There are careers out there that we only think of during times of sadness and loss. Those careers aren’t glamorous but they are so vital to our culture.
One of these careers is that of a Funeral Director. During times of mourning we need someone to hold our hand and guide us through the hard decisions. Jerry Ward is that “someone.”
Jerry is there for “guiding families through a difficult time.” It takes the kind of compassion and peacefulness that Jerry has in order to run this type of business.
Brad Abernathy says, “Jerry has led my family too many times through very difficult days. He is a gentle calming force who loves serving people.”
You can find Jerry at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Riverside Drive. Although, Ward has not always been in the funeral business, many of you many know Jerry from the days that he owned Western Sizzlin’ on Dawsonville Highway, from 1992-2004.
We stopped by Memorial Park to have a quick conversation with Jerry about Hall County and his interests.
Question: How many years have you lived in Hall County?
Answer: “Since December 25, 1951.”
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone (alive and non-relative), who would it be?
A: Jack Nicklaus
- Where would you take Jack to eat in Hall County?
- Johnny’s BBQ.
Q: If you could a piece of advice to a crowd of people, what would you say?
A: “Prepare for the inevitable.”
Q: Who are some of your favorite musical artists?
A: “Jerry Butler, Bob Seger, Delbert McClinton, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Johnny Horton.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “‘The Searchers’ starring John Wayne.”
Q: What is your favorite social outing in Hall County?
A: “I love cooking for different events, such as, BBQ’s, Rotary events, Fish Fries, etc.”
Q: When have you felt the most satisfied in your life?
A: “Every year has a different meaning to me. I don’t know if I will ever come to the point of most satisfied.”
Q: What do you love about living in Hall County?
A: “My favorite thing about our community is the people. This is such a giving community.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.
