Meet the Rev. Christopher Wimberly Sr.! Christopher is the owner of Wimberly Funeral Home, which is located on Summit St. in downtown Gainesville. He also is the pastor at Hunter Hill First Baptist Church in Atlanta. Christopher is married to Felicia, and the father of Jhari (20), and CJ (11).
“Originally, the funeral home was called Greenlee’s Funeral Home and had been around for a long time, I want to say it started probably in the 1940s or 50s. I came in in 2007, and I purchased the funeral home. At that time it was called Wimberly & Jackson, as I was with a business partner named Derrick Jackson. He was from Tennessee, and we purchased it together. We had the business from 2007 all the way to the end of 2017. In 2018, I became sole proprietor and so that’s when I took over the business and renamed it Wimberly Funeral Home,” Wimberly said. “I’ve always been interested in funeral services. I worked at a local funeral home where I grew up in Barrow County. I worked there and while working there became good friends with the Greenlees. When the Greenlees wanted to sell, they asked me what I would like to purchase the Funeral Home…I think the funeral service industry is a calling because I am in ministry and this is a way to help families in the most difficult times of their life. Number two is also it also allows me to be able to be a part of a memorable or unforgettable farewell to their loved one. I get a chance to participate in that. I take it very seriously because like weddings, you only got one chance to get it right.”
We want to thank Mr. Wimberly for spending time with us recently and telling us more about his life and love of Hall County.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about you or about your family?
A: “I am married to Felicia Wimberly. We have two children Jahri who is 20 years old. I have a son, Christopher Wimberly Jr. ‘CJ,’ who is 11 years old. My daughter is in school at Alabama A&M and my son goes to Loganville Christian Academy. My wife was an engineer for Marta in Atlanta. Now, she teaches at Gupton Jones College of Funeral Services. She was appointed to be on the State Board of Funeral Services by Governor Kemp.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Lunas, Scott’s on the Square, and Collegiate Grill.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “Since 2007.”
Q: Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “It’s a lot of people, I don’t want to get caught it one name. I serve a lot of people, so I don’t know…everybody is unique.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “Hawaii, I have always been intrigued about going to Hawaii.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies or TV shows?
A: “’Coming to America.'”
Q: Do you have any advice that you want to give or leave with people?
A: “My advice to give the people. Number one, always know your purpose in life. Always have dreams, goals, and visions. Always follow through with them so your visions can become reality.”
Q: What’s one of your go-to Bible verses to give to someone?
A: “Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,’ is what the Bible says. God’s plans are good, sometimes we just have to go through the process and get in there, which is Romans 8:28. ‘All things work together for the good of them that love God and call the court to his purpose.’”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “It has a rural city feel. It’s not too big and it’s not too small…and is diverse.”
Q: What is something you hope our community does in the future?
A: “Continue to expand and continue to grow. Some cities block businesses and industries from coming in where others do welcome it. That shows growth and expansion.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: “Continuing serving the community at a greater level.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Paris.”
Q: What’s your favorite month in holiday?
A: “December and Christmas.”
Q: Who would you want to play in a movie about your life?
A: “Mike Epps.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My Pastor Bishop Joseph Walker inspires me to be better.”
