A celebration of life service for Jerry J. Carlan, 81, of Demorest, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 3, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. Military honors will be provided by Grant Reeves Honor Guard.
Mr. Carlan passed away Tuesday, June 29, 2021, peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family.
Born April 12, 1940, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late John William and Lila Magnolia Nix Carlan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Bobby John Carlan and Harold Canup; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda Abernathy, Manolia and Forrest Bowden, Jo Ann and Duncan Taylor, Myra Bohannon, and Walter Lee Whiting; father-in-law, Fred Richards Sr.; sister-in-law, Rebecca St. Amand; and brother-in-law, Kevin Peers.
Jerry served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy. He was retired from truck driving with over 50 years in the industry. Most of all Jerry enjoyed precious time with his family. Jerry's family believes this quote depicts his life perfectly. "Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."
Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Kristy Richards Carlan of Demorest; sons and daughters-in-law, Roger and Laura Canup, and Terry and Carolyn Canup all of Gastonia, North Carolina, and Craig Carlan of Polk City, Florida; sister, Arlene Whiting of Demorest; brother-in-law, Dewaine Bohannon of Demorest; mother-in-law, Mary Richards; sisters-in-laws, Vicky Peers, Chloe Rideout, and Penny Richards, brothers-in-law, Fred Richards, all of Mars Hill, Maine, and Jody and Anita Richards of Cornelia; grandchildren, Angela, Kenneth, April, Kelly, Jerry, Hannah, Taylor, Bobby John, Stacey, and Amber; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends including special caregiver and friend, Rhonda Hogan of Demorest.
The family would also like to thank the staff of Pruitt Health Hospice as well as Dr. John Cope and his staff for their dedication to helping care for Jerry during his illness.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1p.m. until the service hour Saturday.
An online guest registry is available for the Carlan family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.