Our Staff
Meet Our Caring Staff
It is our purpose that all staff members, from grave crew to funeral attendants, strive to be professional and thoughtful with all interactions with you in order to help lighten your burden during your time of bereavement.
Bob Fletcher, CFSP
President
Bob is a native of Thomaston, Georgia, who graduated from R.E. Lee Institute in 1982. Bob also graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 1986 and entered the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer. He served for six years before returning to Thomaston. He graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in 1993. Bob has two children. He is a member of the Thomaston Rotary Club and serves on the Thomaston-Upson Airport Authority. Bob is a member of First Baptist Church. He enjoys tennis, swimming, and woodworking.
Bob Fletcher, CFSP
President
Bob is a native of Thomaston, Georgia, who graduated from R.E. Lee Institute in 1982. Bob also graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 1986 and entered the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer. He served for six years before returning to Thomaston. He graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in 1993. Bob has two children. He is a member of the Thomaston Rotary Club and serves on the Thomaston-Upson Airport Authority. Bob is a member of First Baptist Church. He enjoys tennis, swimming, and woodworking.
Darren P. Day, CFSP
Vice President
Darren was born in Thomaston, Georgia, where he graduated from high school in 1996. He graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in 2000, and he is a member of The Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, GFDA, NFDA, and Pi Sigma Eta, a national honors fraternity for funeral directors and embalmers. Darren is currently a member of the Thomaston Sertoma and serves as President of the Georgia Funeral Directors Association. Darren and his wife, Jodie have two children and are members of the First Baptist Church of Thomaston.
Darren P. Day, CFSP
Vice President
Darren was born in Thomaston, Georgia, where he graduated from high school in 1996. He graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in 2000, and he is a member of The Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, GFDA, NFDA, and Pi Sigma Eta, a national honors fraternity for funeral directors and embalmers. Darren is currently a member of the Thomaston Sertoma and serves as President of the Georgia Funeral Directors Association. Darren and his wife, Jodie have two children and are members of the First Baptist Church of Thomaston.
Troy V. Chaney
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Troy was homeschooled and graduated in 2017. Troy is a 2019 Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service where he graduated with honors and was Salutatorian of his class. While at Gutpon-Jones, Troy served as President of Student Council, Senior Artist (Vice President) of Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity, and Student Vice President for the college. At graduation from college, he received the Bill Pierce Award, which many consider the most prestigious award in funeral service, as the recipient is selected by his fellow classmates and colleagues on who most embodies the values of funeral service. He is a member of Northside Baptist Church. Troy is also a member of the Thomaston Gideons where he serves as treasurer, Pike County Tractor Club where he serves as treasurer, Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Directors, the Academy of Graduate Embalmers where he serves as Sgt. at Arms, and the Thomaston Kiwanis Club where he served two terms as president from 2022-2024. In his spare time Troy enjoys traveling and piddling with antique farm tractors.
Troy V. Chaney
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Troy was homeschooled and graduated in 2017. Troy is a 2019 Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service where he graduated with honors and was Salutatorian of his class. While at Gutpon-Jones, Troy served as President of Student Council, Senior Artist (Vice President) of Pi Sigma Eta Fraternity, and Student Vice President for the college. At graduation from college, he received the Bill Pierce Award, which many consider the most prestigious award in funeral service, as the recipient is selected by his fellow classmates and colleagues on who most embodies the values of funeral service. He is a member of Northside Baptist Church. Troy is also a member of the Thomaston Gideons where he serves as treasurer, Pike County Tractor Club where he serves as treasurer, Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Directors, the Academy of Graduate Embalmers where he serves as Sgt. at Arms, and the Thomaston Kiwanis Club where he served two terms as president from 2022-2024. In his spare time Troy enjoys traveling and piddling with antique farm tractors.
Phil Hancock
Funeral Service Associate
Phil is a native of Upson County. He graduated from R.E. Lee Institute and Mercer University. He is a member and past president of the Thomaston Sertoma Club, currently serving on its Board of Directors. He is a member of Thurston Community Club, Upson County Farm Bureau, and the John B. Gordon Camp #1449, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Phil is a member of Fellowship Baptist Church where he serves as a Deacon. Phil’s hobbies include traveling, history, reading and caring for his pets.
Phil Hancock
Funeral Service Associate
Phil is a native of Upson County. He graduated from R.E. Lee Institute and Mercer University. He is a member and past president of the Thomaston Sertoma Club, currently serving on its Board of Directors. He is a member of Thurston Community Club, Upson County Farm Bureau, and the John B. Gordon Camp #1449, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Phil is a member of Fellowship Baptist Church where he serves as a Deacon. Phil’s hobbies include traveling, history, reading and caring for his pets.
Phyllis Sanders
Funeral Service Associate
Phyllis graduated from R. E. Lee Institute and earned a BS degree in Education from Mercer University. She retired from the Thomaston-Upson Schools after 26 years as a middle school teacher. Prior to her teaching career, she spent several years working for local banks. Phyllis is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston. She has two children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She is a member of the Thomaston-Upson and GA Retired Educators Association, and she serves as secretary for the Board of Directors of the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame. She is an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan and enjoys reading, crocheting, watching sports, cooking, and going to the beach.
Phyllis Sanders
Funeral Service Associate
Phyllis graduated from R. E. Lee Institute and earned a BS degree in Education from Mercer University. She retired from the Thomaston-Upson Schools after 26 years as a middle school teacher. Prior to her teaching career, she spent several years working for local banks. Phyllis is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston. She has two children, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She is a member of the Thomaston-Upson and GA Retired Educators Association, and she serves as secretary for the Board of Directors of the Thomaston-Upson Sports Hall of Fame. She is an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan and enjoys reading, crocheting, watching sports, cooking, and going to the beach.
Ronnie Portwood
Funeral Service Associate
Ronnie was born in Savannah and moved to Thomaston in 1962. He is married to Pamela Joiner Portwood, and they have three children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Ronnie currently serves on the Board of Tax Assessors for Upson County. He is a member of Northside Baptist Church. Ronnie enjoys coin collecting. He has been a Santa during the past twenty-five Christmas seasons.
Ronnie Portwood
Funeral Service Associate
Ronnie was born in Savannah and moved to Thomaston in 1962. He is married to Pamela Joiner Portwood, and they have three children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Ronnie currently serves on the Board of Tax Assessors for Upson County. He is a member of Northside Baptist Church. Ronnie enjoys coin collecting. He has been a Santa during the past twenty-five Christmas seasons.
Tim South
Funeral Service Associate
Tim currently serves as pastor of Elkins Creek Baptist Church. He and his wife, Darlene, have three daughters and nine grandchildren. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and making leather crafts.
Tim South
Funeral Service Associate
Tim currently serves as pastor of Elkins Creek Baptist Church. He and his wife, Darlene, have three daughters and nine grandchildren. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and making leather crafts.
Neill Sanders
Funeral Service Associate
Neill is a 1989 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute, and he earned his Associates degree from Gordon College in 1993. He is currently a Sergeant with the Upson County Sheriff's Office. Neill and his wife, Dawn, have three children and three grandchildren. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf, and he has his certification in scuba diving.
Neill Sanders
Funeral Service Associate
Neill is a 1989 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute, and he earned his Associates degree from Gordon College in 1993. He is currently a Sergeant with the Upson County Sheriff's Office. Neill and his wife, Dawn, have three children and three grandchildren. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing golf, and he has his certification in scuba diving.
Will Sanders
Funeral Service Associate
Will Sanders is a native of Thomaston and is the fourth generation of Sanders men to be a part of our staff. His late great grandfather, Billy Sanders and his grandfather, the late Don Sanders were both long-time Fletcher-Day employees. He joins his father, Neill Sanders, and his grandmother, Phyllis Sanders, as a part of the Fletcher-Day Team. Will is a 2015 graduate of Upson-Lee High School, and he is currently employed with the Upson County Sheriff's Office. He is married to the former Ashton Evans, and he has three sons, Brian, Nolan, and Judson.
Will Sanders
Funeral Service Associate
Will Sanders is a native of Thomaston and is the fourth generation of Sanders men to be a part of our staff. His late great grandfather, Billy Sanders and his grandfather, the late Don Sanders were both long-time Fletcher-Day employees. He joins his father, Neill Sanders, and his grandmother, Phyllis Sanders, as a part of the Fletcher-Day Team. Will is a 2015 graduate of Upson-Lee High School, and he is currently employed with the Upson County Sheriff's Office. He is married to the former Ashton Evans, and he has three sons, Brian, Nolan, and Judson.
Shad Seymour
Funeral Service Associate
Shad is from Warm Springs, Georgia, and is a 1989 graduate of Manchester High School. He earned a B.S. degree in education from Jacksonville State University and his masters and specialist degrees from Troy University. Shad retired from the Thomaston-Upson County School System after 28 years, the last 11 of which he was principal of Upson-Lee Elementary School. He currently teaches math at Lamar County Middle School. Shad and his wife, Kim, have three children. They are members of Mountain View Baptist Church where Shad currently serves as chairman of the board of Deacons. He enjoys hunting, fishing, taking family trips, and working with children.
Shad Seymour
Funeral Service Associate
Shad is from Warm Springs, Georgia, and is a 1989 graduate of Manchester High School. He earned a B.S. degree in education from Jacksonville State University and his masters and specialist degrees from Troy University. Shad retired from the Thomaston-Upson County School System after 28 years, the last 11 of which he was principal of Upson-Lee Elementary School. He currently teaches math at Lamar County Middle School. Shad and his wife, Kim, have three children. They are members of Mountain View Baptist Church where Shad currently serves as chairman of the board of Deacons. He enjoys hunting, fishing, taking family trips, and working with children.
Scott Duecker
Funeral Service Associate
Scott is employed with Service Electric Company. He and his wife, Jill, are members of Mountain View Baptist Church, and they have a son and four grandchildren. He is a volunteer with the Northside Volunteer Fire Department and enjoys hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.
Scott Duecker
Funeral Service Associate
Scott is employed with Service Electric Company. He and his wife, Jill, are members of Mountain View Baptist Church, and they have a son and four grandchildren. He is a volunteer with the Northside Volunteer Fire Department and enjoys hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.
Bode Chaney
Funeral Service Associate
Bode was homeschooled and graduated in 2024. He attends ABAC where he intends to play baseball and further his career in the sport. He is a member of Northside Baptist Church. He enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends.
Bode Chaney
Funeral Service Associate
Bode was homeschooled and graduated in 2024. He attends ABAC where he intends to play baseball and further his career in the sport. He is a member of Northside Baptist Church. He enjoys playing golf and spending time with friends.
Ethan Blackston
Funeral Service Associate
Ethan Blackston is a homeschool graduate, and he is currently enrolled at Columbus Technical College majoring in Funeral Service. Ethan enjoys reading and playing board games with family members. He is a member of Mountain View Baptist Church where he assists with Sunday School and Children's Ministries.
Ethan Blackston
Funeral Service Associate
Ethan Blackston is a homeschool graduate, and he is currently enrolled at Columbus Technical College majoring in Funeral Service. Ethan enjoys reading and playing board games with family members. He is a member of Mountain View Baptist Church where he assists with Sunday School and Children's Ministries.
Jeff Sanders
Funeral Service Associate
Jeff is a graduate of R. E. Lee and is a certified Master Emergency Manager. He is retired from the Ga. Forestry Commission and the Spalding County Fire Department. He is a retired volunteer with Upson County Emergency Management and serves on various local public safety committees. Jeff and his wife, Jackie, have three children and four grandchildren, and he is a member of Christ Chapel Community Church. He enjoys spending time with family, researching fire department history, and fishing.
Jeff Sanders
Funeral Service Associate
Jeff is a graduate of R. E. Lee and is a certified Master Emergency Manager. He is retired from the Ga. Forestry Commission and the Spalding County Fire Department. He is a retired volunteer with Upson County Emergency Management and serves on various local public safety committees. Jeff and his wife, Jackie, have three children and four grandchildren, and he is a member of Christ Chapel Community Church. He enjoys spending time with family, researching fire department history, and fishing.
Barry Gordy
Funeral Service Associate
Barry is a graduate of R. E. Lee Institute, Gordon College, and West Georgia College where He earned a BS degree in Business with a minor in Economics. He had a successful career of more than 44 years in the insurance business, having dealt in life, health, property, and casualty insurance. Barry and his wife, Connie, have two daughters and three granddaughters. Barry is a member of First Baptist Church of Thomaston where he is a choir member. He enjoys all outdoor activities.
Barry Gordy
Funeral Service Associate
Barry is a graduate of R. E. Lee Institute, Gordon College, and West Georgia College where He earned a BS degree in Business with a minor in Economics. He had a successful career of more than 44 years in the insurance business, having dealt in life, health, property, and casualty insurance. Barry and his wife, Connie, have two daughters and three granddaughters. Barry is a member of First Baptist Church of Thomaston where he is a choir member. He enjoys all outdoor activities.
Cindy Wright
Funeral Service Associate
Cindy graduated from Upson High School and attended Southern Crescent Technical College. She was employed by SouthCrest Bank for 18 years and is currently employed by United Bank in Thomaston. She is married to Jimmy Wright, the student pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Molena , where she teaches a middle school group. Cindy and Jimmy have one son. Her hobbies include photography, walking, fishing, and gardening.
Cindy Wright
Funeral Service Associate
Cindy graduated from Upson High School and attended Southern Crescent Technical College. She was employed by SouthCrest Bank for 18 years and is currently employed by United Bank in Thomaston. She is married to Jimmy Wright, the student pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Molena , where she teaches a middle school group. Cindy and Jimmy have one son. Her hobbies include photography, walking, fishing, and gardening.
Gayla Trice
Funeral Service Associate
Gayla is a graduate of R. E. Lee Institute and Southern Crescent Technical College. She is a retired executive stenographer having worked for Thomaston Mills, Inc., Upson County DFCS, and the GA Department of Transportation. She is a member of GDOT Engineers Association. Gayla and her husband, Wayne, are members of East Thomaston Baptist Church, and they have one daughter. Gayla's hobbies include crocheting and trying new recipes.
Gayla Trice
Funeral Service Associate
Gayla is a graduate of R. E. Lee Institute and Southern Crescent Technical College. She is a retired executive stenographer having worked for Thomaston Mills, Inc., Upson County DFCS, and the GA Department of Transportation. She is a member of GDOT Engineers Association. Gayla and her husband, Wayne, are members of East Thomaston Baptist Church, and they have one daughter. Gayla's hobbies include crocheting and trying new recipes.
Wayne Trice
Funeral Service Associate
Wayne is a graduate of R. E. Lee Institute and a veteran of the US Army. He is a retired quality manager, having worked for B. F. Goodrich/Martha Mills, Westek, Inc., and Specialty Fabrics & Converting. He and his wife, Gayla, are members of East Thomaston Baptist Church, and they have one daughter. Wayne's hobbies include working outdoors and cooking.
Wayne Trice
Funeral Service Associate
Wayne is a graduate of R. E. Lee Institute and a veteran of the US Army. He is a retired quality manager, having worked for B. F. Goodrich/Martha Mills, Westek, Inc., and Specialty Fabrics & Converting. He and his wife, Gayla, are members of East Thomaston Baptist Church, and they have one daughter. Wayne's hobbies include working outdoors and cooking.
Kolby Butler
Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice
Kolby is a senior at Upson-Lee High School where he is in the dual enrollment program with Gordon State College. He is a member and captain of the Upson-Lee golf team and also plays on the Gordon State golf team. He attends Fellowship Baptist Church. Following graduation, Kolby plans to attend Ogeechee Technical College to major in Funeral Science.
Kolby Butler
Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice
Kolby is a senior at Upson-Lee High School where he is in the dual enrollment program with Gordon State College. He is a member and captain of the Upson-Lee golf team and also plays on the Gordon State golf team. He attends Fellowship Baptist Church. Following graduation, Kolby plans to attend Ogeechee Technical College to major in Funeral Science.
Teresa Hammonds
Funeral Service Associate
Teresa moved from Lebanon, Tennessee, to Thomaston in 1994. She is currently employed by United Bank in Griffin. She has two children and seven grandchildren. Teresa is a member of Rock Springs Church. In her spare time she enjoys reading, horseback riding, and exercising.
Teresa Hammonds
Funeral Service Associate
Teresa moved from Lebanon, Tennessee, to Thomaston in 1994. She is currently employed by United Bank in Griffin. She has two children and seven grandchildren. Teresa is a member of Rock Springs Church. In her spare time she enjoys reading, horseback riding, and exercising.
