Our History

DeLoach-McKerley Funeral Home & Cremation Service marked its 68th anniversary, February 1, 2009, and continues to live up to its motto, "Commitment to Service and Professional Team Work, serving the families of Burke and surrounding counties."

For nearly 25 years, C. W. Hopper and G. Pratt DeLoach operated their funeral home at the Masonic Temple on South Liberty Street.  Mr.Hopper and Mr. DeLoach worked for G. A. Lewis in Lewis Funeral Home prior to beginning their business in 1941.

When they began the partnership, they organized an insurance firm, United Family Life Insurance Company, with Mr. DeLoach as general agent.  Mr. DeLoach’s wife, the former Miss Mildred Hayman of Pembroke, opened the Rose Shoppe Florist.

In 1965, the business moved to the "Skinner House", at 842 North Liberty Street, where it remains today.

In 1968, Mr. Hopper retired and sold his share to Mr. DeLoach and George DeLoach joined his father’s business as vice-president. 

Mr. G. Pratt DeLoach died in July, 1997.  His wife continued as a floral consultant and treasurer of the corporation for several years.

Craig Kennedy, of Sardis, worked with DeLoach Funeral Home for many years.  In 1994, he was became the general manager and was named vice-president following Mr. Pratt’s death in 1997. Mr. Kennedy retired in April, 2006. 

In 2000, George DeLoach decided to pursue a political career and sold the business to Meridian Mortuary Group of Atlanta, GA.  In  April, 2006, Jason McKerley, moved to Waynesboro to manage the funeral home. After working five years in Savannah in the funeral profession, Jason wanted to get back to a small town atmosphere in which he was raised (Williston, SC).

On November 21, 2007 the business was purchased by Greg Rollings (Peachtree City, Ga.), and his wife Debbie.