Dr. Leland Gonce Jordan

Dr. Leland Gonce Jordan, age 87, passed away peacefully at home in Newport News, Virginia, on December 25, 2025.

Leland was born on December 3, 1938, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Leland Walker Jordan and Mary Elizabeth Gonce Jordan. Raised in Florida, he graduated from Williston High School, Williston, Florida, where his father was the principal. He graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Education; the Air Force Institute of Technology, MS (Systems Analysis); and earned a Doctorate in Business Administration (Accounting and Quantitative Methods) from George Washington University, Washington, DC.

Leland began his professional career with the Department of Defense in 1962 when he became a Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force. He served in Europe, Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Thailand (still has his autographed picture of Bob Hope), and the United States. He retired as a civilian from the Department of Defense (DoD) Senior Executive Service in 1995 with more than 33 years combined military and civilian service. He was awarded the Office of Secretary of Defense Civilian Service Award for exceptionally outstanding service as Deputy Director for Program and Budget Integration, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Technology) from 1986 through 1995. He was devoted to making the DoD as strong as it could be. Throughout his career, he focused on the Defense strategic and budgetary processes that enabled the Defense leadership to make effective decisions. He understood how the Pentagon was supposed to work and labored tirelessly to realize that vision. In 1996 he was given an award, by then Vice President Al Gore, for his contributions to building a government that works better and costs less. He also served as the United States Representative to the NATO Continuous Acquisition and Life-cycle Support (CALS) Management Board in 1994-1995.

Leland loved teaching. He was a valued member of the academic community who gave selflessly of his time and talents. He held teaching positions at Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX; George Washington University, George Mason University, University of Virginia, and the University of Maryland campuses located in the Northern Virginia area. During his time at Christopher Newport University (CNU), he served for five years as Department Chair, Accounting, Economics, and Finance; Chair, Hicks Faculty Endowment in Accounting; and on several curriculum and strategic planning committees. His interaction with the local community on behalf of the University involved the development of a Strategic Management Forum for government strategic planners assigned to the Hampton Roads Area. His remarkable professional association with CNU continued beyond the date of his official retirement as he was awarded Emeritus Faculty status in 2008. He also served on the Luter School of Business Board of Advisors. Leland was an inspiring teacher, advisor, counselor, and role model for his students. He was also highly respected and admired by his colleagues.

Leland was a Certified Government Financial Manager. He was a member of the Association of Government Accountants, Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis, American Accounting Association, Institute of Operations Research and Management Science, served on the Board of Directors of the American Association for Budget and Program Analysis, and the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, University of Florida. His intellectual contributions included
Peer reviewed publications and presentations for the Department of Defense and curriculum and course development for CNU.

Leland was a true southern gentleman who loved “black tie” events (he owned two tuxedos). His favorite was the Presential inaugural ball which he started attending in 1989. He was a former member of the Colonial Corvette Club, Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra League, Texas State Society, and the Rotary Club of Oyster Point in Newport News. He loved reading, working out at the local gym, deep-sea fishing, refinishing antique furniture, gardening, travelling, and supporting CNU athletic programs. He was also an avid University of Florida “Gators” fan.

Always willing to share his expertise in both the spiritual and financial oversight of his church, he served on the Board of Trustees and as an Elder at Western Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC. He also played on their softball team. He was an active member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Leland is survived by his loving wife Margaret (Maggie) Padgett Jordan and his stepdaughter Michelle Furr; his beloved twin brother, Edward Walker Jordan; a son, Leland G. Jordan, Jr. (Lee) and his wife Beth; a daughter, Holly Rose; four grandchildren (Savannah, Annabelle, Charlotte, and C.J.) and two great-grandchildren (Emma and Elle). He is predeceased by his two sisters, Francis Jordan Woodall and Margaret Jordan Johnson; and sister-in-law, Reba Jordan.

His most enviable characteristic was his humble and unassuming nature. He was a man of faith, honor, great integrity, loyalty, and love. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home. Burial will be private.