McWhorter families. He followed current events closely, applying his wry skepticism to the passions of the day and conventional wisdom, but supporting the great advances in human and civil rights that occurred during his lifetime.

Lawton loved cars, planes, trains and jazz. He drove with a radar detector for decades, but, emblematic of his respect for the law, always unplugged it when traveling through Virginia, where it was not legal. Throughout his adult life he owned numerous “cool” cars that drew the attention and admiration of car lovers, and he could recite the make and model of every car he ever owned.

Outside of his family, perhaps Lawton’s greatest love was watching University of Georgia football games. Saturdays in the fall were reserved for watching and/or listening to the games, preferably with family, and with Larry Munson narrating.

At Georgia Tech Lawton was a member of Phi Delta Theta; at law school he was a member of the Law Review. He served in the Navy reserves. He served as president of the Salvation Army of Augusta and was a member of First Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, and his two sons and two grandchildren: Lawton Jordan III (Jennifer) of Atlanta, Lawton IV and Cokie; Clay Jordan of Athens; his beloved sister Helen Schroeder (St. Simons); sister-in-law, Dorothy Jordan (Atlanta); his brother-in-law Maxwell Vallotton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and members of his extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved brother, Hamilton Jordan.

In his last years Lawton was cared for at home by numerous dedicated people, led by TC Coping, as well as Eta Henderson, Tracy Robinson, and Angela Hunter, to whom the family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army of Augusta, 1833 Broad Street, Augusta, Georgia, 30904.

The graveside services will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023 at Westover Memorial Park (2601 Allen Street, Augusta, GA), the Rev. Jim Knight officiating.

Platt's Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 721 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30904 (706)-733-3636.