Our Founder
Our Founder - Jerry Whitlock
9/2/42 – 9/28/03
We wish to express great appreciation to all of you for being here to comfort us. Jerry believed the funeral and visitation were important to help people come together and meet the needs of others. It was his ministry to serve others with compassion, and he did so as a true gentleman in a wonderful, professional way. He said many times, “I thank God every day for blessing me with the ability to work and for all the people who believed in me and helped me to accomplish my goals.” We all know how much he enjoyed his work. He always said, “You have to have a plan, and work your plan; and when you accomplish a goal, you set another”. His famous words were “Just Do Your Job,” and your job was whatever needed to be done at the time.
Jerry on the tractor digging the grave, washing the cars for a funeral, directing the funeral, or installing a monument. His energy was truly a blessing, and it came because of his enthusiasm, high standards, and an honest desire to be productive. No shortcuts – do it right the first time. Seven days a week, he was up and going at the same early hour, and his last day was no different. He was still planning for the next day.
Jerry never wanted any credit, but we can praise his name and honor his reputation for all the work and sacrifices he has made for his family and this community. He began his work in the funeral profession in 1962 at Mathews Mortuary and purchased the business in 1969, moving and changing the name to Whitlock in 1973. In 1979, he started Skands, a general contracting business; in 1989, he established Roselane Cemetery, and in 1999, he purchased the Toccoa Casket Company.
We, as a family and staff, will carry on the plans he had for his children and grandchildren.
