'You All Loved Him,' Father Tells Mourners

FLORAL CITY - Jordan Hays' father and minister recalled the joy he spread in his short life as mourners said goodbye to the 9-year-old who was killed by a float in the Plant City Christmas Parade.

"The best thing you can do is keep his love and kindness and his memory alive," Jerry Hays said Friday at his son's funeral.

Jordan, who was killed Dec. 7, was the kind of youngster who never got upset, took an interest in serious conversations and loved everyone, his father said. He said he appreciated the many people who rallied around the family since the boy's death.

"Many here knew my son. Many loved him and many here just heard the story," Hays said.

"You all loved him."

His minister, the Rev. Steven T. Riddle, recalled Jordan as a "child of God" who loved dancing and making people laugh.

Riddle interspersed his sermon with the reading of the 23rd Psalm, a recording of Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" and a video that showed Jordan break dancing.

The crowd at Floral City United Methodist Church, which church officials said holds 250, was so large that some mourners had to stand. The crowd included about 50 family members and close friends.

A number of Plant City officials and residents attended the services to pay their final respects, including Mayor Rick Lott, Commissioner Robert Brown and fire rescue Chief George Shiley.

Jordan, who was on foot, was helping distribute candy from the Greater Heights Family Worship Center float when he was caught under the wheels, police have said. The boy was visiting relatives in Plant City; his mother, Connie, is from there.

Plant City officials have promised an investigation into the death but don't expect to file charges. The Florida Strawberry Festival announced this week that it would ban the distribution of candy and beads in its Grand Feature Parade in March to help ensure safety.