2022 Spring Graniteer

Volume: 
66
Number: 
1
Page: 
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SPRING 2022 Hello Friends! We wanted to take this opportunity to make a clarification on a question that has been brought to our attention from an article printed in the January 2022 MB News, titled, “Families find longer wait times for grave monuments”. In the article on Page 24, there is a photo at the top of the page that shows a granite quarry with a large number of granite blocks sitting on the ground around the quarry. This quarry is an EGA member quarry and the quarry is located in Georgia, however the photo can be a bit misleading due to the fact that this is not an Elberton Blue/Grey quarry. This article was originally printed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper and was then reprinted in the MB News. The original article was written to discuss the rumors being circulated that Elberton was running out of granite. The picture in question was requested by the Author of the article, and was sent along with other pictures to possibly be used in the article. Ultimately, the picture in question was chosen by the Author and her editor. The EGA would like to make the clarification, that although the picture shows a large quantity of blocks that have been quarried and awaiting transportation, these are not Elberton Blue/Grey blocks, they are an entirely different color. Elberton and its granite district do have access to a large vein of Blue/Grey granite and we currently are in no danger of running out of stone. We are however, suffering from labor shortages, weather issues, transportation and fuel costs, as well as parts and equipment shortages. All of this along with a myriad of other factors, have left quarry operators scrambling to meet the production demands based on the current volume of orders being placed, which in most cases are 3 times the amount of pre-pandemic orders. The EGA would like to apologize for any confusion based on this article and the accompanying picture; we can see how it could lead someone to think we had blocks of Blue/Grey just laying around waiting to be shipped, this is not the case. I can assure you that every usable Blue/Grey block is sold long before it leaves the quarry. In many cases, blocks that once would have been discarded due to imperfections in parts of the stone, are now being re-examined to see if useable parts of the block can be salvaged. I can also assure you that your supplier is doing everything they can to obtain blocks to meet production needs. The EGA is hopeful that the current manufacturing situation will continue to improve, the farther we move away from the pandemic and the issues related to it. As we do, we would ask for your patience as the Elberton Granite industry works to overcome the backlog of orders facing us. We know you have a choice in where you buy your granite products, and we appreciate that you choose the EGA. If I can answer any questions or be of any other assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Members… Know about TRUE Craftsmanship. Their exquisitely crafted memorials exemplify time honored stonework and attention to detail. Unusual ‘Feather Monument’ Repurposed By Keep Elbert County Beautiful One of the great benefits of Elberton granite is that it has a strength incomparable to anything other than diamonds. The Stone Industry recognizes granite as one of the hardest of all natural stones. Elberton Granite has been a stone of choice for public and private memorials as well as countless commercial uses for over 100 years. Elberton granite has a strength that ensures a long life of monuments and memorials. This unique monument has outlived the company it was created for and is being given a second spot in life to stand tall and proud. The unusual 15-foot-tall feather monument was created to stand outside former EGA member-firm, Supreme Granite Company. The feature was amongst some of the best-working granite in the quarry and broke from the block resembling a large bird feather that includes a half-twist with varying thickness. The piece was heading to the scrap pile when it was salvaged for its unique appearance. Supreme Granite Company closed, and the property was purchased by Mike Rutherford of EGA member-firm, PYRAMID MATERIALS. Mike did not see a reason for the monument not to continue standing and donated it to Keep Elbert County Beautiful, who decided it could serve as a focal point at the Elberton Civic Center. Mike and Bo Rutherford with PYRAMID MATERIALS relocated the feather shaped monument to the Elberton Civic Center where Michael Baston with BASTON MONUMENTS eagerly volunteered to assist in erecting it at the front of the building on the platform built throughout 2021. EGA along with DESIGN MART, EAGLE GRANITE, HILLCREST GRANITE, IMEX, STAR GRANITE AND WALKER GRANITE donated funds to assist with setting the monument in its new location along with the foundation and the landscaping around it. EGA’s Frankie Patterson Retired The EGA family recently celebrated the retirement of long-time employee, Frankie Patterson. Frankie worked for the Elberton Granite Association a total of 26 years. She served as receptionist during that time and also managed EGA’s EGAMAS materials, assisted in keeping up with certified memorials along with the annual monument retailers course. Frankie contributed to many areas by going the extra mile. She focused her efforts on helping to update the Elberton Granite Museum by typing many of the caption cards and posters that can be found under the displays. Frankie could always be relied on to go the extra mile to ensure that EGA tasks were done with speed and quality. Frankie’s warmth and her witty sense of humor will be missed by her EGA family. Paul Alberton of Henry & Henry Hung Up The Reins Paul Albertson, Terminal Manager of HENRY & HENRY hung up the reins in December of 2021. Paul began his career in the granite industry when he was only thirteen years old helping his uncle and his father. Paul’s uncle owned Argo Trucking Company, former member of EGA and his father helped to run the company. Paul worked within the company alongside his family after school and on weekends. Once Paul graduated High School and college, he came back to the granite industry with former EGA member firm, Brown Transport in 1978. He stayed there until December 1989 when Billy Fox asked Paul to join him in starting Henry & Henry Trucking. Paul took the opportunity and gave it all he had working out of his pickup truck and using the payphone at the local Wendy’s. Paul reflected with a smile when asked about his customers. “A lot of the customers were fellow friends and classmates, we all graduated together and grew up together, we’re family. It has been great watching all their companies grow along with us.” With over 50 years in trucking Paul stated “I thrived on what I did, and I worked as hard as I could to build the business. The best part was dealing with people and watching the business grow more and more.” Paul’s goal for retirement is to get away from all the stresses of today’s world and focus on slowing down and enjoying life. “I hated leaving Henry & Henry, but it was time to enjoy life.” stated Paul Alberton. Diamond Cut & Polish Company Builds Quarry Diamond Wire Saw DIAMOND CUT & POLISH COMPANY recently built a quarry diamond wire saw for a local quarry operation. Diamond Cut & Polish has been supplying the natural stone industry with diamond products since 1999 when owner, Mo Mehrabi with wife, Pari, began their business. In 2001, Diamond Cut & Polish petitioned to become members of EGA. Mehrabi specializes in production of diamond wire and other tools that utilize the diamond to cut into granite and marble. Quarry diamond wire saws revolutionized quarrying granite by improving efficiency, safety, and speed in which the granite is mined from the earth. The saw can be used to cut in different ways such as horizontal, vertical and tilted angles. This main motor of this wire saw has 60 HP with 480V and is equipped with a mechanical speed reducer to create a torque twice that of an 80 HP motor with half of the power consumption. Timing belts and pulleys prevent slippage for maximum power transfer. The wire speed is 0-35 M/S with high quality AC drive. It has 340-degree head rotation. The motorized side movement with barrel bearing and seal is able to move 66” apart with the same installation. It features constant wire tension with a DC motor. The machine is made with all its mechanical parts from the United States and built and designed right here in Elberton, Georgia. The machine is equipped to have a choice of 24-ft of 4-pieces of track or 30-ft. of one-piece track. This expands the possibilities of its use in the quarry layout. These coring machines are another creation of JOHNSON MACHINE SHOP and was built for Matthews Granite. The two machines are constructed of heavy structural steel. The frames are constructed with 8-inch square tubing and are welded to insure maximum stability and rigidity. Complete water and hydraulic systems are built into the machines and need only to be connected to the electrical and water source. These machines are self-contained with motors and controls wired-in and ready to operate from the customer’s fused disconnect. The singe spindle coring machine was built special to drill 6” vase holes in bases and under bronze plaques. It contains a 15-horsepower motor for smooth operation. The double spindle coring machine was built to drill 1” lug holes in bases and under bronze. It is built with two 5-horsepower motors. The machines are built to give the operator the utmost control over its functions. All electrical and hydraulics are located for operators’ convenience with built-in controls. Variable pressure assures fast, economical, and clean operation. Automatic raise and lower is controlled by limit switches. Johnson Machine Shop can always be trusted to build the best quality and lasting machines. Design Mart Releases New Clip Art For 2022 DESIGN MART announces their Clip Art Volume 2 is now available. There are more than 3,000 pieces of all new clip art in the following categories: Angels, Animals, Borders, Buildings, Children, Crosses, Emblems, Faith, Floral, Hands, Hobbies & Leisure, Music, Other, Panels, People, Scenes, Shapes, Sports, Transportation and Western. . Artwork may be purchased individually for $45 for each standard design component and $85 for each scene. Discounts are available by category for savings and 50% off when purchasing the entire set at once. Artwork may be previewed at https://designmart.com/art-and-graphics/monument-clip-art-volume-2/information-and-prices/ . Prices are also shown for categories as well as the entire set. Artwork is available on DVD or flash drive. Popular formats PLT, EPS and DXF are available. For those who missed Volume 1, it can be previewed at https://designmart.com/art-and-graphics/monument-clip-art-volume-1/information-and-prices/ . For more information email d-mart@designmart.com, or call 800-736-7455. Elberton Granite Association Presents ~ The Annual Monument Retailers Class ~ The Elberton Granite Association has ramped up making plans for this year’s Monument Builders Class. The class will be planned for November of 2022 and is open to any retail establishments that do business with an EGA Voting Member Firm (EGA member firm that manufactures monuments). This class is perfect for employees and owners of retailers that want to deepen their understanding of how a monument comes to be or wants to sharpen skills that are needed for this industry. Typically, the class is taken to witness one or two quarries to witness how granite is mined from the earth in blocks. A tour is then taken of a manufacturing plant that will show how a block is brought from the quarry and cut into slabs. Once in slabs, the class will go deeper to see how those slabs are measured and cut into individual monuments. The class typically witnesses the techniques such as stone cutting, polishing, shaping, and carving. A demonstration of stone setting is usually included. A day of classroom instruction allows each class to learn such things as industry terminology, selling techniques, along with networking and design. Tours to Elberton’s finest supply shops are always a welcome bonus to the class. During these trips, the class is given updates on the latest and greatest products available. Time is given for the class to order supplies that can be either taken back to their businesses or shipped back. Another highlight of the class is tours of a trucking company. This trip usually consists of do’s and don’ts of packaging and lifting different stones along with the logistics that go along with getting a monument from the manufacturer to its respective retail company. This class can be a great tool for owners and EGA works hard to ensure that every student walks away a bit wiser and more confident than they came. What Kind Of Monument Detailing Fits Your Stone’s need? Granite is one of the hardest types of igneous rock. It is most commonly seen in gray, but also is formed in many other colors such as pink, red, blue, black and even green along with many other colors. Granite has become the main “monumental stone” as it has grown in popularity amongst other natural stones once used for monuments and memorials. Next to granite, you also see marble, limestone, petrified wood and even sandstone, though some are a much softer stone and wears easily with time. With each of these natural stones, some processes such as sandblasting, etching and carving are done to create the desired design on the stone to make it the monument it was taken from the earth to be. There is a vast selection of styles and techniques of each of the pictured options, but in this article, we will focus on some of the most commonly used options. The first techniques that must be looked at is the finish of the stone. There is a wide variety available such as polish, rock pitch, steel, honed, thermal and stipple. Most common options are polished, steeled and rock pitch finishes. One stone can use many different finishes to create that one-of-a-kind look or to tell the story that the stone is purposed for. Carving is a process that selectively removes granite from the surface of a stone to create art on the surface or within the surface of the stone. Flat carving is typically accomplished using a sandblast machine though in days of the past everything was done with chisel and hammer. Today, we have many more options to help make the process easier. Flat carving is also known as line carving. The process involves sandblasting an image into the surface of the stone. There is no dimension given to flat carving. It is simply line art and/or lettering and is one dimensional. Shape carving is also mostly accomplished with sandblasting; though many manufacturers also use hand carving and CNC machines to accomplish carving techniques. Sandblasted shape carving is a technique that requires years of training with tools and techniques to accomplish a quality shape carved image. Shape carving involves actually shaping the art with a special sandblast nozzle that allows adding dimension to the art such as giving a curved appearance to a rose petal or leaf. Shape carving gives depth and a sense of reality to the carvings on a monument. Hand Carving is a more time-consuming technique that takes years to learn and master. It is accomplished with diamond-tipped tools, chisels, and hammers. Hand carving is another option to create art in a monument. This particular form requires great talent and artistic ability. Stone carving is an activity where pieces of rough natural stone such as granite are shaped by the controlled removal of stone. Tools such as chisels, hammers and diamond dipped saws are the staples for anyone doing hand carving or sculpting. The art that is hand carved can come in forms of bas relief where the art is sunken into the stone with the image raising out of the cut away portion. It can also come in the form of a raised image. This is where the entire face of the stone is cut away except for the image leaving it raised on top of the surface. This is typically used for lettering. In recent years the ability to carve using state of the art computers and programming has come into the granite industry making the time needed for projects to less than half. Etching comes in the form of laser, hand or impact etching. Each one utilizes diamond tipped tools to scratch or impact the surface of a stone to create an image or scene with the dots and/or scratches. Etching allows the artist to portray entire scenes or photographs on the surface of a stone. When granite’s polished surface is etched, it creates a high contrast image on the stone. Darker granites work best for this form of artwork to allow the contrast. Other options that have become available in recent years is the art of utilizing porcelain and glass art. Both of these options allow the use of any color of granite with vivid colors that are guaranteed to withhold time and weather. Bronze is widely used for the sophisticated and traditional look it offers. Lettering can make or break the look of a finished monument. With a wide array of options, it can be overwhelming to select what works best for your stone. Your monument retailer and your manufacturer can easily guide you with any of the options discussed today. EGA Participates in Chamber of Commerce “Lead Elbert Day” The Elberton Granite Association had the honor of participating in the Lead Elbert program again this year by hosting a tour of the local granite industry. This year’s team of participants visited the Elberton Granite Museum along with a working quarry and a fully functioning manufacturer. Lead Elbert is an 8-month leadership development program dedicated to growing and teaching our community leaders. The program focuses on a diverse range of people that are nominated by their peers to participate. The goal of the program is to co-conspire plans and strategies for improving their community. The stated mission is “Empower community members to live out their full potential by giving them the education, resources, and experiences necessary to be effective agents of positive change.” The EGA met with the group at the Elberton Granite Museum where they reviewed a video of the quarrying and production process of the granite industry. The museum is full of history of how the process of manufacturing granite and how far that process has come. A trip to PYRAMID STONE INDUSTRIES was next on the tour. EGA’s Matthew Pruitt explained the process going on below and answered questions about the procedures and safety aspects involved in quarrying natural stone . The visit to the manufacturing plant, EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY, was a big hit with the group. They were able to walk through and witness the workers actually taking the granite blocks and transforming them into monuments, memorials, and mausoleums from cutting, polishing, and shaping to sandblasting and finishing. The morning was full of fine examples of the hard work and dedication that the granite industry is so proud of. GEORGIA MAUSOLEUMS recently created the breathtaking custom one-of-a-kind, single crypt mausoleum for the legendary music maker, Kenny Rogers. Mr. Kenny Rogers was a singer/songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur whose exceptional career spanned six decades and crossed several genres of music. He was most famously known for top hits such as “Lady”, “The Gambler”, “Lucille”, and “Islands in the Stream”. Mr. Rogers’ family tucked in many special features to ensure that his mausoleum spoke of his faith and his love for music. Kenny’s passions speak loudly from the title of his favorite song, “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” sandblasted into the ring that circles the top of the mausoleum to the floating cross that adorns the top of the crypt lid. Elegance at its finest is displayed with the floating cross design featuring simple, clean lines that highlight the beauty of the American Black granite used for its creation. The cross was hand carved and polished by the crew at Georgia Mausoleums to ensure that the utmost attention to detail was given in its making. The six 9-foot turned, and polished columns stand strategically placed to encircle the crypt and to hold up the ring bearing Kenny Rogers’ name and his favorite song title. Construction of this mausoleum was required to be done on location. The round classic columns were placed around the crypt and then topped with the impressive circle bearing Kenny Rogers’ name on front and back. This unforgettable memorial to an American country legend stands east of the Memorial Drive gate along Atlanta’s Historical Oakland Cemetery’s southern wall. Fans and music lovers can celebrate and honor the life of this talented artist. This large-scale monument was produced by DIXIE GRANITE COMPANY using Dixie Blue granite for Wakefield Monuments in Wakefield, Virginia. The tablet is all rock pitch with a recessed panel on the front and back featuring the family name. The Babb tablet measures 5-ft across, 2-ft, 10-in tall and is 1-ft deep. The base has a steeled top with the edges carrying on the rock pitch texture from the tablet. This monument is located in Shiloh Cemetery in Windsor, Virginia. KING’S MONUMENT COMPANY crafted this special dual color memorial for Everhart Memorials in Richmond, Ohio. Black Crystal and India Red granites were used. JENSON ETCHING was given the task of etching the photography and artwork on the tablet and subbase. The tablet was cut to transition from an 8-inch-thick edge post to 7-inches on the remainder of the tablet. A circular shape was cut from the India Red piece along with the Black Crystal piece to accommodate the stained glass insert. All pieces of this monument are all polished aside from the base which features a polished dropwash. The base is completed with rock pitch edges. STAR GRANITE & BRONZE, a division of Matthews Granite created this magnificent family estate monument for Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Panama City, Florida. This estate is large enough to hold 18 individual burial plots within the coping. A range of techniques were used in the manufacturing process from machine cutting and polishing to CNC machine usage along with hand tooling and polishing. The estate consists of twenty-three pieces of granite. The family monument is made up of six of the pieces. The cap features an all-polished apex top shape with straight ends, ending in a rabbit. The rabbit sits directly on top of the tablet. The tablet is polished on five sides with a dropwash leading to rock pitch along the bottom. The first subbase bears the family name. Star’s 5-axis CNC machine was used to shape the 6” polish-faced raised letters on the front side of the subbase, shown to the left. Once it was complete, the letters were cleaned up using hand sculpting and polished by hand as well. The bottom subbase features beautiful drop wash and finishes with rock pitch. The base mimics the second subbase with the drop wash and a taller area of rock pitching. Coping is used to section off the family estate. The coping was given a polished margin and rock pitch along the outside edges. This family estate can be found in Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Panama City, Florida. CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY crafted this memorable monument along with the matching cremation bench for Adnerb Enterprise Memorials and Monuments in Ft. Gaines, Georgia. All pieces were cut from Central Light Blue granite. The bench is made to hold the cremains of the family’s daughter in one of the legs that is bored with a 4-inch diameter chamber. Lettering on the bench and tablet are deep V-cut with black litho added. The monument can be found at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Clay County, Georgia. GEORGIA MAUSOLEUMS does not disappoint when it comes to beautiful quality mausoleums! This two-crypt mausoleum was crafted using American Black granite and can be found in Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. This mausoleum is rich with stately elegance and impressive construction and design. Georgia Mausoleums polished each piece with care. The sunken doorway is flanked by two all polished turned columns and adorned with two turned vases just outside on an extended base. All polished benches rest on the patio that is flanked by American Black granite tiles. This stunning memorial was crafted by KEYSTONE MEMORIALS for Brookhaven Memorials in Brookhaven, Mississippi. The monument is made from Keystone’s own Missouri Red granite. A superb polish was put on all external edges of the tablet before the front was given a shell rock border to frame the face of the stone. The vase mimics the tablet with a polished front framed by a shell rock border. The base features a polish top with the remainder rock pitch. This outstanding tribute to a young a life can be found in Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton, Louisiana. This spectacular monument was created by EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY for Gaulden Monuments, Inc. in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Blue Ridge Granite was used for all four pieces of the monument. The all polished tablet features a custom shaped top to compliment the beautiful design. Below the tablet sits the all polished top subbase. The bottom subbase features a 2” polished margin with the edges rock pitched. The base is polished on the top with rock pitch along the edges. This monument can be found in Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, North Carolina. CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY crafted this all-polished monument from Central Grey granite. The monument stands over 8-feet tall, including base. It stands at the Pigeon Creek Primitive Baptist Church located in Boulogne, Florida to commemorate the church’s 200-year anniversary. Central polished all external pieces of both the tablet and the base. Sandblasting is done on both front and back of the monument defining the history of the church on one side and history of the ministers presiding over it on the other. Three beautiful granite picnic tables have been installed at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hartwell, Georgia. The benches were crafted by J & L Enterprises, Inc. out of their signature J & L Select Grey granite for D & J Memorials in Elberton, Georgia. Each table features a smooth polish finish with Romans 6:23 sandblasted on the edge of each side of each tabletop. The benches sit where the parsonage once stood and serve a great purpose for the general public. The church noticed that during 2020 when the covid pandemic first happened, people were parking and enjoying lunch picnics under the trees. Sunday School classes began meeting in the same location under the trees for their classes. These beautiful benches give the people a place to sit while they enjoy their activities. “J & L did a good job, and they are great to work with” stated Joan Burdette of D & J Memorials. KEYSTONE MEMORIALS crafted this monument for Columbus Monument Company in Columbus, Georgia. The monument is made from all polished Keystone Blue granite and features a sloped top a 14” drop from back to front. The top of the monument is blasted with a painted flag draping over and a color logo is featured on the front of the monument. The monument is located on the Officer Candidate School’s Walk of Honor on Fort Benning, Georgia. The Elberton Granite Association Adds Even More Monument Books To Their Website! https://egaonline.com/industry/advertising-and-publications Check out ega’s newest monument book collection. Downtown Display and Graniteer Covers. The Mid-Atlantic Monument Builders and Monument Builders of North America teamed up this January for a joint convention located in Baltimore, Maryland. Attendees had the opportunity to meet in person with roughly 75 exhibiting manufacturers. Educational sessions with the industry’s most respected leaders were a complete success. Kyle Bagwell, Seth Welch & Bruce Bicknell with BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY; Richard Schultz, Madison, TN; Leslie Turpin, BICKNELL SUPPLY COMPANY; and Jonathan Modlich from Columbus, OH Richard Schultz, Madison, TN along with Kelly Storm & Mike Fernandez from DESIGN MART Tanner Lewis and Austin Pruitt with LEWIS TRANSCONTINENTAL with Connor and Mark Luken from Rapid City, SD Kurt Lukemeyer with KINGS MONUMENT COMPANY; Don Baughman, Dover, PA; Greg Klunder, Grand Rapids, MI; Brooks and Jay Parson from Baltimore, MD and Marty King with KINGS MONUMENT COMPANY Mike Ash and Steve Skeba with MATTHEWS GRANITE along with William Ferrell from Yardville, NJ Libby McNeill, Manassas, VA; Connie and Tony Mills along with Rhonda and Mitch Williams with L & M GRANITE COMPANY; Jennifer and Tony LeCompte from Laurel, DE and Rick Burroughs, Manassas, VA Richard Schultz, Madison, TN; Jonathan Evans PYRAMID MATERIALS; Pam Schultz, Madison, TN Robert Baker, Trey McAvoy, Steve Skeba and Mike Ash with MATTHEWS GRANITE Eric Chaloux, Jeff Poirier, Brady Turner and Ben Gaines with MILES SUPPLY Matt Worthington Burleson, TX and Brady Turner with MILES SUPPLY The annual Stonexpo in Las Vegas brings together all the leading stone machinery, tool, and supply companies. Las Vegas is one of the best locations to hold a convention with this size of the crowds, as well as vendors! Stone Expo features: manufacturers, installers, architects, designers, builders, kitchen & bath specialists, retailers, distributors, general contractors and more, to source their stone product supplies and accessories. This year’s convention also brought a half-day Women’s Leadership Conference where the ladies of the natural stone industry could gather. It was a chance for education, networking and making new friends in the same field. Adriano Soso and Alberto Fraccaro with ITALDIAMANT Eric Chaloux with MILES SUPPLY; Ben Kaus of Makato MN, Ralph Morgan of Quebec, Canada, and Reid Kubesh of Coldspring, MN presented the North American Quarry Advocacy for the NSI (Natural Stone Institute). Eric Chaloux with MILES SUPPLY; Jason Richardson, Las Vegas, NV; Hank Newton of MILES SUPPLY; Jimmy Adams of Las Vegas, NV; Tia Emery and Frank Andrews with MILES SUPPLY A Joint Annual Meeting of the California Monument Association & the Pacific Northwest Monument Builders Association was held March 17-19, 2022 in Dublin, California. A great program was put together with tours, educational sessions, demonstrations, and table-top displays. Bobby Mattos, CM hosted an open house at Bras & Mattos Monument Company for shop talk and a nice taco truck dinner. Mike Johns, CM gave a hands-on demonstration of gold leafing a monument. A tour of Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, CA provided many opportunities to discuss history and design. International Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) held their 2022 convention in Las Vegas, Nevada March 22 - 25. Breakout sessions included Funeral Home Operations, Leadership and Business Management, Leading Across the Generational Divide, The Brand Within, Branding Yourself from Birth to the Boardroom among other great sessions. Patrick Husband, Houston, TX; Trey Mcavoy, MATTHEWS GRANITE; Scott Ladd, Tampa, FL; Gary McCumber, Houston, TX and Hoke Howard with MATTHEWS GRANITE Nick Fleischer, Nathan James and Luke McElroy with EAGLE GRANITE COMPANY meet with convention participants. EGA is always present reresenting our members and the Elberton Granite industry. Harry Wayne Adams March 9, 1955 - January 17, 2022 Mr. Harry ‘Wayne’ Adams, 66, of Hartwell Highway, Elberton, husband of 41 years to Kathy Diane Payton Adams, passed away on Monday, January 17, 2022, at Elbert Memorial Hospital. Wayne was born in Royston on March 9, 1955, son of Marger ‘Genelle’ Davis Adams and the late William Lewellyn Adams. Harry was a member of the Elberton Granite Association through his quarry, Adams Granite Quarry. He was a member of Concord United Methodist Church and retired from the granite industry. Survivors, in addition to his wife Kathy, of Elberton, and mother Genelle, of Elberton, include his children: Gail Adams of Iowa, Stephen Adams of Elberton, and Amy Adams of Elberton; sisters: Judy Hudson of Haddock and Jan Ramsey of Elberton; grandchildren: Thomas, Matthew, and Shawn; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Richard Holder Griggs July 1, 1958 - January 23, 2022 Mr. Richard Holder Griggs, 63, of Pine Needle Lane, Elberton, husband of 39 years to Barbara Ann Bailey Griggs, passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Mr. Griggs was born in Elberton on July 1, 1958, son of the late Troy Lee Griggs and Gladys Dickerson Griggs. He was a graduate of Elbert County High School and the retired owner and operator of Lexington Blue Granite Company, a former member-firm of the Elberton Granite Association. Richard was a member of Fortsonia Baptist Church, Elberton Granite Association, Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25, and a Shriner. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. Survivors, in addition to his wife Barbara, are his daughter, Kerri Griggs Dowell of Elberton; grandchildren: Drake Dowell, Reece Dowell, Easton Dowell, and Adam Dowell, all of Elberton; and sister, Deborah Sturgis and her husband Charles of Port Orange, FL. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sons: Phillip Warren Hancock and Christopher Dwight Hancock; infant sister, Elaine Griggs; and parents-in-law, A.L. and Helen Bailey. Funeral services celebrating his life were held on Thursday, January 27, at 2 o’clock in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Al Butler officiating. Entombment was in Athens Memory Gardens with John Piper, Mike Webb, Tim Hamilton, Tommy Ray, Bobby Moon, and Rusty Adams honored as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Don Andrews, Stewart York, Joe Johnson, Eddy Higginbotham, and Rick Melton. George Borzynski Tyler January 18, 1933 - January 29, 2022 Mr. George Borzynski Tyler, 89, of Heard Drive, Elberton, husband of 59 years to the late Hazel Holmes “Patsy” Watlington Tyler, entered into rest on Saturday, January 29, 2022. Mr. Tyler was born in Tampa, Florida on Jan. 18, 1933, but spent his entire life in Elberton. George was a graduate of Elberton High School and served his country as a 1st Lt. in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Georgia Tech where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. George soon returned to Elberton and eventually took over the family business, Century Granite Company, a loyal member of the Elberton Granite Association. The company was founded by his father Felix Borzynski in 1949 and Mr. Tyler continued its operation after his father passed in 1964. He and Patsy devoted their lives to the success of Century and employed and created long-lasting friendships with generations of Elbertonians. George and Patsy’s home on Heard Drive welcomed many friends over the years, and friends of their four children were especially welcome – even if they drove a boat into the swimming pool or a motorcycle through the living room. There was always an open door and an extra place at the table. George enjoyed a lifelong fascination with airplanes and aircraft. He accumulated thousands of hours in the air, many of which were in aircraft he owned personally. He was eventually able to incorporate his love of flying into his work, traveling across the U.S. to call on Century’s customers. Survivors include children and their spouses: Susan Tyler Haas and her husband Kenneth of Charlotte, North Carolina, Johanna Tyler Anderson of California, and Louis Eugene Tyler and his wife Elizabeth of Elberton; grandchildren: Kali Milner, Kasey Haas, Hannah Haas, Lexi Haas, Tucker Haas, Sasha Anderson, Sintija Anderson, Habtamu Anderson and Alex Anderson; great-grandchild: Ren Milner; sister, Nancy and Gene Rice; and the past and present employees of Century Granite Company, whom he always held dear to his heart. In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his son, Phillip Wolfe Tyler; and parents, Felix Ferdi-nand Borzynski and Virginia Lee Tyler Borzynski. Mr. Tyler was interred at Forest Hills Memorial Park. John ‘Garland’ Burton, Sr. August 5, 1939 - February 14, 2022 Mr. John ‘Garland’ Burton, Sr., 82, of Whipporwill Drive, Royston, passed away on Monday, February 14, 2022, at his residence. Mr. Burton was born in Elberton on August 5, 1939, the only child of the late John Andrew Burton and Flora Booth Burton. A graduate of Centerville High School, Garland was a founder and co-owner of Burton Monument Company a current member of The Elberton Granite Association since 1992. He was a member and past president of the Granite Center Shrine Club and past master of both Philomathea Masonic Lodge #25 in Elberton and Primrose Masonic Lodge #79 in Bowman. Garland was very dedicated to the shrine and getting children admitted to the Shriners Hospital. He was a founding member of the Centerville Fire Department, a charter member of the Elbert County Saddle Club, and a member of Eliam United Methodist Church. He loved riding and training horses. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Fay Lewis Burton of the residence; sons and their spouses: Johnny and Janet Burton and Rick Burton and Christy Brown, all of Elberton; grandchildren: Blake Burton, Brad and Julie Burton, and Bailee Burton; great-grandchildren: Liberty, Cadence, Isabella, Ethan, Blakely, and Ruby Grace; step-daughter, Tara Bush; and a host of other relatives and friends. Laura Lee Johnson Carrington April 7, 1967 - April 5, 2022 Mrs. Laura Lee Johnson Carrington, 54, of Elberton, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at her residence, with her daughter by her side. Laura was born in Elberton on April 7, 1967, the third of three girls born to George Lee Johnson and Verdun Lyle Johnson. She was a 1985 graduate of Elbert County High School and worked along side her husband, Mark, in the family business, Wholesale Granite Company. The were former members of the Elberton Granite Association when they owned and operated Blue Steel Quarry. Laura was a devoted mother to her daughter Jamie and enjoyed playing board games, listening to music, and ceramic painting. She is survived by her pride and joy, her daughter Jamie LeeAnn Carrington of Elberton; sisters: Trudy King and Tammy Fortson, both of Elberton; mother-in-law, Jackie and John McCurley of Hartwell; father-in-law, Bud and Frances Carrington of Elberton; sister-in-law, Kelly C. Jordan of Elberton; brother-in-law, Josh and Katie Carrington of Elberton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas ‘Mark’ Carrington; and step-father, Fred Herndon.
Date: 
Spring 2022
Year: 
2 022
Season: 
Spring