WINTER 2025 GRANITEER
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Each new edition of The Graniteer serves as a reminder of the strength, history, and craftsmanship that define the Elberton Granite Association and its membership. For decades, this publication has documented not only the stone produced here, but also the people, companies, and traditions that have shaped our industry. It is a reflection of who we are and the pride we take in our work.
This issue continues that tradition by highlighting the many facets of our association. Within these pages, you will find stories that showcase the dedication of our member companies, the skills of their employees, and the ongoing commitment to quality that has long set Elberton granite apart. From established firms with generations of experience to those preparing for the future through new leadership and innovation, our membership remains the foundation of this industry.
The EGA’s mission has always centered on supporting and promoting our members while preserving the legacy of granite craftsmanship in this region. Through education, training initiatives, scholarships, and outreach, the association works to ensure that our industry remains strong and competitive in a changing marketplace. These efforts would not be possible without the continued involvement and cooperation of our members.
It is encouraging to see the level of participation and pride reflected throughout this issue. Whether through involvement in training programs, contributions to association events, or the willingness to share projects and milestones, our members demonstrate a shared commitment to the future of the granite industry. That spirit of cooperation has long been one of the defining characteristics of the Elberton Granite Association.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this edition of The Graniteer. Your stories and achievements help preserve the history of our industry while also highlighting the path forward. This magazine remains an important record of our work, our people, and our community.
As you read through this issue, I encourage you to reflect on the role each member plays in maintaining the standards and traditions that define our association. On behalf of the EGA, thank you for your continued support and dedication. I look forward to what lies ahead as we continue working together to strengthen our industry and preserve its legacy.
Graniteer News
A Legacy Continues: Third Generation Joins Mize Granite Company 03
Johnson Machine Shop Designs New Drill & Saw Combination Machine 04
U-Blast Introduces Next-Generation Stencil Line 04
Member Spotlight - Southern Granite Company 05
EGA Hosts Annual Christmas Party 07
2026 Elberton Granite Museum Golf Tournament 08
Tribute To History - Argo Spire Re-located to Granite Museum 10
Member-Quarried Granite Colors: A Closer Look at Chapel Rose and Crystal Blue 13
Purchasing Guide & Directory of EGA Members
Voting Members 14 Sustaining Members 16
Associate Members 16
Downtown Display 18
Graniteer Gallery
On The Cover - Dixie Granite Company 21
Memorials In Review 23
Public Monuments 27
Convention Camera
Hardscape North America 28
In Memoriam
Arthur “Leon” Saxon 29
Bobby Ray Tate 29
2026 Upcoming Schedule 30
A Legacy Continues:
Third Generation Joins Mize Granite Company
Mize Granite Sales, Inc. has been a part of Elberton’s granite industry for more than five decades, rooted in family leadership and a strong commitment to quality manufacturing. The company began operations on January 1, 1969, when Robert W. Mize, Jr., and Charles R. Mize, established the firm after purchasing a modern manufacturing facility north of Elberton on the Bowman Highway. Under their guidance, Mize Granite quickly earned a reputation for reliability, quality, and a genuine commitment to serving the monument industry. The plant, originally constructed in 1960 and previously operated as Service Granite Company under the trade name “Zenith Granite Company,” was expanded and equipped to support full-scale granite production.
From its earliest days, Mize Granite Sales was guided by hands-on leadership and local experience. Robert “Butch” Mize, Jr. brought years of industry knowledge to the company, having worked for several Elberton granite firms and served retail monument companies as an over-the-road truck driver hauling Elberton granite products nationwide. As a native Elbertonian, his understanding of both production and distribution helped establish the company as a reliable manufacturer within the granite community. Mize Granite has been an active member of the Elberton Granite Association since its founding and has remained a voting member since 1969.
Over the years, leadership transitioned into the second generation as Robert W. Mize III, known throughout the industry as “Bubba,” became involved in the operation. Under his guidance, the company continued to grow while maintaining the family-centered values and customer relationships established by the original owners. Mize Granite has long been recognized for its consistent workmanship, dependable service, and commitment to the monument industry.
Today, the company is preparing for its third generation of family leadership with the return of Kelly Barrett and her husband, Brandon Barrett, to Elberton. Kelly is the daughter of Robert (Bubba) Mize III and the granddaughter of Robert “Butch” Mize, Jr., one of the firm’s founders. Their decision to return home reflects the same sense of responsibility and dedication that has defined Mize Granite since its beginnings. The couple have three children, Brody-16 years old, Asher-13 years old and Emersyn-7 years old.
Kelly, raised around the granite industry and the Mize family’s long-standing involvement, is embracing a hands-on approach in the office. She is actively learning multiple positions, from accounting and billing to phones, scheduling, and customer service. Her goal is to understand every layer of the company so she can contribute wherever she is needed, just as previous generations have done. Her return to Elberton reflects the family’s continued commitment not only to the business itself but also to the community that has supported Mize Granite for more than half a century.
Brandon joins the company following an impressive 18-year career in the United States Army and Army Reserves, where he served as an Apache helicopter pilot. His years of military aviation taught him discipline, leadership under pressure, and the ability to communicate with precision – skills that translate seamlessly into his new focus in sales. Brandon has already begun learning the intricacies of the granite industry, meeting customers, and immersing himself in the processes that support successful service and production.
The addition of Kelly and Brandon Barrett reflects a familiar and respected path within the Elberton granite industry, where knowledge is passed down through generations and earned through experience. Just as the company’s founders built Mize Granite Sales through hands-on involvement and steady growth, the next generation is taking the time to learn the business from the ground up. With a shared focus on service, craftsmanship, and long-term relationships, Mize Granite Company continues its tradition of thoughtful leadership transitions while positioning itself for continued success in the years ahead.
JOHNSON MACHINE SHOP has engineered a truly one of a kind drill and saw combination machine for fellow EGA member NELSON GRANITE. Built from the ground up, this fully customized unit was designed to meet Nelson Granite’s exact production needs while delivering the power and precision our industry demands. The machine features dual 10 inch circular diamond tipped saw blades paired with two hydraulic cylinder drills equipped with 7/16 inch diamond bits, creating a seamless system for both cutting and drilling in a single setup.
Powered by three 3 HP motors, the machine produces enough force to process a 1 1/4 inch slab in approximately 45 seconds. A rigid clamp secures the granite firmly in place, ensuring absolute stability as the saws and drills perform their programmed operations. Precision valve controls allow operators to fine tune performance, resulting in clean cuts, accurate drill points, and consistent results from one slab to the next.
This project highlights Johnson Machine Shop’s continued commitment to innovation in the monument and dimensional stone industry. Every detail reflects a careful understanding of how fabricators work and what is required on the production floor. The collaboration between Johnson Machine Shop and Nelson Granite demonstrates how fellow member firms support one another by sharing their expertise and advancing equipment capabilities. Machines like this reinforce the value of American built craftsmanship and the strength of the Elberton manufacturing community.
U-Blast Stencil, a valued supplier within the monument industry, has announced the launch of its improved UB1 and UB2 stencil series, engineered to deliver greater efficiency for memorial sandblast applications. The updated line focuses on cleaner cutting performance, reliable adhesive strength, and improved flexibility, features that aim to support carvers, retailers, and production shops seeking consistent results with fewer work interruptions. This industry response is already showing interest. On a recent post in a monument builders forum, shop professionals expressed curiosity about the rollout and shared anticipation to test the new stencil on their own production floors. U-Blast’s continued product development reflects its commitment to listening to customers and solving real-world challenges in blasting rooms and monument design departments. By refining an existing product rather than simply adding another option, U-Blast demonstrates a dedication to better compatibility with modern plotters, improved weeding performance, and reliable blasting resistance - key elements for shops that demand both precision and speed.
U-Blast’s investment in improving their stencil line helps ensure monument professionals have access to dependable materials that withstand the rigors of sandblast processing. Reliable stencil isn’t just a convenience - it directly affects labor time, layout quality, and the final impression of the carving on granite. An improved bond, cleaner cut line, or smoother release can save a shop time on every single memorial produced, making innovation a necessity rather than a luxury.
The company has emphasized that its enhanced UB1 and UB2 stencils were not rushed to market, but instead tested with working shops to gain real performance feedback prior to release. This approach reinforces a core value of the monument industry: craftsmanship backed by practical trial. Each stencil refinement must perform on real stone, in real blasting rooms, with real operators handling the work. U-Blast’s method of involving the end user shows a respect for the professionals whose livelihood depends on reliable materials. As more monument companies request samples and begin working with U-Blast’s upgraded stencil, the industry looks forward to seeing how these changes influence productivity and overall blasting results. Feedback from the field will continue to shape U-Blast’s ongoing development, helping ensure that the craftspeople who carve names, dates, and artwork into stone are supported by materials that work as hard as they do.
Southern Granite Company is three generations strong, honoring tradition, advancing technology, and shaping the future of American monument craftsmanship. For eighty years, Southern Granite Company, Inc. has stood as one of the cornerstones of Elberton’s granite heritage. Founded in 1946 by brothers J.A., Emory, and Willie Edwards, the firm began with a straightforward mission: to fabricate high-quality memorials with the skill, honesty, and dedication that define the Elberton way. Emory left the business in 1960, and in 1964 J.A.’s son Larry joined his father and uncle, marking the beginning of the company’s second generation. Two years later, in 1966, J.A. and Larry purchased Willie’s interest, further solidifying the family’s direction for the company. In 1970, J.A.’s youngest son, David Edwards, came on board as well, quickly emerging as one of the industry’s most respected craftsmen and innovators. His work, leadership, and lifelong dedication to stonecutting left a lasting legacy not only within the company but throughout the entire Elberton granite community.
Southern Granite’s story is, at its heart, a story of family.
Today, that legacy continues as the third generation of the Edwards family proudly leads the company forward. The late David Edward’s wife, Vicki and their children Jason and Melissa ensure that every monument leaving their yard reflects the same craftsmanship their founders insisted upon.
Vicki Edwards has long served as a guiding presence in the administrative and leadership side of the company, upholding the values and traditions that have shaped Southern Granite since its founding. The company’s multi-generational involvement reinforces the belief that great memorials begin with great people.
Jason Edwards joined the company in 1997, working across multiple departments and developing a reputation for precision and problem-solving. Jason later completed the Elberton Granite Association’s OJT Stonecutter Training Program, earning his official stonecutter certificate, a point of pride for both Jason and the company, and an important milestone in Southern Granite’s commitment to hands-on craftsmanship.
Melissa Dias joined Southern Granite in 1998, strengthening the company’s operational efficiency and helping build the customer-forward approach for which the company is known today. Over the years, Melissa has become one of the primary points of contact for retailers across the country, managing sales, quotes, and customer communication with the same professionalism and warmth that define Southern Granite’s reputation. Her deep knowledge of stone, finishes, and production capabilities allows her to guide customers through even the most complex projects, ensuring that each order is accurately crafted and delivered on schedule. Whether she is coordinating custom designs, facilitating special-order colors, or working closely with Jason and T.J. to monitor production timelines, Melissa plays a vital role in keeping the company running smoothly while maintaining the strong customer relationships that have fueled Southern Granite’s long-term success.
T.J. Dias, Melissa’s husband, has also become an essential part of Southern Granite’s daily operations. Working closely alongside Jason, T.J. helps oversee plant production, scheduling, and workflow coordination, ensuring that each project moves efficiently through the shop. T.J.’s commitment to quality and his steady presence on the production floor reinforce the family-driven foundation of Southern Granite, further strengthening the company’s ability to deliver exceptional craftsmanship with consistency and care. T.J.’s dedication to his expertise was highlighted by completing EGA’s OJT Stonecutter training, earning his stonecutter certificate.
Although Southern Granite began as a traditional memorial fabricator, the company quickly recognized that the future of monument production would demand new tools, new techniques, and new efficiencies. The technological shift of the 1980s, ushered in by industrial diamond tooling and computer-controlled machinery, prompted the company to reimagine what was possible.
Instead of resisting change, Southern Granite leaned into innovation. From the 1980s through the present day, they have continually upgraded equipment, refined production methods, and trained craftsmen to meet the increasingly complex needs of the modern monument industry. Major investments, such as the acquisition of advanced profiling saws and the ongoing integration of CNC shaping technology, have expanded their ability to produce intricate designs, architectural components, and custom shapes with remarkable precision. These advances have strengthened Southern Granite’s reputation as a leader in both traditional craftsmanship and specialty work, enabling them to take on challenging commissions that require a blend of old-world artistry and modern engineering.
Today, Southern Granite operates inside a 40,000-square-foot facility designed for efficient workflow and consistent results. The shop houses state-of-the-art equipment, workstations optimized for both machine and manual production, and ample staging areas that allow craftsmen to move large pieces safely and efficiently.
Inside the facility, traditional and modern methods work side-by-side. Craftsmen blend hand finishing with precision-guided tools to ensure every detail, from polish depth to sandblast definition, meets the highest standards. Over the decades, Southern Granite’s monuments have repeatedly been recognized for their excellent finishing, clean transitions, and thoughtful use of polish, steeled surfaces, and rock pitch.
Southern Granite’s body of work reflects both diversity and depth. Their projects have ranged from simple, dignified companion monuments to elaborate estate memorials, church installations, civic landmarks, and custom specialty pieces. Whether working in Paradise Black, American Black, Southern Dark Blue, Medium Barre, or Dakota Mahogany, (just to name a few) their craftsmen approach every monument as an opportunity to honor a life and tell a story through stone.
A signature strength of the company is its ability to integrate advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship. Machine-shaped components are refined by hand, sculptural elements receive personalized attention, and each memorial is guided through production with the care expected of a family-owned firm with deep roots in the industry.
Southern Granite became a voting member of the Elberton Granite Association in 1980, marking an important milestone in the company’s growth and establishing their role as a committed partner in the industry’s development. Since then, their history has been intertwined with the evolution of the association, appearing frequently in Graniteer features that spotlight both their craftsmanship and their ongoing investment in technological progress.
In addition to their shop achievements, Southern Granite has also become one of the most consistently active and supportive firms within the Elberton Granite Association. They participate enthusiastically in EGA training programs, open houses, educational initiatives, and community events. Whether it involves sending craftsmen through certification programs, hosting demonstrations, or assisting with industry-wide projects, Southern Granite is willing to contribute. Their commitment to training the next generation echoes the company’s long-held belief in preserving true craftsmanship while embracing innovation.
Their dedication to excellence is also evident in their presence within the pages of The Graniteer. Southern Granite has been featured repeatedly for their outstanding memorial designs, technical accomplishments, and collaborative projects - appearing on the cover at least seven times. These covers highlight not only the beauty of their work, but also the trust the industry places in their ability to produce memorable, high-quality pieces that represent Elberton on a national stage.
Southern Granite Company, Inc. stands today as a powerful example of how a business can honor its history while embracing its future. Nearly eight decades after its founding, the company continues to thrive under dedicated family leadership, supported by skilled craftsmen and equipped with modern tools that keep them at the forefront of the monument industry.
With a strong legacy behind them and an unwavering commitment to innovation, customer service, craftsmanship, and community involvement, the Edwards family ensures that Southern Granite remains one of Elberton’s most trusted and accomplished member firms. Their mission - to create beautiful, enduring memorials that honor lives and preserve stories - remains as strong today as it was in 1946.
The Elberton Granite Association hosted its annual Christmas party on December 5th, bringing members together for an evening of fellowship, celebration, and holiday cheer. This long-standing tradition remains a highlight of the winter season, offering an opportunity for EGA members to step away from their daily operations and gather in a relaxed, festive setting.
EGA was especially pleased with the strong turnout this year, welcoming a larger number of members and guests than in recent years. The increased attendance reflected the continued strength of the association and the importance members place on connecting with one another beyond the workplace. Tables were filled with conversation and laughter as attendees enjoyed catching up with colleagues and friends from across the granite industry.
Guests were treated to a catered meal with an abundance of food, ensuring everyone could enjoy the evening at their own pace. The shared meal created a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged conversation and camaraderie, reinforcing the sense of community that has long been a cornerstone of the Elberton Granite Association.
As the evening unfolded, members enjoyed meaningful fellowship and the simple joy of being together during the holiday season. The annual Christmas party serves as a reminder that while EGA’s work is rooted in craftsmanship and industry, it is the relationships among its members that truly strengthen the association. As EGA looks ahead to the coming year, the association remains committed to supporting its members, strengthening industry connections, and continuing the traditions that bring the granite community together.
4-Person Team - $400
REGISTRATION, RANGE ACCESS, DONUTS & COFFEE STARTING AT 9:30 AM
LUNCH WILL START CIRCULATING THROUGHOUT THE COURSE AT 12:00
ALL AMERICAN BUFFET TO FOLLOW TOURNAMENT ALONG WITH
AWARDS CEREMONY!
The Elberton Granite Association Museum Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 entity. All proceeds are 100% tax deductible and all proceeds of the Elberton Granite Association’s Annual Golf Tournament are used to benefit the renovation and upkeep of the Elberton Granite Museum. (REGISTRATION ON NEXT PAGE)
2026 SPONSORSHIP & TEAM REGISTRATION
Tribute to Elberton Granite History
Argo spire relocated. Moving the spire.
MEMBER-QUARRIED GRANITE COLORS: A CLOSER LOOK
In the Fall 2025 edition of The Graniteer, we explored the wide geographic reach of American granite, highlighting where many of the nation’s most recognizable colors are quarried across the United States. Building on that foundation, upcoming editions will take a more focused approach by spotlighting individual granite colors and the EGA member firms that quarry them. This series is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the stone itself - its origin, character, and the expertise required to bring it from the quarry to a finished memorial.
This edition highlights two distinctive domestic granite colors: Chapel Rose, quarried by Pyramid Materials, and Crystal Blue, quarried by McCannon Granite Company. Each stone offers a unique appearance shaped by its geology and the careful stewardship of the member firms responsible for its production.
By focusing on granite colors quarried by EGA member firms, this ongoing series highlights the geological diversity found within American stone while recognizing the companies that play a vital role in supplying the monument industry. Chapel Rose and Crystal Blue are strong examples of how domestic granite continues to offer beauty, performance, and authenticity rooted in skilled craftsmanship and responsible quarrying.
Future editions of The Graniteer will continue to spotlight additional granite colors and the member firms behind them, further strengthening our collective knowledge of the stone that defines both our industry and our community.
Chapel Rose - Pyramid Materials
Chapel Rose is quarried by Pyramid Materials from its quarry located in Granite, Oklahoma. This region is well known for producing warm-toned granites with refined character, and Chapel Rose is no exception. The stone features a soft rose-pink base accented by subtle gray and black mineral movement. Its grain structure is medium and consistent, providing visual balance while allowing natural variation that adds depth and warmth to the finished product.
The texture of Chapel Rose responds well to a variety of finishes. When polished, the stone develops a smooth, gentle sheen that enhances its color without overpowering fine detailing. The uniform grain allows for clean lettering and well-defined artwork, making Chapel Rose a versatile option for monuments that call for elegance, warmth, and long-term durability. Pyramid Materials’ quarrying practices and attention to block selection ensure a reliable, high-quality material from start to finish.
Crystal Blue - McCannon Granite Company
Crystal Blue is quarried by Crystal Blue Quarries, a division of McCannon Granite Company. This distinctive granite is recognized for its cool blue-gray background highlighted by darker charcoal and black crystalline flecks. The grain is fine to medium and tightly knit, contributing to a clean, consistent appearance across both small and large memorial applications. The stone’s natural clarity and consistent grain allow designers and craftsmen greater flexibility when incorporating intricate artwork, portraits, and custom lettering.
Crystal Blue offers a smooth texture that takes a high polish exceptionally well, producing a reflective surface that brings out the stone’s subtle color shifts and crystalline structure. Its consistent grain makes it particularly well suited for sharp carving, crisp lettering, and detailed sandblast work.
2026 Downtown Display
Jet Black, Georgia Gray, Holland Granite Company, Matthews Blue, Matthews Granite L&M Granite, L & M Granite, Rainbow Granite, AQ Stone, Mize Granite, Georgia Select Blue, Impala Black, McCannon Granite, Crystal Blue, Standard Granite, Brownstone, Dakota Mahogany, J & R Select Blue, J&R Finishing, J & R
The spectacular companion monument featured on the cover of this edition stands as a powerful example of what makes the Elberton Granite Association unique: craftsmanship, collaboration and the shared commitment of multiple member firms working together to create a lasting tribute. This memorial was a joint endeavor brought to life by L & M GRANITE COMPANY, JENSON ETCHING, and MEMORIAL ART, each contributing their distinctive talents to ensure the family’s vision was beautifully realized.
Every remarkable monument begins with a story, and Memorial Art was honored to work with the family and L & M Granite to develop a design that truly captured the personalities and legacy of this cherished couple. Many meaningful, personal touches were woven into the layout – from symbolic artwork to scripture, hobbies and family heritage – ensuring the monument would stand as a one-of-a-kind work of art for generations to come.
With a final design selected, L & M Granite Company set to work transforming a solid block of Impala Black granite into the monument’s masterful components. The tablet, base, and matching vases were all cut and shaped in-house to exacting specifications. A variety of finishes were incorporated to create contrast and dimension. The front, back, angled sides, and serpentine top were polished to a reflective shine, providing a deep black canvas for intricate lettering and etching.
Along the top edges of the tablet, L & M carved elegant, rounded shoulders that lead the eye gently into the serpentine crown. These shoulders were steel-finished and wrapped with a delicate band of sandblasted lilies, adding soft texture and meaning without interrupting the monument’s clean silhouette. The vases were shaped to follow the upward slant of the monument, giving the entire piece a unified and graceful appearance.
To bring the family’s most personal detail to life, Jenson Etching expertly etched an 8x10 portrait centered on the front of the tablet. The depth and realism of the etching highlight not only the quality of the granite but the exceptional skill of the artisan behind the work. The back of the monument is equally meaningful. A finely carved Tree of Life spreads across the center panel, symbolizing growth, strength and enduring legacy. On either side, the couple’s children and grandchildren are listed, forever preserving the generations that grew from this beloved union.
The base of the memorial is a work of craftsmanship in itself. L & M finished the upper face with a deep polish before incorporating a 2-inch rock pitch nose along the bottom edge, creating a bold contrast that frames the polished slant. The names, dates and personal emblems are cut inside open book-style borders, complete with linked wedding bands and the couple’s wedding date, a tribute to a lifetime of commitment. The top of the base is polished with a 2-inch margin along three sides before breaking into a hand-cut rock pitch border, tying the entire structure together with a refined yet natural finish.
Occasionally, the work of an EGA member firm becomes more than a professional commission, it becomes a personal calling. Such was the case with this monument. The Slay family holds close ties to both L & M Granite Company and Jenson Etching, making the creation of this memorial especially meaningful for the craftsmen involved. When a memorial is built in honor of someone who played a role in the lives of those creating it, every cut, every polish, and every stroke of the sandblast hose carries an added sense of responsibility, reverence and pride.
For the teams at L & M and Jenson, this project represented more than a showcase of skill; it was an opportunity to honor loved ones through the very craft to which they have dedicated their careers. This deeper connection is evident in the level of detail, the careful shaping, and the artistic choices that bring warmth and personality to the stone. The monument stands not only as a tribute to the couple it honors, but also as a testament to the heart and heritage of the Elberton granite community - where tradition, craftsmanship and family often intertwine.
Set in the peaceful grounds of Forest Hills Memorial Park in Elberton, Georgia, this monument is more than stone. It is the combined labor, artistry and devotion of three EGA member firms, working together to honor a legacy with the highest standards of the Elberton granite tradition.
This distinctive memorial, crafted by Coldwater Granite, features a tilted heart design that brings both softness and strength to a traditional monument form. Carefully shaped and thoughtfully finished, the piece reflects a personalized approach to memorial design while maintaining enduring quality.
The monument is produced from American Black granite quarried in Pennsylvania, a material valued for its rich, uniform color and exceptional polish. The heart-shaped tablet is fully polished and set on a solid base featuring a 2-inch polished margin, with the remaining surfaces rock pitched to provide contrast and texture. This combination of finishes adds depth and visual interest while highlighting the natural beauty of the granite.
A squared vase with slanted sides is positioned alongside the monument, offering both balance and functionality within the overall layout. The clean lines and polished surfaces of the vase complement the heart tablet while reinforcing the memorial’s cohesive design.
This memorial stands as a testament to Coldwater Granite’s skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail, resulting in a lasting tribute that blends meaningful design with the timeless durability of American granite. This stately 6-crypt, walk-in mausoleum, created by Georgia Mausoleums, stands as a dignified and enduring presence within the cemetery landscape of Wichita, Kansas. Designed with classical architectural influence and executed with precision craftsmanship, the structure reflects a careful balance of strength, reverence, and timeless beauty.
Constructed from a refined combination of Keystone Blue and American Black granites, the mausoleum presents a striking contrast in both color and finish. Polished surfaces throughout the structure enhance the natural character of each granite, allowing light to accentuate clean lines and crisp detailing.
The mausoleum is set upon a solid base that anchors the structure and provides visual weight and stability. The facade features columns flanking the entrance, adding architectural rhythm and classical proportion. A projecting entablature spans the front elevation, supporting a gently sloped cap that is crowned with a carved cross, reinforcing the memorial’s spiritual symbolism.
Every element of this mausoleum reflects thoughtful design and skilled execution, from the precise joinery of granite components to the harmonious blend of materials and finishes. This memorial stands as a testament to Georgia Mausoleums’ commitment to quality craftsmanship and their ability to create meaningful, permanent structures that honor family legacy with architectural integrity and care. Crafted with care and timeless intention, this monument stands as a lasting tribute brought to life through the skilled workmanship of Pyramid Materials. Created for Gill Marble & Granite of Denham Springs, Louisiana, the memorial showcases Pyramid’s ability to combine precise fabrication with artistry. The monument is produced from Desert Rose granite, quarried from Pyramid Material’s own quarry in Granite, Oklahoma. Desert Rose offers both visual softness and exceptional durability. The design features two individual monuments set atop a polished base, with a central pedestal supporting a vase accented by tapered sides. The base anchors the memorial with strength and balance, while the ledgers extend outward, lying flat at ground level to create a cohesive and substantial foundation for the overall composition.
Each granite component blends polished and rock-pitched finishes on exposed surfaces, providing contrast and texture that enhance the monument’s visual appeal. The rock-pitched detailing adds a hand-crafted character, while polished surfaces reflect light and highlight the natural beauty of the stone. In total, an impressive 5,849 pounds of granite were used in the creation of this memorial, underscoring the scale, permanence, and craftsmanship invested in the project.
This memorial serves as a meaningful example of Pyramid Material’s commitment to quality stonework and dedication to providing families with enduring tributes built from responsibly quarried American granite which results in a monument that honors both memory and material with dignity and care.
These custom granite presentation pieces showcase the detailed craftsmanship and artistic capabilities of Glass Art Imaging, a division of OM Stone. Created as a formal commemorative work, the pieces reflect a high level of precision, material quality, and refined stone finishing.
Each element was crafted from American Georgia Gray granite quarried in Elberton, Georgia, a material valued for its consistent grain structure, durability, and suitability for detailed surface applications. The circular granite tablet features a finely rendered image of President Donald J. Trump produced through Glass Art Imaging’s specialized imaging process, paired with a formal name plate designed to complement the overall composition. Polished surfaces allow for crisp clarity and strong contrast, ensuring lasting visual impact.
Careful attention to detail is evident throughout the work, from the precision of the imaging to the clean edges and uniform finish of the granite. The completed pieces were delivered to the White House by Representative Mike Collins, representing both the craftsmanship of Glass Art Imaging and the enduring quality of American-quarried granite. This project stands as an example of how skilled fabrication, advanced imaging techniques, and locally sourced stone come together to create meaningful granite pieces defined by quality workmanship and material excellence.
KEYSTONE MEMORIALS has long been recognized for producing high-quality monuments that reflect timeless beauty, enduring strength, and the rich legacy of American granite craftsmanship. With decades of experience and a reputation built on precision and artistry, Keystone continues to deliver memorials that stand apart as meaningful, lasting tributes worthy of the families they honor. The Graves-Mickles family monument was designed by Monica Johns of the Johns-Carabelli Company and produced to their specifications by their trusted manufacturing partner, Keystone Memorials. It is an exceptional example of both company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and thoughtful design.
This striking memorial is a refreshing blend of granite choices and architectural form. At its center stands a modern 6’6” cube-style tablet crafted with openings on all four sides, creating a sense of openness and balance that serves as a symbolic portal. The structure is both bold and serene, offering a contemporary aesthetic that remains grounded in traditional stoneworking techniques. Flanking the center tablet are two L-shaped benches with small triangular pedestals that nest into the planter bases, adding both structural stability and visual harmony to the layout. The result is not only an elegant monument but also a functional space where loved ones may sit, reflect, and remember.
To achieve the desired contrast and understated sophistication, Keystone used honed African Jet Black for the central structure, providing a muted charcoal tone that complements the polished Grey Cloud granite selected for the benches. The lettering style enhances the modern Art Deco influence of the design, while the elevated planters introduce an extra layer of refinement. Every detail, from the stone selection to the crisp transitions between finishes, demonstrates Keystone Memorials’ deep understanding of how thoughtful craftsmanship can elevate a family’s vision.
Creating this monument required not only precise fabrication but also sensitivity to cemetery regulations and the family’s needs. The project included unique challenges, such as adapting the design to meet restrictions regarding polished jet black granite while still achieving the modern aesthetic the family desired. Keystone’s team worked collaboratively and meticulously to bring the vision to life, ensuring that the finished memorial would be a meaningful and enduring tribute. The Graves-Mickles monument stands today as a testament to Keystone Memorials’ commitment to artistry, skill, and service. Blending contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship, Keystone once again demonstrates why they remain one of the granite industry’s most trusted and respected monument producers.
River Edge Granite Company crafted this elegant seven-piece memorial from Peerless Blue granite, bringing together a refined blend of polished surfaces and traditional stone-cutting techniques. The memorial features an all-polished slant, two polished-top ledgers, a matching polished plinth, and a polished-top base, all anchored by a pair of gracefully rounded vases. To add texture and visual depth, the edges of both the ledgers and the plinth were expertly rock pitched, creating a striking contrast against the smooth, high-polish finish that defines the upper surfaces.
Set in the tranquil City of Franklin Springs Cemetery in Franklin Springs, Georgia, the memorial stands as a testament to River Edge Granite Company’s commitment to craftsmanship. As a family-run business, River Edge takes great pride in every piece they produce, ensuring that their work reflects both the heritage of the granite industry and the trust placed in their hands with memorials and monuments. This memorial is a fine example of their dedication to quality, detail, and the timeless artistry of Elberton-made stone.
Coldwater Granite took on the distinguished task of crafting this Texas-shaped memorial from beautiful Georgia Grey granite, a stone known for its strength, permanence, and classic character. The monument’s bold silhouette honors the proud heritage of the Hardeway family, while the detailed sandblast work - including the state outline, scales of justice, and personal inscriptions - reflects the life and legacy of Dr. Grant Ulysess Hardeway, Sr., a leading attorney for fifty years. Every element was thoughtfully executed to tell his story with both dignity and artistry.
The tooling, carving, and shaping of this memorial were completed entirely by hand, a testament to the remarkable skill and dedication of Coldwater Granite’s craftsmen. Their precision and care brought out the monument’s crisp edges, balanced layout, and clean sandblast detailing, resulting in a tribute as steadfast as the man it honors. This memorial stands as a meaningful example of how traditional craftsmanship and heartfelt storytelling come together in the granite industry to preserve legacies for generations.
Standing twelve feet tall and carved from a block of Georgia White marble, this breathtaking monument is the latest testament to the craftsmanship, precision, and artistic sensitivity of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, an Elberton Granite Association member firm known for its mastery of both traditional and contemporary memorial design. Installed in Macon’s newly opened Rosa Parks Square extension and dedicated as part of the city’s effort to acknowledge and honor Indigenous heritage, the monument serves as the centerpiece of a cultural reconciliation initiative that blends public art, education, and community remembrance.
The design, featuring an elegant high-relief female profile emerging from flowing, rhythmic lines, was entrusted to Keystone Memorials to bring to life in stone by Kenneth Johnson Studios in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Kenneth Johnson Studios provided the original artistic design and cultural vision for the monument. As lead artist and designer, Johnson ensured the imagery and symbolism accurately reflected Indigenous heritage, which Keystone’s craftsmen skillfully translated into the finished Georgia White marble monument. The sculpture showcases the firm’s ability to translate delicate artistic expression into durable form. The sweeping curves, recessed bands, and polished accents required careful sequencing of hand finishing and machine shaping, balancing the softness of the sculpture’s features with the strength of its architectural base.
Every stage of the work demanded meticulous attention. The monument’s 10-foot height required strategic planning for safe handling, precise staging during carving, and the controlled removal of material to preserve the marble’s natural translucence. The stylized symbols along the base, echoing Indigenous language, fire motifs, and storytelling traditions, were individually detailed using fine abrasive techniques to ensure clarity without overwhelming the visual harmony of the design. Keystone’s artisans preserved subtle surface variations unique to Georgia White marble, allowing the natural veining to complement the movement of the sculpted figure.
Keystone Memorials transformed the artistic vision given to them and transformed those ideas into a physical monument able to withstand time, weather, and generations of public interaction. Their experience with large-scale civic projects made them the ideal partner to fabricate a memorial that would not only be visually stunning but structurally sound. The base, with its combination of polished surfaces and natural rock pitched texture, grounds the monument solidly in its environment and highlights the precision that Elberton craftspeople are known for.
The completed sculpture now stands as a symbol of reconciliation, respect, and remembrance of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose histories are deeply rooted in Middle Georgia. Visitors to the park learn about displacement, endurance, and heritage, not through words alone, but through the power of stone shaped by skilled hands.
For Keystone Memorials, the project represents more than fabrication. It is a reminder of why American quarries and monument craftsmen remain essential to telling the stories of communities across the nation. Their work ensures that history is not merely written but carved, boldly, beautifully, and permanently, into enduring materials. This monument, rising skyward in brilliant Georgia White marble, stands as a proud example of what the Elberton industry can achieve when artistry, cultural significance, and technical excellence meet.
Gantt Ruff with River Edge Granite Company along with Max and McKay Hill with
Hillcrest Granite Company
Lawson Adams with Star Granite Interiors, Frank Andrews and Eric Chaloux with Miles Supply in Elberton, and Mark Adams of Star Granite Interiors
Mr. Arthur ‘Leon’ Saxon, 88, of Lexington Highway, Elberton, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at his residence.
Leon was born in the Goosepond Community of Oglethorpe County on March 21, 1937, son of the late J.C. Saxon and Blanche Ophelia Smith Saxon. He worked in pulpwood for many years and was the owner/operator of Leon Saxon Granite. Leon’s favorite past time was telling stories of days gone by.
He is survived by his sons: Randy Saxon and his wife Lynn of Dewy Rose and Gary Saxon of Elberton; grandson, who was the light of his life, Drew Saxon, of Dewy Rose; granddaughter, Ashley Maxwell of Arnoldsville; and his best friend, Charles “Mountain Man” Williams of Oglethorpe County.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Larry Saxon.
The family will receive friends on Friday, December 19, from 12:30p.m. until 1:45p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Paul Creason, will follow at 2:00p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park.
Flowers are accepted, and contributions may be made in his memory to Friends Helping Friends Club, Inc., 1027 Micliff Way, Elberton, GA 30635, or to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 50 W Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to his caregiver, Jenny Yeargin, and his nephew, Steven Saxon, for their compassionate care. Thanks is also extended to Miranda and the Gentiva Hospice Staff for their services.
Mr. Bobby Ray Tate, 82, of Elberton, husband of the late Patricia Ann Green Tate, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.
Mr. Tate was born in Salisbury, NC on June 14, 1943, son of the late John Jasper Tate and Willie Mae Jordan Tate. He worked in the granite industry for over 50 years. He and Julius Reagin founded Hard Cash Granite Company in Dewy Rose, GA. During retirement, Mr. Tate enjoyed gardening, fishing, and spending time with his dog, Buddy.
Surviving are his children: Tammy Gilland and her husband Geof, Tim Tate and his wife Marie, and Jeff Tate and his wife Marilyn; sisters: Phyllis Scarborough and her husband Kenneth and Joyce Suttles; six grandchildren: Branden Tate, Lyndsey Lee, Bailey Tate, Anna Tate, Breann Dunn, and Tyler Gilland; and three great-grandchildren: Watson Lee, Wyatt Lee, and Charli Dunn.
Along with his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Tate.
Date:
WINTER
Year:
2 025
Season:
WINTER
Description:
WINTER 2025 GRANITEER