SUMMER GRANITEER 2023
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SUMMER GRANITEER 2023
School of Hard Rocks Returns to Elberton!
School of Hard Rocks returned to Elberton, Georgia for their Spring 2023 session. Since the last session, the class went through a few adjustments. It is now led by a team consisting of Charlie Hunt, Bobby Mattos, Jed Hendrickson, Tripp Johnson, Nathan Lange and Jonathan Modlich. Alumni Instructor Mentors were included this year. This was a group of men who shared their knowledge and talents with the class. Steve Kaczmarczky, Matt Matheney; Jim Peterson, Mark Luken, Tony Watson; Bill Boone, Nathan Lange, Johnathan Modlich, and Mike Johns were this year’s AIMs. This group of men gave instruction demonstration along with being present to answer any questions along the way.
The attendees of each class are comprised of craftsmen and craftswomen from all over the United States that want to expand their artistic granite carving skills. Students were given training sessions and techniques for creating different textures and patterns. They were taught skills on stone cutting with the old hands-on “learning by doing” method. In the photograph below, A demonstration was given in the different ways to sculpt a sunburst into stone. The sunburst pattern is a pattern used frequently but takes special attention to master.
EGA was at the ready to assist with any needs that the class needed such as a trip to EGA’s quarry overlook located at an active quarry along with breakfast at the Elberton Granite Museum where the class learned of the beginnings of the granite industry in Elberton. Keystone Memorials and Elberton Stoneworks was gracious enough to donate scrap granite for the class to work with while Spartan Tools was at the ready to accommodate any tool needs. Bicknell Supply Company was on site to accommodate any needs while Miles Supply and Granite Sales & Supply Company was readily available to assist with any supply requirements needed and hosted individual customers at their facilities.
The class is always full of fun times along with the instructional and hands on stonework. There are competitions along the way such as chip accuracy and chip distance contests. And at the end of the week, the students gather their creations for a final competition.... The School of Hard Rocks Mallet Trophy is awarded to the attendee that receives the most votes on their work of art by their peers. Scott Luken of Yankton, South Dakota carved this fish prior to his untimely passing in 2021. Scott’s wife requested Tony Watson of College Station, Texas repair the fish after it was toppled over from its location in a local park. Upon its completion, the fish was brought to Elberton, GA for the School of Hard Rocks 2023 session where it will continue standing in memory of Scott. Scott’s legacy will continue through the hands of inspired artists as well as through his countless pieces of art in communities near and far for decades to come.
Left: Mallot Winner, Brianna Comisky with Angie Luken
Top: Chip Accuracy Winner, Calvin Johnson
Right: Best of Show Winners, Mark Robinson, Heather Sturgill, Brianna Comisky, Jerry Lager, & Jacob Ellis
Online Monument Books Available on EGA Website
The Elberton Granite Association now has even more books available on the EGA website for your ease and pleasure. These books are great to bring up and let your customers look through when they just need some ideas to figure out what they like. There are a wide variety of books readily available (listed below) along with several books that are still in the creation phase. This includes Animals, Farm & Ranch, Historic Leaders, Music, Nautical, Non-Monumentals and Signs. The books include every monument ever printed in the Graniteer under their respective book title going all the way back to 1957 when the Graniteer began.
COMPLETED BOOKS INCLUDED: Cemetery Feature Monuments, Downtown Display Monuments, Faith Based Monuments, First Responder Monuments, Graniteer Covers, Mausoleums, Columbariums & Niches, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Public Monuments & Memorials, Sports & Hobby Monuments, War Memorials.
Mize Granite Sales Employs Student Worker Associated with The Granite Industry Family
Voting Member Firm, MIZE GRANITE SALES, INC. recently hired Chloe Robertson. Chloe is part of Elbert County Comprehensive High School’s Workbase Learning Program. During the morning she attends her classes at ECCHS and then goes to work at Mize Granite for the afternoon. The workbase learning program is a program that facilitates awareness, exploration and preparation for career paths. It assists in developing employability and technical skills that support success in careers and postsecondary education. Structured learning and authentic work experiences are implemented through an education and industry partnership. Students have the opportunity to connect what they learn in school with worksite application, enabling a smooth transition into the work force and/or education beyond high school.
Chloe’s responsibilities at Mize Granite Sales include clerical office assistance, filing, answering phones, and assisting with deposits and shipments. When she is finished with high school, her goal is to attend college and ultimately become a high school English teacher. Both of Chloe’s parents work in the granite industry with EGA member-firms.
Elberton Granite Association Welcomes
Coldwater Granite as New Voting Member!
COLDWATER GRANITE made its debut as Elberton Granite Association’s newest voting member this past March. Coldwater Granite is owned by Matthew Lynch and his wife, Natalie. The new firm was founded in October of 2022. Matthew and Natalie both have prior experience in the granite industry before deciding to open their own company. The couple took note of the high demand for quality monuments in today’s market and wanted to assist in the industry by providing a place to fill that need. The firm is located on Hard Cash Road in Dewy Rose, Georgia. The plant is equipped with an 80,000-pound block forklift to load and unload up to 60,000-pound blocks as needed. It also has a 25-ton overhead crane and a 15-ton overhead crane along with a 65-foot polishing bed and an 11-foot, 6-inch diamond saw.
Matthew operates and oversees all operations of the company and enlists help from two part-time employees while Natalie serves as administrative backup to Matthew while she also cares for their three young children. Matthew envisions expanding Coldwater Granite by building an office space in the future as the company continues to grow.
This edition’s member spotlight is QUALITY MONUMENT SALES, INC. The company is owned and operated by Kay Rhodes with the assistance of her children Angie Bonds and Jonathan Rhodes. Quality Monument Sales is one of few monument firms in Elberton solely owned by a female. Quality Monument Sales has been a member of the EGA for the past forty-seven years. This firm, much like many of them, has an intriguing history that led to the success story that it is today.
Quality Monument Sales started as Quality Sandblast & Granite Company in the late 1960’s. Charlie Clamp founded the firm and began its operation. In 1973 Nelson Locke. The plant was, and still is today, located just 2 miles west of Elberton on what is now the Bowman Highway. In the summer of 1976, Quality Sandblast & Granite Company became members of the Elberton Granite Association and have been a continuous member since.
Fall of 1982 brought even more change to the company when Alvin C. “Butch” Rhodes along with his wife, Kay Rhodes and Johnny Swygert with his wife, Frances bought Quality Sandblast & Granite Company. This dynamic foursome brought a great deal of knowledge and experience to the company. The two ladies carried out the office functions and developed relationships with customers while the two men oversaw production operations and sales. Butch began working in granite at the age of 18 and spent 10 years as a plant foreman for a fellow member firm. He specialized his work in hand-cut ornate work. Kay brought her vast knowledge of bookkeeping and customer service to the new company. Mr. Swygert’s experience was in the quarrying operation while Frances, like Kay, had a history with bookkeeping.
Quality Sandblast & Granite officially became Quality Monument Sales on January 1, 1984. The team was finding their niches and taking over roles where their strengths shined the most. Mr. Rhodes took sole lead of the sales operation while Mr. Swygert began overseeing plant operations. Kay assumed the role of secretary while Frances took on the role of treasurer. Both ladies oversaw bookkeeping. The unique mix proved to be a success for the company as it continued to grow and thrive.
In September of 1987, the firm suffered a fire that almost completely destroyed the office space that had been built in 1979. The two couples quickly put together the task of rebuilding a bigger and better office space adjacent to the monument plant. The new office was approximately 1,380 square foot in size. Under the leadership of the two sets of co-owners, Quality went through many eras of expansion and technology growth. It was equipped with modern technology such as computerized automatic diamond block saws and polisher. But there were still further changes to come. October of 1991 Butch and Kay became sole owners of the granite company. Butch began overseeing both plant operations and sales while Kay continued her administrative responsibilities in the office. Current employees were promoted to plant superintendent and office manager roles and new employees were hired to fill other roles in the office and in the plant. Butch’s son, Marc began assisting with stone cutting and specialty work projects. The new technology and machinery that had been installed previously along with the changes increased the volume of what could be created, and numerous quality monuments were produced under the direction and guidance of the Rhodes. Customer relations was a priority, and the company was excelling.
Quality Monument Sales became even more of a family business when Angie Rhodes began working with her parents, Butch and Kay, during summers and after school in 1994. Angie was a Junior at Elbert County Comprehensive High School. She began working in bookkeeping, computer operations and doing general office work while at the office. In 1996 she attended Georgia Southern Nursing School. Aside from time spent in college, Angie became an indispensable element of the company. She grew her skills and filled many roles through the years. Today, she continues to be a contributing factor in the company’s success.
The family was rattled when Alvin “Butch” Rhodes passed away on January 17, 1995. The family was shaken by his loss but knew that they had to continue the work that he and Kay had put into Quality Monument Sales. So, the family stood firm in his memory and continued to move the company further down the road to success.
Jonathan Rhodes, son of Butch and Kay Rhodes began working part time with the family as a trainee through Elbert County Comprehensive High School’s Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Program. After high school, Jonathan attended Georgia Southern where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. Jonathan began learning all phases of monument manufacturing. He had received a large chunk of his knowledge from his dad and later worked closely under Otis Barnes fine-tuning his stonecutting skills.
In 2021 a tornado hit Quality Monuments and took an entire side of the building. Rebuilding that portion of the plant has been a priority. While navigating insurance, the cost of material along with the shortage of labor has proven a challenge, the Rhodes family has continued forward to ensure the construction is done properly.
Quality Monuments Sales continues today as a family run business. Kay takes the lead and oversees the business aspects all together. Angie continues to ensure the office runs smoothly while Jonathan oversees the plant operations. Marc works part time specializing in detailed stone cutting. Angie’s daughter, Lexi, assists with office work when she is not teaching school and busy raising her toddler daughter and son. Branson, Angie’s teenage son, also helps with general labor when he is not in school or playing sports and Marcus, Angie’s husband, oversees the sandblast department. Quality Monument Sales prides themselves as EGA members and works to uphold the highest standards. Angie, Jonathan and Lexi were all recipients of the EGA scholarship program. Today, their dedication and effort are well noted in the work they accomplish.
Quality Monument Sales works with the latest technologies and materials to keep production running smooth and efficient. They also strive to maintain relationships and work with fellow EGA members in an effort to keep their quality as high as their customers have come to expect over the years. It is their sincerest belief, “Quality Matters”.
This edition’s member spotlight is QUALITY MONUMENT SALES, INC. The company is owned and operated by Kay Rhodes with the assistance of her children Angie Bonds and Jonathan Rhodes. Quality Monument Sales is one of few monument firms in Elberton solely owned by a female. Quality Monument Sales has been a member of the EGA for the past forty-seven years. This firm, much like many of them, has an intriguing history that led to the success story that it is today.
Quality Monument Sales started as Quality Sandblast & Granite Company in the late 1960’s. Charlie Clamp founded the firm and began its operation. In 1973 Nelson Locke. The plant was, and still is today, located just 2 miles west of Elberton on what is now the Bowman Highway. In the summer of 1976, Quality Sandblast & Granite Company became members of the Elberton Granite Association and have been a continuous member since.
Fall of 1982 brought even more change to the company when Alvin C. “Butch” Rhodes along with his wife, Kay Rhodes and Johnny Swygert with his wife, Frances bought Quality Sandblast & Granite Company. This dynamic foursome brought a great deal of knowledge and experience to the company. The two ladies carried out the office functions and developed relationships with customers while the two men oversaw production operations and sales. Butch began working in granite at the age of 18 and spent 10 years as a plant foreman for a fellow member firm. He specialized his work in hand-cut ornate work. Kay brought her vast knowledge of bookkeeping and customer service to the new company. Mr. Swygert’s experience was in the quarrying operation while Frances, like Kay, had a history with bookkeeping.
Quality Sandblast & Granite officially became Quality Monument Sales on January 1, 1984. The team was finding their niches and taking over roles where their strengths shined the most. Mr. Rhodes took sole lead of the sales operation while Mr. Swygert began overseeing plant operations. Kay assumed the role of secretary while Frances took on the role of treasurer. Both ladies oversaw bookkeeping. The unique mix proved to be a success for the company as it continued to grow and thrive.
In September of 1987, the firm suffered a fire that almost completely destroyed the office space that had been built in 1979. The two couples quickly put together the task of rebuilding a bigger and better office space adjacent to the monument plant. The new office was approximately 1,380 square foot in size. Under the leadership of the two sets of co-owners, Quality went through many eras of expansion and technology growth. It was equipped with modern technology such as computerized automatic diamond block saws and polisher. But there were still further changes to come. October of 1991 Butch and Kay became sole owners of the granite company. Butch began overseeing both plant operations and sales while Kay continued her administrative responsibilities in the office. Current employees were promoted to plant superintendent and office manager roles and new employees were hired to fill other roles in the office and in the plant. Butch’s son, Marc began assisting with stone cutting and specialty work projects. The new technology and machinery that had been installed previously along with the changes increased the volume of what could be created, and numerous quality monuments were produced under the direction and guidance of the Rhodes. Customer relations was a priority, and the company was excelling.
Quality Monument Sales became even more of a family business when Angie Rhodes began working with her parents, Butch and Kay, during summers and after school in 1994. Angie was a Junior at Elbert County Comprehensive High School. She began working in bookkeeping, computer operations and doing general office work while at the office. In 1996 she attended Georgia Southern Nursing School. Aside from time spent in college, Angie became an indispensable element of the company. She grew her skills and filled many roles through the years. Today, she continues to be a contributing factor in the company’s success.
The family was rattled when Alvin “Butch” Rhodes passed away on January 17, 1995. The family was shaken by his loss but knew that they had to continue the work that he and Kay had put into Quality Monument Sales. So, the family stood firm in his memory and continued to move the company further down the road to success.
Jonathan Rhodes, son of Butch and Kay Rhodes began working part time with the family as a trainee through Elbert County Comprehensive High School’s Vocational Industrial Clubs of America Program. After high school, Jonathan attended Georgia Southern where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business. Jonathan began learning all phases of monument manufacturing. He had received a large chunk of his knowledge from his dad and later worked closely under Otis Barnes fine-tuning his stonecutting skills.
In 2021 a tornado hit Quality Monuments and took an entire side of the building. Rebuilding that portion of the plant has been a priority. While navigating insurance, the cost of material along with the shortage of labor has proven a challenge, the Rhodes family has continued forward to ensure the construction is done properly.
Quality Monuments Sales continues today as a family run business. Kay takes the lead and oversees the business aspects all together. Angie continues to ensure the office runs smoothly while Jonathan oversees the plant operations. Marc works part time specializing in detailed stone cutting. Angie’s daughter, Lexi, assists with office work when she is not teaching school and busy raising her toddler daughter and son. Branson, Angie’s teenage son, also helps with general labor when he is not in school or playing sports and Marcus, Angie’s husband, oversees the sandblast department. Quality Monument Sales prides themselves as EGA members and works to uphold the highest standards. Angie, Jonathan and Lexi were all recipients of the EGA scholarship program. Today, their dedication and effort are well noted in the work they accomplish.
Quality Monument Sales works with the latest technologies and materials to keep production running smooth and efficient. They also strive to maintain relationships and work with fellow EGA members in an effort to keep their quality as high as their customers have come to expect over the years. It is their sincerest belief, “Quality Matters”.
Left to Right: Wesley Bellant, Jonathan Rhodes, Angie Bonds, Stanley Rucker, Willie Bryant, Marc Rhodes, Joey Biggs, Branson Bonds, Kaye Rhodes and Marcus Bonds
Lewis Transcontinental & Matthews Granite
Participate in Elbert County Workforce Development Summer Externship Program
Statements from teachers, Kelly Gary, Deana Crook, & Sarah Fuller from ECCHS, and Tia Wood from ECMS,
“Elberton’s granite industry is so familiar that many people in our community take it for “granite” (pun intended). Our students view the granite industry as a “back up” plan if they decide not to leave Elberton to pursue college or the military. We need to change the community’s mindset. Let’s start with educators...”
“Our takeaway from the experience is problem solving is key and being a team player is critical.”
“Partnering with industries like Matthews International, educators can help facilitate a cultural change to show the granite industry as desirable, dependable, profitable, and varied.”
“We learned that shipping isn’t just about shipping. It is storage, loading, unloading, data entry, organization and teamwork.”
In the beginning of June, a group of teachers from Elbert County embarked on a collaborated effort to shadow a few companies located in the Elberton area for a school project called Elbert County Workforce Development Summer Externship Program. Two of the companies that volunteered to participate with the program was member firms, LEWIS TRANSCONTINENTAL and MATTHEWS GRANITE. Sarah Fuller with Elbert County Comprehensive High School and Deana Crook with Elbert County Middle School were assigned to Lewis Transcontinental. Owner, Tanner Lewis along with his Office Administrator, Bridgette Eaves spent the week with the teachers as they navigated all of the tasks that go along with running a trucking company. Kelly Gary with Elbert County Comprehensive High School and Tia Wood with Elbert County Middle School were assigned to Matthews Granite where Donna Young showed the ins and outs of monument manufacturing.
After spending a week with each company, the teachers next task will be to develop a lesson plan for their upcoming classes about entering the workforce. The lessons will include things like safety in the workplace, organizational skills, following OSHA guidelines, along with other tasks. The purpose is to ensure that the children are equipped to graduate and become employees that are relevant and prepared in the workforce. Kelly Gary, Tia Woods and Donna Young
Bernardo Rodriquez, Deana Crook, Tanner Lewis, Sarah Fuller & Bridgette Eaves
The 6th Annual Museum Foundation Golf Tournament kicked off Friday, April 21st. The day was a great success where friends and colleagues were able to unwind, play some golf, eat, and fellowship. The weather was beautiful with a clear blue sky and slight wind. Nothing kicks off a great spring day like a round of golf!
Twenty-two teams came to support EGA’s Granite Museum Foundation. The hope is that one day the museum can be updated and renovated. Being built in 1980, the building can use some upkeep. Each man and woman had the opportunity to win a brand new zero turn lawn mower. Competitions such as longest drive and closest to the pin along with a putting contest took place throughout the day.
Without the support of our excellent membership family and businesses around town, this day would not be the success that it is. Companies and foundations help with our efforts by sponsoring different aspects of the day.
Quinn Floyd, Matt Campbell, Kris Hendrix, Larry Kesler
A.Q. STONE DESIGN COMPANY Justin Bellew, Phil Johnson, Matt Rorick, Austin Williams
BELLEW GRANITE INTERIORS David Anderson, Eddie Higginbotham, Michael Hughes, Ricky Timms, BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY
Thomas Brady, Abby Bryant, Madden drake, Brady Starrett
BLUE DEVILS Chaz Bray, Cole Bray, Landon Brown, Evan Yeargin
BRAY GRANITE Chad Brown, Steven Brown, Sandy Thornton,
Chance Yeargin, BROWNSTONE MEMORIALS Chip Strickland, Chris Kubas, Jeremiah Van Dora, (Not Pictured is Tash Van Dora) ELBERTON GRANITE ASSOCIATION
Ray Cannon, Mark Harper, Jake Smith, Randy Smith
ELBERTON STONEWORKS Clinton & Bethany Ellis, Lew Salmon,
Amy Schieffelin, GA ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Mason Gaines, DJ Francoeur, Tim Gaines, Greg Johnson
GRAND SLAM ATLANTA Stacey Drake, Steve Banks, Heath Brady, Kevin Dye
GRANITE SALES & SUPPLY CORPORATION Tanner Lewis, Carson Eaves, Kyle McGee, Colton Moon
LEWIS TRANSCONTINENTAL Mike Brady, Billy Bryant, Nick Fleischer, Elliott Paul
MATTHEWS GRANITE - EAGLE DIVISION Ben Baker, Jake Baker, Matt Henderson, Trey McAvoy
MATTHEWS GRANITE Chad Ankerich, Ben Emery, David Kesler, Robert Kesler
McGEE HEATING & AIR Walker Bryant, Slate Crook, Brett Padgett, Carson Pullen
MILES SUPPLY OF ELBERTON Leann Fortson, Shannon Fortson, Jackson McConnell, Jenny McConnell, PINNACLE BANK
Danny Barton, Dave Cattrell, Donovan Coleman, Travis Hawkins, RWI INDUSTRIAL
Rafael Hernandez, Josh Massey, Seth Massey,
Michael Mock, SERCLEAN Carly Darnell, Kyle Darnell, Cyanne Fuller, Bob Shah
SYMPHONA LLP Steave Bridges, James Hill, Scott Human, Todd Hill
U-BLAST STENCIL Corey Bradford, Brad Holland, Tyler McKellar,
Rhett Walker, WALKER GRANITE Sponsors, Miles Supply, Matthews Granite, U-Blast, Elberton Stoneworks, Pinnacle Bank, Bicknell Supply Company, Delta Associated Investments, Air Compressor Sales, Inc. McGee Heating & Air, Ron White’s, Inc., A.Q. Stone Design Company, Inc. Lewis Transcontinental, Foothills Financial Strategies, Porcelains Unlimited, Anchor, Saf-Gard Safety Shoe Company, Georgia Administrative Services & Monument Builders of North America, MBNA. Elberton Granite Association Holds
Annual Meeting Continuing in the well-established tradition, EGA hosted their annual meeting. This year’s meeting was held at the Elberton Country Club on the evening of June 7, 2023. The meeting was kicked off with President, Roger Wallace, of Wallace Granite Sales calling the meeting to order along with doing roll call of membership.
A moment of silence was held in honor of the men and women of the Elberton Granite Association’s membership past and present that passed away withing the year. Michael Baston of Baston Monuments officiated the memorial service this year. As is tradition, a table of honor with their names and photos printed on a place holder was set in the front of the room.
Each year, three members of the board end their position allowing three new members to be voted in at the annual meeting, to take the chair of those stepping down. This ensures that the board stays rejuvenated and fluid to conquer any tasks or decisions that may require fresh perspectives. The three members stepping down this year were Trudy King of King’s Monument Company, Mark Hill of Hillcrest Granite Company, and Jake Smith with former member firm, Central Granite Company. Trustees serve three consecutive years while still maintaining daily operations of their own businesses here in Elberton. Such dedication and trustworthy service is what makes EGA what it is today. A large “Thank You” goes to each gentleman and lady for all you have done for the granite industry through your service. Coming on board for the upcoming term are Tony Mills with L & M Granite Company, Ross Oglesby with Keystone Memorials and Mark Harper with Elberton Stoneworks. President Roger Wallace led the voting process of taking nomination ballots for the new trustees and overseeing the tallying of the votes.
Outgoing President, Roger Wallace presented the newest EGA members with plaques of membership. These new members were Matthew Lynch with Coldwater Granite and Chapin Phillips with Elberton Stoneworks. The Elberton Granite Association is always happy when new members join the family. It is through our members that the granite industry continues to thrive and grow strong.
This year’s treasurer, Rose Walker, with Walker Granite Company, presented the treasury report followed by the President’s Report given by Roger Wallace of Wallace Granite Sales. The Report of the Executive Vice President was presented by Chris Kubas. Chris also presented Roger Wallace with this year’s President’s Plaque.
After the meeting a delicious buffet was served as fellowship and
comradery filled the room. TRUSTEES ELECT NEW 2023-2024 OFFICERS
Left to Right: EVP Chris Kubas, EGA, Vice President Ross Oglesby, KEYSTONE MEMORIALS;
Roger Wallace, WALLACE GRANITE SALES; President Michael Baston, BASTON MONUMENTS;
Bob Paul, BEAVERDAM QUARRY; Treasurer Rose Walker, WALKER GRANITE COMPANY; Tony
Mills, L&M GRANITE COMPANY; Greg Ruff, RIVER EDGE GRANITE COMPANY; Mark
Harper, ELBERTON STONEWORKS; and Rick Adams, STAR GRANITE INTERIORS We, in the Elberton Granite Association along with the granite industry that it serves, would like to shout out a great big welcome to the 2023-2024 Board of Trustees. Each and every person that holds a position on this board goes above and beyond the normal call of duty in one given workday to extend themselves for the better of the granite industry in whole. It is a position of utmost importance to maintain the vigor of not only their own companies but the companies of the friends, family and, yes, competitors.
An even greater responsibility than serving on the board is serving as an elected officer of the board. Once the new members of the board are elected in by the members present at the annual meeting, the board then meets to elect the new president, vice president and treasurer. The board convened on the 17th of July to elect this year’s officers.
Michael Baston of BASTON MONUMENTS will serve as the newly elected President of the Elberton Granite Association. Ross Oglesby of KEYSTONE MEMORIALS will serve as the elected Vice President and Rose Walker of WALKER GRANITE COMPANY will serve as the elected Treasurer for 2023 - 2024. It is through this team of dedicated men and women that EGA will continue to successfully serve the granite industry. Learn The Journey
Of Earthed Granite
To Monuments! Once a year, EGA offers a 5-day class that walks you through everything it takes to create a monument. The 5-day course offers a trip to an active quarry where the attendees can witness the granite being quarried from the Earth. A tour to a production facility will give the class first-hand knowledge of how the block is cut to a more manageable size and sent to finishing to be polished, pitched or carved. The class will see updated setting techniques, monument design tips, laser and hand etching along with a tour to a local cemetery where symbolism and monument design will be discussed. Keynote Speaker, Troy Caldwell, CM, AICA of Caldwell Monuments
in Kokomo, Indiana will be available all week as not only the speaker, but mentor.
Cost of class is $400 and includes lunches throughout the week along with transportation to and from two hotel options in Elberton for all days except Friday. REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
www.egaonline.com under the Industry tab! It Was Pretty Simple.
They Knew Exactly What They Wanted. - Eddy Higginbotham,
Memorial Art It was an honor to be given the opportunity to create this monument for Mr. Daniel and his family. - Tony Mills, L&M Granite Company
Sitting within Elberton Georgia’s Historic Elmhurst Cemetery is this remarkable monument that was crafted by L & M GRANITE COMPANY and was designed by MEMORIAL ART. Both companies are fine members of the Elberton Granite Association. The family that this monument belongs to wanted to have one large center family stone that represented the parents’ family name in the middle along with the married name of their daughters. The flat markers are representation of each family member.
The monument is made from True Blue granite, exclusively sold by L & M. This stunning monument consists of four pieces including two wings, the center tablet and a base. It stands a combined height of eight feet and six inches tall and is ten feet wide. A steeled surface gives this monument a smooth matte finish that offers a classic flare.
The center tablet is topped with a rounded contour. The contour is cut short with a four-inch check giving the appearance of a fluted square column on each side giving the appearance of being separated from the wing on each side of the center. Twelve-inch tall praying hands are skillfully shape carved along the top front with the parent’s family name centered just underneath it. The back of the center tablet features a shape carved cross with Joshua 24:15 centered.
The two wings on each side of the monument give it a complete appearance. The check along with the appearance of a square fluted column is carried through on each straight topped wing to give the monument a finished appearance. A single rose is shape carved on the top corners of both front and back of the wings. The front also bears the married last name of two daughters. The base features a two-inch steeled margin and is completed with rock pitching. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. was given the honor of creating this Keystone Blue granite memorial for Watson Signs & Monuments located in College Station, Texas. The intricately designed shape offers a unique silhouette. The curves and textures feed off of each other to give the monument a smooth and appealing flow. Polished raised letters forming the family name are featured on both front and back of the monument. The front of the monument also features a polished raised Star of David with a recessed check behind it. The ends are rock pitched while the top of the monument has a contour polished top. A sawn contour is cut along the bottom to fit perfectly atop the contoured base that continues the variation of steeled and rock pitched finishes creating the curved flow. An all steeled turned vase was added to the left side of the monument. Economy Blue granite was used to create the foundation cap that the monument sits upon. This monument is located in College Station Memorial Cemetery in College Station, Texas. CHILDS & CHILDS GRANITE COMPANY is responsible for many years’ worth of first-class monuments. As a trusted name in the granite industry, they create top quality monuments. This monument demonstrates some of that high quality craftsmanship that they are known for. Working with White’s Marble Works, Inc in Madisonville, TN and Clint Button of Boiling Springs, SC, they produced this top-notch monument.
The tablet, made from Caprice Blue granite, is a half serp top with a 3” drop. It is all polished. The intricately detailed carving of a hummingbird amongst an iris bloom was sculpted by local Sculptor, Clint Button. The iris is an original composition of Clint’s. The bas relief carving is 8.5” wide and 17.5” tall. It is 2.5” deep. This beautiful stone can be found in Holston Cemetery in Louisville, Tennessee. The base has a 2” polished margin and is completed with a rock pitch on all four sides.
QUALITY MONUMENT SALES was given the honor along with A.Q. STONE DESIGN COMPANY and GOLD EAGLE QUARRIES in the creation of this beautiful memorial for a local man with a servant’s heart. Mr. Bessinger was an Air Force Vietnam Era Veteran that dedicated the remainder of his life to Elbert County, Georgia. He served his hometown in various ways and was well loved by many.
The granite for the monument was quarried from Gold Eagle Quarries, the supplier of Quality Monument’s Quality Dark Blue granite. Quinn Floyd with A.Q. Stone Design met with Mrs. Bessinger to get enough information to be able to design the stone with all of the elements that meant the most to Mr. Bessinger and herself such as the flag and the birdhouse. Quality Monument Sales engraved the Air Force logo and the EMT logo also, as these represent different ways that Mr. Bessinger served his community. The monument is adorned with a mirror smooth polish on the front and back with rock pitch on the sides and top. The subbase is all polished to a shine. The eight-inch-tall base is polished on the top with rock pitch on the edges. Jonathan with Quality Monuments set the monument in Forest Hill Cemetery in Elberton, Georgia. This is a great representation of a life well-lived and well-loved. It also a great representation of how the EGA family works so well together to accomplish a single goal - to pursue the best quality craftsmanship possible. REYNOLDS MARBLE & GRANITE COMPANY collaborated with Capital Monument Company out of Roebuck, South Carolina to create this set of cross monuments. Three thousand four hundred and eighty-two pounds of GA Marble Cherokee was used to fabricate these monuments. The pieces are each sand finished giving the monuments a smooth appearance with a 3D Alpha Omega symbol carved in the center of each cross. This monument can be found in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Spartanburg, South Carolina. This beautiful custom designed two-crypt mausoleum was created by MATTHEWS GRANITE for Toler Monuments in Wise, North Carolina. The exterior of the building is polished with steeled accents such as the recessed front panel with custom hand carved flowers flanked by two mock square columns and two carved scrolls on each side of the same block. The name block features a carved check around all four sides offering a regal appearance to the top. The solid granite base is eight inches thick with a polished top and rock pitch edges. On each side of the mausoleum sits two vase blocks and two custom turned polished vases that sit within custom cut feet.
The mausoleum can be found in Jackson Cemetery in Jackson, North Carolina. This beautiful GA Cherokee Marble monument was crafted by REYNOLDS MARBLE & GRANITE COMPANY for Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama. The beautiful monument features a 2-inch apex top with a 3/4-inch scotia around all four sides of the top. The sandblasted band wraps around all four sides as well. A larger version of the scotia on the monument is mimicked along the top of the subbase. The base is made with a flat top and straight ends. Each piece is sand finished. This beautiful tribute is located in Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama. A family mausoleum preserves the family continuity. Generations to come visit the space with pride and spend time reflecting on those who came before them. This mausoleum is set apart for the Burton Family, owners of member firm, BURTON MONUMENT COMPANY. Even though the structure was built for the Burton family, it represents another family as well. The granite industry family. Johnny Burton included many of his granite industry friends in the creation of this one-of-a-kind garden style family walk-through mausoleum. Johnny consulted and worked closely with several EGA members to accomplish this mausoleum. Throughout the two years that he worked on this task, Jake and Randy Smith with ELBERTON STONEWORKS, Jesse Hernandez with GEORGIA MAUSOLEUMS, along with Rusty Adams with STERLING GRAY QUARRIES, MILES SUPPLY and PORCELAINS UNLIMITED were all involved in the final outcome. Once the design was complete and the pieces were crafted, Johnny’s son Brad and Plant Foreman, James Hendrix along with Blake and Rick erected the
mausoleum ensuring everything fit exactly where it was supposed to. This took the time span of a few months.
The mausoleum is crafted with Sterling Gray granite and accented with Jet Black granite. The majority of the Burton Blue surfaces are steeled finish aside from the subbase and foundation base which has rock pitching along the outside edges. The steps are each flamed on the top with rock pitch on the edges. The Jet Black granite is all polished. Thirteen-inch sandblasted letters make up the family name along the pediment on the front and back of the mausoleum. Eight and a half foot tall columns are displayed on each side of the open-air foyer where twenty-four crypts are held.
This garden mausoleum is a extraordinary testament to family, be it kin or colleague This timeless work of art can be found along the back road in Elberton’s own Historic Elmhurst Cemetery. America’s battlefields and associated historic sites are living memorials, places of remembrance and reflection. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley just three miles northeast of downtown Winchester, Virginia is the beautiful Third Winchester Battlefield, a must see for any Civil War enthusiast. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS, INC. was given the honor of manufacturing the Ohio memorial for Malvern Granite Company, LLC in New Market, Virginia. The monument is located on the Third Winchester Battlefield where it overlooks the crossing used by Ohio soldiers attacking the Confederate left flank on September 19, 1864.
Standing 11 feet and 6 inches tall and weighing 35,202 pounds, this monument made from American Black granite demands attention. The detailed outline of the state of Ohio is raised and polished on the front of the monument with skin frosted letters listing the date of the battle and the infantries and batteries from Ohio that fought on this field. The back of the monument is thermal finish with rock pitch along the top and the sides. The all-polished subbase is cut with tapered sides sitting atop another subbase that has a 2-inch polished margin and is finished with rock pitching along the edges. Inside the rock pitch are the words “TO HER NOBLE SONS”. The base of this monument is polished on the top with the words “OPEQUON” sandblasted on one side identifying the creek that forces crossed to reach the battle and “WINCHESTER” on the other, the name of the town the battle took place. The edges of the base are finished with rock pitching. The use of different textures throughout this monument tie the pieces together quite nicely. Bronze letters and emblems make nice accents against the American Black granite.
Third Winchester was the bloodiest battle of the Shenandoah Valley, resulting in more casualties than the entire 1862 Valley campaign. This monument is a great memorial to the men that fought this battle. Southern Monument Builders Association chose The Woodlands, Texas for the location of this year’s 2023 convention. The convention was loaded with a full schedule for the entire stay beginning Thursday with the President’s Reception Meet & Greet followed by Happy Hour. Friday was filled with lively walks through the display room along with several breakout sessions during the afternoon. The EGA report was given Saturday followed by more sessions and lunch. Happy Hour began at 6:00 followed by the SMBA Banquet and Awards. This year’s convention was a success and many are looking forward to next year. Left to Right: Ed and Judy Anderson, Ada, OK; Sharon and Leslie Turpin with BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY; and Beth and LC Star, Elkhart, TX Left to Right: Ronny Bracket, Witchita Falls, TX; Brady Turner with MILES SUPPLY OF ELBERTON; Austin Keese, Witchita Falls, TX
Left to Right: Jeremiah Allhands, Magnolia, AR; Tanner Lewis with LEWIS TRANSCONTINENTAL; Mrs. and Mr. Nick Ortiz, Amarillo, TX; and Samantha Mobley, Grapeland, TX
Southern hospitality at its finest!
This year’s Southern Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association conference was held in the southern town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee at the The Park Vista Hotel. Nestled right in the Appalachian Mountains, there were plenty of activities to entertain and occupy the participants including a 90th Anniversary gala at their Presidents Reception and Grand Banquet featuring live music and historical museum dedicated to the industry. Guest speakers with diverse topics were lined up for attendees to hear in between visiting the many exhibitors that attended.
George Arnold with Glass Art Imaging spoke about the vast uses of Glass Art in the industry.
Scott Streetman and Paula Kirchhofer speak about Matthews Granite and everything they have to offer the industry.
Benny “Nelson” Locke
September 15, 1943 - April 27, 2023 Mr. Benny ‘Nelson’ Locke, 79, of Sam Tate Road, Elberton, GA, husband of Edna Rebecca “Becky” Tate Locke, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital in Athens, GA. Nelson was born in Elberton, GA on September 15, 1943, youngest son of the late Grover Cleveland “Pete” Locke and Sara Nell Seymour Locke, and is also preceded in death by his brother, Barry Locke.
He graduated from Elbert County High School with the 1962 class, and attended North Georgia Technical School where he learned the trade of brick masonry. Nelson spent his entire working career in the granite industry having owned EGA member firm, Quality Sandblast & Granite Company in Elberton as well as a retail monument company in Orlando, FL.
He married Edna Rebecca Tate in 1990, and after many years spent in Orlando, the couple retired to Becky’s home in the Elbert County, GA community of Fortsonia where they enjoyed many happy years. Nelson enjoyed buying and selling items at various flea markets, but above buying and selling he enjoyed the opportunity to meet new friends and socialize.
He was a lover of classic cars, watching tv, and pampering the many cats that took up residence with Becky and him. Nelson was a member of First United Methodist Church of Elberton, Pulliam-Burton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5456, and Elberton Moose Lodge 1099.
Survivors, in addition to his wife Becky, include his brother, Sidney Locke of Columbia, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Mary Anne Adams
May 1, 1941 - July 6, 2023 Mrs. Mary Anne Allen Adams, 82, of Charles Yeargin Road, Elberton, GA passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens.
Mrs. Adams was born May 1, 1941, in Hart County, GA to William Clyde Allen and Mary Ruth Roper Allen. She was a member of Rock Branch Baptist Church and was a drafter working alongside her husband for 55 years.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Joel Brandon “Brannie” Adams; son and daughter-in-law, Commander Christopher Allen Adams and Kristin Adams of Paris Island, SC; daughter, Jennifer Anne Pulliam of Elberton, GA; three sisters; one brother; three grandchildren: Dr. Kelsie Marie Tyson and James Tyson of Athens, GA, Carlie Adelle Adams-Watzke and Dr. Lukas Watzke of Vienna, Austria, and Brandon Logan Pulliam of Elberton, GA; one great-grandchild, Addison James Tyson; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Date:
SUMMER 2023
Year:
2 023
Season:
SUMMER