Our History
Townsend Brothers Funeral Home has been in business since 1937. It is a family-owned and operated business. On September 1, 1937, the Townsend Family purchased the Lord Funeral Home, located on Bellevue Avenue, and changed the name to Townsend Brothers Funeral Home and it has remained family-owned and operated by the Townsend Family since. The funeral home moved down to the courthouse square in the early forties where it remained for several years. Two Brothers, James and Forrest Townsend operated the funeral home together for many years. Their parents, Rev. John E. Townsend and Mamie Lou Dixon Townsend kept the business going while both James and Forrest served our country in World War II. In 1948 the funeral home moved to the corner of Gaines and Monroe. The building was a residential home that was built around 1912. In the late 1950’s the building was remodeled and bricked, and the chapel added. In 2007, the Townsend Family bought the Bank of America Building, just across Monroe Street, at 215 West Jackson Street. This building was originally the Citizens and Southern Bank built about 1970. The bank building was completely renovated and enlarged to become Townsend Brothers Funeral Home. On May 3, 2009, we had our open house after 2 years of long-awaited planning and construction.
James and Forrest Townsend returned from war and continued to operate the funeral home as a family. James married Mary Whitaker who became part of the business as well. James and Mary had two children, James E. “Jim” Townsend, Jr., and Deborah Townsend, now Deborah Vestal. Forrest was first married to Clara Bell Mackey who died at an early age of cancer. Forrest later married the former Mattie Dean. Forrest had no children.
In 1976, Mike and Deborah (Townsend) Vestal had married and moved to Dublin after college. They joined the staff and have been a part of the team since. Jim Townsend grew up in the family business and after college, returned to the family business.
In May of 1986, at the age of 68, James Townsend, Sr. died of cancer. Forrest and the rest of the team continued the business until his death in 2002.
Even though the two brothers, James and Forrest are no longer with us, their legacy remains with the rest of the family and staff who still strive to provide personal and compassionate service.
Robert M. Vestal and Deborah T. Vestal
Owners, President, CEO, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Licensed Pre-Planning Specialist
Mike joined the Townsend Family in 1976, soon after marrying his wife, Deborah Townsend. He is a Georgia Southern University Alumni, and a 1979, graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. Mike and Deborah have two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael, and his wife, Amber, and Matthew and his wife, Kristen; and are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. Mike is instrumental in the day-to-day operations of Townsend and brings to the team over 44 years of dedicated service to the families of Laurens and surrounding counties. He is a licensed, Pre-Planning Specialist and specializes in helping individuals and families plan for their future funeral needs. Mike and Deborah have worked alongside each other in various capacities to ensure families are served with the care and attention they deserve. They have been faithful members of First Baptist Church Dublin and have served in various areas of ministry.
Telephone: 1-478-272-3311
James E. Townsend, Jr.
Owner / Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Jim Townsend is a third-generation Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, and a 1979 graduate of the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. He is also a graduate of Berry College where he obtained a degree in music. Jim is married to the former, Camille Tribble, and they enjoy evening strolls with their dog, Asta, and attending live musical events in and around the area. Jim brings to the team the knowledge and experience that can only be learned from a life of being raised in and around the funeral industry. His faithfulness and dedication to providing care and attention to families in need continue to be a vital part of our team.
Telephone: 1-478-272-3311
Kenny Jones
Chief Operation Officer, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Licensed Pre-Planning Specialist
Kenny has been in the funeral business since 1989, and is a graduate of the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. He and his wife, the former Tamanie Roberson, have been married for 30 years and have two children. Their family consists of a daughter, Alyssa, who attends Georgia College and State University, a son, Alex, and his wife, Caroline, and two grandchildren, Ford & Baker. In his spare time, Kenny enjoys playing with his grandkids, spending time with his family, umpiring all levels of softball, football and baseball. He and his family attend Connection Church Dublin. He is the former Coroner of Johnson County and has served Laurens and the surrounding counties faithfully for many years. Kenny joined the Townsend Family in 2021, and has brought to the team his years of management experience and vast knowledge of the funeral industry. We are thankful for his leadership skills and passion for Townsend Brothers Funeral Homes continued success.
Telephone: 1-478-272-3311
Crystal Bailey
Office Manager
Crystal has been with Townsend Brothers Funeral Home for over 15 years, joining the Townsend Family in 2009 after the opening of their new location. She has been married to her husband, Bill, for over 27 years and they have two children, Olivia and Luke. Crystal serves the funeral home in many capacities and brings her creativity and passion for helping others to the team. She is also a Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist and she is excited about her future plans to expand this area of ministry and outreach throughout the communities we serve.
Telephone: 1-478-272-3311
Jeff Jones
Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, Licensed Pre-Planning Specialist
Jeff has been with Townsend Brothers Funeral Home since 2007. He is a graduate of the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. He and his wife, Magan, have been married for 15 years and have two children, Ava Leigh and Logue. Jeff has been involved in many civic organizations throughout the community and enjoys volunteering his time as a Little League baseball coach. He brings many years of service and knowledge to the ever-changing funeral profession. Jeff is also a licensed, Pre-Planning Specialist, helping those who wish to plan their funerals in advance.
Telephone: 1-478-272-3311
Alec Kuck
Funeral Service Apprentice
Alec has been with Townsend Brothers Funeral Home since 2017. He married his lovely wife, Ericka, in 2020. He is a student at Ogeechee Technical College, pursuing his degree as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, and is currently a Licensed Funeral Service Apprentice. He is a member of Bay Springs Primitive Baptist Church, where he is actively involved in various areas of ministry. Alec contributes to the team in many aspects. Always willing to lend a hand, he steps in to fill whatever need arises to ensure the families we are serving are met with the care, compassion, and satisfaction expected by the families we serve.
Telephone: 1-478-272-3311
Jimmy Stephens
Funeral Director Assistant
Jimmy is one of the newest members of our team. He brings with him years of management experience and has an outgoing personality, making everyone feel they have known him forever. He and his wife, Melissa, are active members of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Cadwell. They have three daughters, Abby, Harley, and Charlee Rae, and one granddaughter, Saylor. Jimmy also worked many years in the construction industry and his experience is a huge asset to the day-to-day operations of the funeral home. With his friendly smile, and willingness to help in any capacity, we are excited to have him a part of the Townsend team.
Jodi Pittman
Administrative Assistant
Jodi is one of the newest members of our team. She is married to her husband, Patrick, and is the mother of two daughters, Leah and Peighton. She is a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Rentz and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Jodi serves in various ministry capacities at her church and volunteers many hours helping in the local school systems. Before retiring, Jodi devoted over 30 years of her life to the healthcare industry. In her spare time, Jodi assists her husband on the farm and brings to the team her care and compassion for others as well as her attention to detail.
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