Our Staff

Kasey Charles McEntire

Owner, Funeral Director & Embalmer

Kasey Charles McEntire is a lifelong Habersham County native and licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer who has devoted more than 27 years of his life to funeral service. In August 2024, Kasey purchased the funeral home where he had previously served families and began a new chapter in its longstanding history as McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home. Under his ownership, the funeral home continues its tradition of compassionate, family-centered service while proudly remaining locally family owned and operated.

For Kasey, funeral service has never simply been a profession—it is a calling, a ministry, and a responsibility he holds close to his heart. His career began in December 1999 when, as a teenager still attending high school, he first entered funeral service. Those early experiences caring for grieving families helped shape what would become his life's work: walking alongside others during some of their most difficult and tender moments.

Following his honor graduation from Habersham Central High School with the Class of 2001, Kasey continued his education at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia. He graduated with the Class of February 2003, earning an Associate of Science Degree in Funeral Service. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to providing each family with personal, compassionate care and ensuring that every loved one entrusted to him is treated with the utmost respect.

Kasey is the oldest son of the Rev. Kenneth and Kay Landers McEntire of Clarkesville. He is blessed with the love and support of his wife of 21 years, Natasha House McEntire, and their three children, Payton, Paisley Kayte, and Keaton Charles. His family is at the heart of everything he does, and together they share a deep love for the community they are proud to call home.

His Christian faith is central to both his personal life and his approach to funeral ministry. Kasey is a longtime member of Line Baptist Church in Alto, where he serves as a deacon and church pianist. His faith has strengthened his desire to serve others with compassion, kindness, humility, and a servant's heart.

In addition to his work in funeral service, Kasey has dedicated many years to serving the citizens of Habersham County as an elected official. He is also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) and serves on the President’s Advisory Council for Tallulah Falls School.

As owner of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, Kasey considers it both a privilege and a sacred responsibility to care for families when they need someone most. Because Habersham County is not simply where he works—it is where he was raised, where he and Natasha are raising their family, and where generations of friendships and relationships have been built—serving its families is deeply personal to him.

Kasey remains committed to ensuring that when a family walks through the doors of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, they are never treated as a number and their loved one is never viewed as simply another service. Instead, each family is welcomed as a neighbor and friend and cared for with the genuine compassion, kindness, personal attention, and respect they deserve.

For Kasey, that personal commitment represents what family-owned funeral service should always be—family serving family, neighbors caring for neighbors, and a trusted presence in the community when it matters most.

Jonathan L. Corn has dedicated more than two decades to serving families through the funeral profession. He began his career in funeral service in 2002 and has been a valued member of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home staff since January 2005.

A lifelong connection to family, faith, and community remains at the heart of Jonathan’s life. He and his wife, Megan Griffin Corn, reside in Lula, Georgia, with their two children, Elijah and Abigail. He is the son of Roger and Linda Corn and has one brother, Joshua Corn. Jonathan and his family attend Pine Grove Holiness Church in Alto.

In addition to his work in funeral service, Jonathan and Megan are local business owners who share their creativity and talents with the community. Together, they own and operate Jonathan Corn Pottery and Mae Bascomb Designs Florist in Lula.

With his many years of experience, Jonathan brings a spirit of compassion, dependability, and genuine care to the families he serves. His commitment to funeral service, along with his strong faith and deep appreciation for family and community, makes him an important part of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family.

McGahee Griffin and Stewart Funeral Home are pleased to welcome J. Michael Shirley as he re-joins the firm as a part-time Funeral Service Consultant.

Michael grew up in Habersham County Georgia, the son of the late James A. and Eloise Cochran Shirley. He attended public school in Habersham County and graduated from South Habersham High School. He is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta and was licensed as a Funeral Service Professional in 1974. He worked in the funeral service in Commerce and Athens prior to relocating to Cornelia to join McGahee-Griffin Funeral Home in 1978. He has worked in the funeral service profession in some capacity for nearly 50 years. In the early 1980s, upon the retirement of Thomas J. McGahee, he became a partner with Weymon O. Griffin until discerning a need to broaden his professional horizons and make a career change.

In 1995, he began his career in public education. He was employed by Banks County Schools as a teacher in middle and high school, Pioneer Regional Service Agency as a school improvement consultant in Northeast Georgia, and he retired from public school work as an administrator at the elementary level. He taught as an adjunct professor at the college level for ten years while a public educator, then became a full-time Professor with the School of Education at Piedmont College where he taught novice and veteran teachers from all around the state as they worked to complete undergraduate degrees as well as masters, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. He retired from Piedmont in 2020 with ten years of service.

He is married to Donna Dill-Shirley, a Mount Airy native. Donna has recently retired from the Hall County Schools. His two daughters, Marisa S. Whittington (Stan) and Rachelle S. Woodruff (Ricky) are both teachers in the Habersham County. He and Donna have five grandchildren; Riya, Ryte, Maley, Zeke, and Rennon.

Michael is a graduate Truett-McConnell College and Piedmont College. He earned a M.Ed. at the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. at Georgia State University. More recently, he studied Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur.

His education background, paired with the funeral service career work, now come together in a unique opportunity to serve the community. His years of experience in the funeral service field serve as a foundation for sharing knowledge with others and helping families in this area with the practical issues of making funeral arrangements, and carrying out those plans according to their wishes.

Josh Hazle is a lifelong resident of Habersham County who has devoted much of his life to serving the people of his community. Before entering funeral service full-time, Josh dedicated more than 26 years to fire services, serving with both Habersham County and the City of Cornelia. His many years as a first responder gave him valuable experience caring for others during some of life’s most difficult and unexpected moments.

Josh joined McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home in a full-time capacity in 2024, where he serves as an Apprentice Funeral Director & Embalmer and Licensed Preneed Consultant. He is currently pursuing his dream of becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer through his studies at North Georgia Technical College. Josh also continues his commitment to public service as a Deputy Coroner for Habersham County and part-time as a fireman with the City of Clarkesville Fire Department.

With a genuine heart for helping others, Josh considers it a privilege to assist families with compassion, respect, and personal attention during times of loss. As a Licensed Preneed Consultant, he also helps individuals and families make thoughtful funeral arrangements in advance, providing guidance and peace of mind for the future.

Josh and his wife, Shannon, make their home in the Habersham Mills Community. Together, they have five children. He attends Line Baptist Church in Alto, Georgia, and in his spare time enjoys spending time with his family and listening to Southern Gospel music.

Josh’s deep roots in Habersham County, combined with more than two decades of public service, reflect his continued commitment to caring for the friends, neighbors, and families of the community he has always called home.

Kinley Grace Chapman serves as our Office Manager here at McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home. You will most likely hear her calm and reassuring voice answering our phones on a daily basis when you contact us during business hours. She is a sweet, compassionate, and driven young woman with a heart for helping others. She is the daughter of Greg & Tracy Davidson Chapman.

A 2024 graduate of Banks County High School, Kinley is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a Funeral Director/Embalmer, with plans to graduate in 2028. She has a genuine passion for serving our families during some of life's most difficult moments and hopes to bring comfort, kindness, and compassion to everyone she meets.

Kinley Grace is a proud member of Line Baptist Church, where her faith continues to be an important part of her life. She is also engaged to her best friend, Sean Carter Presley and the two are excited to begin their next chapter together when they say "I Do" in December of 2026.

When she isn't studying or preparing for her future career, Kinley Grace is most likely spending time with her two golden doodles, Maverick & Bentley, who are truly her whole world. They bring so much happiness and love into her life.

Kinley Grace is someone who cherishes her faith, family, future, and the little moments that make life special. With a loving heart and big dreams for the future, she is excited to see where life takes her next.

Michael is a graduate of Gilmer High School, Class of 2003; a graduate of Jefferson State Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science, Class of 2012. He is a licensed life agent, funeral director, and embalmer.  Michael specializes in helping families to make funeral arrangements in advance.  Michael and his wife Kirbi live in Ellijay and are members of River Hill Baptist Church.

Jack Broome

Jack Broome is a lifelong Habersham County native whose life has been marked by faithful service to his country, his community, and others. Since joining the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family in 2019, Jack has brought with him a genuine love for people, a servant’s heart, and deep roots within the community he has always called home.

Born and raised in Habersham County, Jack attended local schools and graduated from South Habersham High School with the Class of 1965. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army, serving his country from 1966 until 1968, including 18 months overseas. His military service instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for the sacrifices made by America’s veterans and their families.

In 1969, Jack married Judy Thompson, and together they began building a life centered around family, hard work, faith, and service. Jack continued his education at Truett McConnell College, graduating with the Class of 1977, and later graduated from Piedmont College in 1979.

Professionally, Jack enjoyed an extraordinary 45-year career with Johnson & Johnson Company before retiring. His commitment to serving others, however, extended far beyond his professional career.

A proud veteran, Jack is a charter member and Co-Chairman of the Habersham County Veterans Wall of Honor. He was instrumental in helping secure the donation of the property for the memorial, ensuring that generations of local veterans would have a lasting place of honor and remembrance within the community. He is also a member of Grant-Reeves VFW Post #7720.

Jack has devoted countless hours to other important causes throughout Habersham County. He served on the American Cancer Society Board and spent more than eight years as Chairman of Relay For Life, helping support the fight against cancer and the many local families whose lives have been touched by the disease.

His love for Habersham County also extends to preserving its rich history. As a member of the original Habersham County Historical Society, Jack has spent many years collecting historic photographs and preserving memories from throughout the county. He especially enjoys compiling photographs into books that help tell the story and preserve the history of Habersham County for future generations.

Music is another special part of Jack’s life. In his spare time, he enjoys playing Bluegrass, Country, and Gospel music and has been a member of The Bluegrass Traditions Band for nine years. Whether through a familiar Gospel song, an old photograph, or a story from years gone by, Jack has a special appreciation for the traditions that connect generations.

Jack attends Line Baptist Church in Alto, Georgia, where faith remains an important part of his life.

Since 2019, Jack has been a valued part of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family. His lifetime of service, knowledge of the community, respect for veterans, and genuine concern for others make him an important part of our staff and the families we are privileged to serve.

Jack’s life is a reflection of service, patriotism, faith, community, and a sincere appreciation for the people and history of Habersham County—a place he has proudly called home throughout his life.

Ronny Trotman has been a valued member of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family since June 2023. He assists with visitations and funeral services, where his kind heart, compassionate nature, and professional manner help provide comfort and reassurance to families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Ronny considers it a true privilege to serve families alongside the staff of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home.

A longtime resident of Habersham County, Ronny married his childhood sweetheart, Donna, and together they have built a life centered around faith and family. They are blessed with two children: a son, Josh, and his wife, Shelby; and a daughter, Trista. Ronny especially treasures his role as “Granddaddy” to his only granddaughter, Hayden, who holds a very special place in his heart. His family is one of his greatest blessings and brings tremendous joy to his life.

Ronny retired from Ethicon in Cornelia after 21 years of dedicated service. He also served for 14 years at Lee Arrendale State Prison, reflecting a strong work ethic and many years of commitment to his community.

For the past 18 years, Ronny has been a faithful member of Free Chapel in Gainesville. His faith, love for family, and genuine concern for others are evident in the way he serves those around him.

Ronny is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home Family and considers it an honor to help care for families throughout Habersham County and the surrounding communities.

Rev. John Umberhant

Rev. John Umberhant has been a valued member of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family for the past seven years. With a servant’s heart, a strong Christian faith, and many years devoted to caring for others through ministry, John brings a compassionate and reassuring presence to the families we are privileged to serve.

A lifelong Habersham County native, John graduated from South Habersham High School with the Class of 1968. On February 21, 1969, he married his sweetheart, Joann Dodd, beginning a life together built upon faith, family, love, and service.

John and Joann are the proud parents of two children: their son, Shane, and his wife, Juanita Bryant Umberhant; and their daughter, Kim, and her husband, David Rudeseal. Their family has grown to include four grandchildren—two grandsons and two granddaughters—as well as four great-grandchildren, all of whom are a tremendous source of pride and joy.

After many years of dedicated service, John retired from the State of Georgia in 1998. That same year marked the beginning of another important chapter in his life when he entered the pastoral ministry. Answering God’s call to preach and serve, John spent many years ministering to others, walking alongside families through both joyful occasions and some of life's most difficult seasons. His years in ministry have given him a special understanding of the importance of compassion, prayer, and simply being present when someone needs encouragement.

Though now retired from pastoral ministry, John’s heart for serving others remains strong. He and Joann are faithful members of Alto Congregational Holiness Church, where their Christian faith continues to be an important part of their lives.

For the past seven years, John has brought his experience, kindness, and servant’s spirit to McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home. He considers it a privilege to assist families during their time of loss and to be part of a funeral home family committed to caring for the people of the community.

When they are not spending time with their family or church family, John and Joann enjoy traveling together, taking vacations, and playing as much golf as they possibly can.

Above all, John’s life reflects his devotion to God, family, and service to others—values that have guided him throughout his life and continue to make him a cherished part of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family.

Joann Dodd Umberhant

Joann Dodd Umberhant has been a valued member of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family for several years, where her warm heart, caring spirit, and genuine love for others are evident in the families she helps serve.

A lifelong member of the Habersham County community, Joann married her husband, John, in February 1969. Just a few months later, she graduated from South Habersham High School with the Class of 1969—“Go Rebels!” Together, Joann and John have built a beautiful life centered around faith and family. They are the proud parents of a son and daughter and have been blessed with two grandsons and two granddaughters. Their family has continued to grow with the addition of four great-grandsons, who bring them tremendous joy.

Joann began her career with the United States Postal Service in 1985 when she was hired at the Cornelia Post Office as a rural mail carrier. She truly loved her work and the opportunity it gave her to serve the people of her community. Throughout her career, she also worked through the Demorest and Mount Airy Post Offices before returning to Cornelia as local postal operations were consolidated. After more than 27 years of dedicated service, Joann retired in December 2012.

For the past seven years, Joann has brought that same dedication and servant’s heart to McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home. Her compassion for people and her familiar, friendly presence make her a special part of the funeral home family.

When Joann is not helping others, you will often find her in what she lovingly calls her “happy place”—her garden. With her hands in the soil, she enjoys planting and tending to the beauty around her. When the planting is finished, Joann says she talks to God and tells Him that she has done all she can do; she can plant and tend the soil, but only He can make it grow. It is a simple reflection of the deep faith that guides every part of her life.

Joann also loves singing in church and praising the Lord for His saving grace and mercy. She and John are faithful members of Alto Congregational Holiness Church.

For Joann, the things that matter most are beautifully simple: her God, her family, and her church. Those priorities have shaped a life of faith, service, gratitude, and love—and they continue to shine through in the kindness and compassion she shares with everyone she meets.

Willie Mae Crocker is a lifelong resident of Habersham County and has been a valued member of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family for several years. With her warm personality and genuine heart for people, Willie Mae assists with visitations and funeral services and is often the familiar, caring voice families hear when the telephone rings at the funeral home.

Before joining the funeral home staff, Willie Mae dedicated more than 40 years of service to Habersham Hardware, where she built countless friendships throughout the community. Her many years of working with the public, along with her kindness and willingness to help others, have made her a familiar and trusted face to generations of Habersham County families.

Willie Mae and her husband, Swayne, make their home in Cornelia. They are blessed with one son, Jeff, and daughter-in-love, Lynn, as well as two granddaughters and one great-grandson, who bring great joy to their lives.

Willie Mae and Swayne are faithful members of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, Georgia. She considers it a privilege to continue serving the community she has called home throughout her life and to offer a kind word, a welcoming smile, and a helping hand to families during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Steve Elrod has been a valued member of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home staff for several years. With a caring heart and a willingness to serve wherever needed, Steve assists with the daily tasks of the funeral home, including helping families during visitations, funeral services, and other aspects of funeral care.

A lifelong native of the Habersham Mills Community, Steve and his wife, Laura, make their home in Demorest, Georgia. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Maribeth and Mattie, and are blessed with three grandchildren, who bring great joy to their lives.

Steve and Laura are faithful members of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville, where their faith and connection to the community remain an important part of their lives.

Steve’s familiarity with the people and communities of Habersham County, along with his dependable and compassionate nature, makes him an important part of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire family. He considers it a privilege to serve local families during some of life’s most difficult moments and strives to offer each one kindness, respect, and a helping hand when they need it most.

Rev. Kenneth McEntire is a lifelong native of the Habersham Mills Community and the oldest son of the late Charles K. McEntire, Sr. and Barbara Jo Adams McEntire. With a heart for serving others, Kenneth’s connection to funeral service began as a teenage boy. Through the years, he has served families in a variety of part-time capacities, assisting with first calls, visitations, and funeral services. Having formerly worked with McGahee-Griffin Funeral Home many years ago, Kenneth is especially proud to once again be part of the McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home family, serving alongside his son, Kasey, and the caring staff.

Kenneth’s professional and community service spans several decades. He previously served for more than 24 years as Marketing Services Director with Habersham Electric Membership Corporation. Since 2012, he has served as an agent with Woodmen of the World and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Habersham Electric Membership Corporation.

At the heart of Kenneth’s life is his faith and ministry. For the past 31 years, he has faithfully served as Pastor of Line Baptist Church in Alto, Georgia, where he continues to share the Gospel, minister to families, and serve the community he loves.

Kenneth and his wife, Kay Landers McEntire, are blessed with two sons and daughters-in-law, Kasey & Natasha McEntire and Kolby & Brittany McEntire, as well as five grandchildren: Blair, Payton, Kamryn, Paisley Kayte, and Keaton McEntire.

When he is not serving at the church, funeral home, or in the community, Kenneth enjoys landscaping around his farm and, most of all, spending precious time with his family. His life of faith, service, and devotion to others reflects a genuine desire to be a source of encouragement and help to families during life’s most meaningful moments.

Noah A. Stephens has been a valued member of the staff at McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home since July 2025. With a caring heart and a willingness to serve wherever needed, Noah assists with the daily tasks of the funeral home, including helping families and staff during visitations, funeral services, and other aspects.

A native of Habersham County, Noah is the son of Jason and Tonya Stephens of Mount Airy, Georgia. He is a faithful member of Victory Baptist Church in Clarkesville, where his love for the Lord and desire to serve others continue to shape his life.

Noah has surrendered to God’s call into the ministry and has a sincere passion for preaching the Word of God and pointing others to Jesus Christ. Whether serving a family during a difficult time or standing behind the pulpit sharing the Gospel, Noah strives to approach every opportunity with compassion, humility, and a servant’s heart.

His dedication to his faith, his community, and the families entrusted to the care of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home reflects his desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through both service and ministry.

Eugene has been employed with MGS since 1999. He is married to Joyce Wade Franklin of 55 years. They have two children, Ronnie Franklin and Latise Marcus, two grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He previously worked for Carwood Manufacturing for 23 years and also at Lee Arrendale State Prison for 25 years. He is a member and deacon at Mud Creek Baptist Church and enjoys the outdoors, hunting and gardening.

Robbie is a native of Habersham County and a graduate of Habersham Central High School.  She has been involved in the funeral business for over 30 years.  She assists in doing the cosmetics and playing the piano for funerals.  She is the mother of two children, Zane Stewart and Alyson Stewart Wellborn.  Robbie enjoys cooking, gardening, fishing, hunting, and playing the piano.  She resides in Baldwin with her husband Stanley.  Together they have 11 grandchildren. They are active members of The Torch Worship Center.