Our Staff

Our Devoted Staff

Three people in suits posing in a hallway. Two men flank a woman, all wearing dark jackets and red ties.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Alec Kuck

Funeral Service Apprentice

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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.

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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.