Clay Jordan, former 'Survivor' contestant from Monroe, dies at 66

Clay Jordan of Monroe, known to many for finishing second in the CBS television reality show "Survivor," has died.

Jordan died Thursday, just months after the death of his wife, Linda, on Feb. 17. He was 66.

Carol Brown, a close family friend, said that Jordan will be remembered as more than just a reality-show contestant.

"Clay Jordan was one of a kind," Brown said. "He was so full of love, he exuded love in everything he did. Clay was just a huge personality. When he entered a room, he took over the room. He made everyone feel so much better just being around him."

Jordan owned two restaurants in Monroe, The Kettle and Jordan's, and spent the last 15 years as a salesman in the oil and gas industry.

Jordan's son Andrew said he loved his wife more than anything, and that he will be remembered as a generous soul.

"He loved to help people in need," Andrew said. "If you had pain, he wanted to help you."

Jordan was the last contestant eliminated in the show's fifth season, "Survivor: Thailand," which featured 16 contestants enduring challenges in the wild on the island of Ko Tarutao in Thailand. The season was filmed between June 10-July 18, 2002 and premiered on Sept. 19, 2002.

Visitation for Jordan will be held at Mulhearn Funeral Home, 2308 Sterlington Road in Monroe, from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, and his funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday.