Charlie Jordan Memorial Scholarship Fund

On January 29, 2023, Charles R. Jordan “Charlie Jordan” left behind a legacy. From his days of making his own weather forecasts on KRBC, KTAB, and KTXS to talking on-air to the Big Country, he was an Abilene icon. 

Charlie always wanted community members to listen to his forecasts so they could plan their crop growth, tend their cattle, and manage daily activities accordingly. He was very proud of his more than 95% accuracy rate in forecasting local weather, which is typically very erratic. 

He was also known for showcasing the massive vegetables grown by local residents. As the vegetables started coming into the local TV station, he began giving them to the Abilene Food Bank so others could enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of the labor. 

Through that interaction, Charlie took on a leadership role with the Abilene Food Bank and ultimately the Abilene Boys Ranch, as it was known then. To make the ranch more marketable and expand its reach, Charlie was instrumental in changing the name to the Ben Richey Boys Ranch. 

As executive director, Charlie took a hands-on approach and worked with the boys at the ranch, often welcoming them to his house for the Christmas holidays because they had nowhere else to go. After the boys left the Ben Richey Boys Ranch and moved away, they typically continued sending Charlie and his wife, Ann, Christmas cards. 

Charlie loved his wife, his kids, (and dogs), and being involved in the community. He also served 25 years in the United States Navy. One of his sayings from his time in service was “a rising tide lifts all boats” and “if you do better, we, as a community, do better." 

He instilled in others a “strive for excellence and always be better than average." One example was when his son played football; he had to maintain a 3.0 GPA to keep playing. 

Charlie always believed in everyone having a skill or “something that you can do in life." He always said, “If you want to be a plumber, be the best plumber you can be. If you want to be a mechanic, be the best mechanic you can be. If you want to be a lawyer, be the best lawyer you can be. However, just have a skill and strive for excellence.”  

The Charlie Jordan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established so that boys from The Ben Richey Boys Ranch who strive for excellence but need a helping hand and guidance can meet the financial burden of learning a skill that helps them be productive in life. 

Eligibility

• A graduate from a school in Taylor County or surrounding county.
• Involved through one of the Ben Richey Boys Ranch programs.
• Plans to attend any accredited two- or four-year institution or accredited vocational/trade school.