The Habersham County Board of Commissioners on Monday recognized John Larry Whitfield for more than five decades of service to his church, profession, and community.
Commissioner Bruce Harkness presented the recognition, calling it “an honor and a privilege” to highlight Whitfield’s lifelong commitment to faith, leadership, and civic duty.
For 55 years, Whitfield has been an active member of First Baptist Church of Cornelia, serving as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He is also a longtime Gideon, helping distribute thousands of Bibles to schools and hotels nationwide through the Habersham County South Gideon Camp.
In his professional life, Whitfield co-founded Whitfield-Perkins Funeral Home in Baldwin, providing care for families across the county. He served as the past president of the Georgia Funeral Directors Association and was appointed by then-Gov. Zell Miller to the Georgia State Board of Funeral Service, where he served from 1995 to 2001, regulating funeral homes and crematories statewide.
Community Service
Whitfield’s dedication extends to civic organizations. A lifelong member of the Lions Club, he was inducted into the District 18 Lions Club Hall of Fame in 2009 for his years of raising money to provide glasses, surgeries, and support for children in need. In 2017, the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce honored him with its Catherine Munson Volunteer of the Year Award.
He has also been active in fraternal and patriotic groups, including more than 50 years with Cornelia Masonic Lodge No. 92, the Scottish Rite, Shriners International, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Whitfield co-founded the Habersham County Wall of Honor Veterans Park to honor the county’s veterans, past and present.
“Through decades of dedicated service, leadership, and community involvement, Mr. John Larry Whitfield has exemplified the highest standard of citizenship and commitment,” Harkness said.
