Jordan Tanner Ellisor

Jordan Tanner Ellisor met Jesus face to face on January 9, 2023.

Dear Jordan,

Your family tells us that even as a child you were a quiet, old soul. They feel blessed to have watched you grow, work hard, and begin to discover the incredible potential you carried within you. With your big plans and entrepreneurial spirit, they lovingly called you their “money man,” knowing you were always dreaming up your next big idea.

Your family remembers your big smile, your genuine Southern charm, and the way you made friends everywhere you went. Whether you were driving your loud red Dodge or your special PawPaw truck, people always seemed to know Jordan. No matter where you were in Texas, someone would recognize your name or stop to talk.

They say what mattered most to you was family. Your bond with your sister, McKailah, was something truly special—best friends who shared a closeness that will always be cherished. You loved your friends deeply, but your family was always at the center of your heart.

Your family is proud of the life you lived in your 19 years. From supporting the New Waverly Bulldogs, to showing livestock through 4-H, FFA, and the Walker County Fair, to mentoring younger exhibitors and serving your community—you poured your energy into everything you did. At Baylor University, you were already excelling and building new friendships while chasing your dreams.

They say you never sat still, always planning your next adventure and working hard to turn your ideas into reality. Your Bulldog Lawn Service was just the beginning of the bright future they knew you were building.

Your family says your life left a mark on countless hearts, and the place you hold in them will never be filled. Your smile, your drive, and the love you shared will always be remembered.

We can’t wait for our reunion in heaven.

Until then…

Jordan Ellisor, you are loved and never forgotten.

Much love,

Your First Touch Family

This is an essay that Jordan wrote about himself. It will give you a glimpse into the heart of a young man who was focused, driven, and cared about his community.

Many high school students choose to occupy their free time with clubs, team sports, or other extracurricular activities. While I was very involved in similar activities throughout my high school career, I also had the opportunity to further my professional development and own a business. This unique opportunity at such a young age has molded me and defined the person I am today.

During my freshman year, I was like all the other teenage boys. I played football, showed livestock through 4-H and FFA, and spent time with my family and friends on the weekends. In the summer, I worked for a local landscaping company and saved my earnings in hopes of investing in my future. I knew I would come across an opportunity one day I could not refuse. Little did I know the chance I was searching for would present itself sooner than anticipated when a global pandemic altered life as I knew it.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected many people’s lives all over the world. People suffered tragic losses of loved ones, while others faced difficulties retaining employment or finding any semblance of normalcy. Despite the challenges that arose from the pandemic, I decided to make the best out of this dreadful situation. My actions were probably the most beneficial and life-changing in my high school career. While completing my sophomore coursework online, I simultaneously worked for the landscaping company I had worked for the previous summer. As a result, I gained valuable life skills and had many opportunities within my grasp by pushing myself harder than ever before.

In September 2020, I was presented with the chance to purchase the company. Despite my nervousness about buying a business at such a young age, I knew I would have to take a leap of faith. With minimal knowledge of managing a business, I followed my heart, invested a large portion of my savings, and started learning the ropes. To compensate for my lack of experience, I actively used my free time to research business practices, create an LLC, and learn about taxes. My research was not limited to reading and browsing internet articles; I also spoke with many local landscaping businesses and business advisors to seek their advice. Within a short amount of time, I created a solid business plan, and the company began to run smoothly.

In less than a year, word of my strong work ethic and success had spread throughout my community. As a result, another local landscaping company offered me the opportunity to double the size of my business. Although I was very excited by the prospect of expansion, I was also extremely anxious about doubling my clientele in just a few days. It seemed impossible to balance school, family, friends, and work, but I welcomed the challenge. I worked every day after school and every weekend for several months. Trying to get all my jobs done correctly and punctually was a daunting task, but it was well worth the time and effort, and in the process,  I found ways to make my business more efficient.

Being a business owner and a high school student gave me insight into my community as well. I recognized the lack of employment opportunities due to the pandemic and offered other young adults employment to help their families during this challenging time. We hit the ground running every day and consistently work very hard to ensure my customers are taken care of to the best of our ability. With strong leadership skills and a drive to succeed, my business is prospering.

I am blessed to accomplish so much with my business during this pandemic and have proven I can overcome any adversity. I have developed strong bonds with my customers and community while building lasting relationships. As I prepare to attend college, I have developed a strategy to continue operating my business to ensure it thrives in my absence. I have created a solid plan to provide my customers and my community with the services they depend on and need.

With an outstanding education and the determination to support my community, I know I will develop the foundations and skills required to be a successful business owner and community leader in the future. Majoring in business will equip me to succeed in my career and teach me to use my skills to impact society positively. I am driven, focused, and committed to take the opportunities I am blessed with and expand those opportunities into thriving realities.