When Maurice Jordan first applied for a job at Newport News Shipbuilding, he was not accepted due to the fact that he was only 17.

At that point, he considered following his father into the trucking business, but divine intervention stepped in and he decided to re-apply to the shipyard one year later. This time, he was hired.

The year was 1974 and one of the biggest hit songs was “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” by Elton John.

Fast forward 50 years, and it’s time for the sun to go down on a legendary career for Jordan.

Over five decades, Jordan worked at NNS first as a welder, then as a welding instructor. He retired in December, leaving a legacy and an impact that will be hard to match.

Supervisors and former students speak of Jordan’s boundless enthusiasm, passion for his work, and positive energy. At the Welding School, where he taught for the last 26 years of his career, he would arrive well before the start of his shift to greet employees as they arrived with a genuine smile and warm words.

“When you have a good attitude, it really does mean a lot,” Jordan said. “Everything will not always go your way, but don’t worry about it. You pick up and keep moving forward with a positive attitude.”

Back in the 1970s, a young Jordan paid attention to his supervisors. “I learned through them and they taught me a lot,” he said.

He never forgot those early lessons. “When I came to the shipyard, people helped me, and I wanted to give that back.”

He did that and more. As the decades passed, Jordan found himself instructing not only shipbuilders, but their children who were hired later.

Manager Brian Hudspath (O25), remembers being in Jordan’s classroom. He said Jordan’s passion rubbed off on his students.

“He was captivating,” Hudspath said. “When I came in, I had no idea what to expect as a new welder. Every instructor is obviously different in their own way, and Jordan was unique.”

Jordan credits his faith in God for his positive energy. His lesson to younger shipbuilders is simple and clear.

“Whatever you do, take pride in it, and show respect to all, regardless of title,” he said.

Jason Dillingham, the manager who heads the Welding School, said Jordan has made a significant impact over the years. How he approaches his job, how he approaches life, and the man he is.

“The way he shows up every day with a positive attitude, we can all learn to be more like Maurice,” Dillingham said.