Lavonia Staff

Lavonia Staff

Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

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COURTNEY UMBEHANT

Managing Funeral Director

Courtney Umbehant is the son of Mickey and Teresa Umbehant. During his formative years, Courtney's father served as a pastor for several Church of God congregations. This role required the family to move frequently, a common experience for pastor's families during the 1980s. These frequent relocations taught Courtney adaptability and resilience, skills that would serve him well throughout his life.

Courtney is a proud resident of Lavonia who believes deeply in the power of community, compassion, and connection. He shares his life with his wife, Ashley Rose, and together they cherish raising their three children — Noah, Olivia, and Knox. Whether they’re exploring the mountains, playing board games, or enjoying a cozy movie night at home, family time is at the heart of everything they do.

An Ordained Bishop with the Church of God for more than 20 years, Courtney’s ministry extends beyond the walls of any one church. His calling allows him to share messages of faith and hope across multiple denominations, reminding everyone that the love of Christ transcends boundaries and unites communities.

Since first being elected Mayor of Lavonia in 2020 — following four years of service on the City Council — Courtney has led with humility, vision, and a steadfast commitment to kindness. His leadership is rooted in the belief that strong communities are built through shared responsibility and genuine care for one another. Under his guidance, Lavonia has experienced meaningful growth, thoughtful planning, and a renewed sense of small-town pride.

Courtney is especially proud of projects like the development of Lavonia City Park and the revitalization of Springview Height Park, as well as ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, water systems, and downtown streetscape. Working closely with city council and community partners, he continues to champion long-term plans that ensure Lavonia’s progress while preserving its charm.

Beyond his work in Lavonia, Courtney serves as Chairman of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, representing twelve counties and thirty-seven cities, and as Vice-Chairman of the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority, helping advance regional growth and opportunity across Northeast Georgia.

Courtney’s dedication to public service has been recognized with multiple honors, including being named Elected Official of the Year multiple times by both the Franklin County Citizen Leader and the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission.

In addition to his civic and ministerial roles, Courtney has spent over 24 years serving families as a licensed funeral director and embalmer at Strickland Funeral Home, where he manages the Lavonia Chapel. His compassion, professionalism, and calm presence have brought comfort to countless families in their times of need.

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MICKEY UMBEHANT

Funeral Director

A native of Habersham County, Mickey has dedicated almost four decades to his career in funeral services, bringing compassion and professionalism to every role he undertakes. For more than twenty-six of those years, he has been an integral member of our team, providing both leadership and support. In addition to his extensive experience in the funeral industry, Mickey is an ordained minister with the Congregational Holiness Church and has faithfully served as a pastor for over forty years. Currently, he leads the congregation at New Vision Worship Center in Baldwin, Georgia.

Mickey's personal life is as full and enriching as his professional one. He enjoys working on cars, a hobby that allows him to unwind and express his creativity. However, his greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his beloved grandchildren, Noah and Olivia. Mickey and his wife, Teresa, are proud parents to their son, Courtney.

In his professional capacity, Mickey is not only a licensed funeral director and embalmer but also a member of several organizations, including the Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, the National Funeral Directors Association, and the Georgia Funeral Directors Association.

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MICHAEL O'BARR

Assistant Funeral Director

A proud native of Lavonia, Michael began his funeral service career early by working part-time at Weldon Funeral Home while still a student at Lavonia High School, from which he graduated in 1964. After high school, he dedicated four years of service to the United States Navy, an experience that profoundly shaped his character and work ethic.

Following his honorable military service, Michael continued his education at Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia. His career took him into the fields of precast concrete and injection plastic molding industries, where he contributed his skills and expertise until retiring in 2007.

Michael is also a retired firefighter, having served with distinction as the fire chief of the Lavonia Fire Department. His commitment to his community did not end with his retirement; rather, it took on new forms. He is also a local historian of sorts, with studied knowledge of the many people and places integral to his hometown.

In his personal life, Michael and his wife, Sally, have two sons, Scott and Ryan, who are married to Hollie and Cindy, respectively. The family is blessed with four grandchildren, who bring joy and vibrance to their lives.

Michael assists grieving families with dedication and integrity as a funeral director’s assistant.

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TERRY FLOYD

Assistant Funeral Director

Terry devoted many years of service to the US Post Office in his hometown before retiring. His life is enriched with a variety of hobbies that highlight his love for nature. Whether it's woodworking, camping, hunting, or fishing, Terry finds joy in nearly any activity that involves the great outdoors.

Terry is renowned in his community for his warmth, quick wit, and captivating storytelling. His ability to connect with others through compassion and humor has endeared him to many.

Terry and his wife, Lori, are active members of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he fulfills the important role of deacon. Family is central to Terry’s life. He is the proud father of his son, Terrell, and his daughter-in-law, Melanie Floyd. His family extends to six beloved grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom bring immense joy and pride to his life.

Terry assists grieving families with dedication and integrity as a funeral director’s assistant.

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MARCUS GREER

Assistant Funeral Director

Marcus has been a lifelong resident of Franklin County, deeply committed to serving his community in various capacities. He currently works for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. Previously he worked in the banking industry for many years. In addition to his professional roles, Marcus is a retired firefighter from the Lavonia Fire Department, where he dedicated years of service to ensuring the safety and well-being of his community.

Marcus shares his life with his wife, Angie, and together they have built a close-knit family, including two sons, Evan and Samuel, and a cherished grandson, Ace. Family is central to Marcus's life, and they enjoy spending quality time together.

Active in their faith community, Marcus and his family are dedicated members of the Lavonia Church of God. They participate in various church activities, contributing their time and talents to serve others.

In his personal time, Marcus is an avid firearms enthusiast, pursuing this interest with passion and responsibility. His diverse background and commitment to family and faith make him a respected and admired member of Franklin County.

Marcus takes great pride in assisting grieving families with dedication and integrity as a funeral director’s assistant.

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SCOTT O'BARR

Assistant Funeral Director

Scott O'Barr is a proud native of Lavonia, where he has dedicated much of his life to serving the community. He currently holds the position of supervisor and paramedic with Franklin County EMS, a role in which he demonstrates his commitment to public safety and health. Since 2016, Scott has also served as the Franklin County Coroner, bringing compassion and professionalism to this important role.

Scott’s hobbies include hunting and woodworking. As a passionate wood craftsman, Scott takes immense pride in his skillful creations.

Scott retired as the Chief of the Lavonia Fire Department, having spent many years leading and protecting his community with distinction. His leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on those he served alongside.

Scott is married to Hollie, and together they have built a wonderful family. They are the proud parents of their son, Cody Lathan, who is married to Sarah. One of Scott's most cherished roles is being grandfather to his beloved grandchildren, Taylor and Ettalyn, a role that fills him with joy and pride.

Scott is the son of Michael and Sally O’Barr, from whom he inherited a strong sense of community and dedication to helping others. His life and career are a testament to the values instilled in him by his family, and he continues to uphold these values in all his endeavors as an assistant funeral director with our funeral home, where he serves grieving families with compassion and dedication.

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TIM CRUNKLETON

Assistant Funeral Director

A native of Stephens County with deep Franklin roots stretching back over a century, Tim has dedicated himself to assisting grieving families with compassion and integrity as a funeral director’s assistant. His journey in funeral service began at the young age of 21. Although life and family responsibilities led him down different career paths, his commitment to serving others remained steadfast.

Tim's exceptional career includes over twenty-five years of law enforcement experience, retiring from the Stephens County Sheriff’s Department. His dedication to training and organizational excellence set him apart in the field of law enforcement, making him a respected figure within the community.

Together with his wife, Kim, Tim is the proud parent of two sons, Josh and Justin. Josh is married to Cayla, and Justin is married to Kinsey. Tim and Kim are also doting grandparents to Aiden, Hudson, and Joseph. Family is at the heart of Tim’s life, and he cherishes every moment spent with his loved ones.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tim finds joy in the great outdoors, where he is especially fond of fishing. An avid cook and food connoisseur, he delights in exploring new culinary experiences. Tim also has a passion for travel, embracing the opportunity to discover new places and cultures.

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GENE WILLIAMS