Jerry J. Carlan, age 81 of Demorest, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family.

Born in Habersham County, Georgia on April 12, 1940, he was the son of the late John William & Lila Magnolia Nix Carlan. Jerry served his country proudly in the United States Navy. He was retired from truck driving with over 50 years in the industry. Most of all Jerry enjoyed precious time with his family. Jerry’s family believes this quote depicts his life perfectly. “Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Bobby John Carlan & Harold Canup; sisters & brothers-in-law, Linda Abernathy, Manolia & Forrest Bowden, Jo Ann & Duncan Taylor, Myra Bohannon, & Walter Lee Whiting, father-in-law, Fred Richards, Sr.; sister-in-law, Rebecca St. Amand & brother-in-law, Kevin Peers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Kristy Richards Carlan of Demorest, GA; sons & daughters-in-law, Roger & Laura Canup, Terry & Carolyn Canup all of Gastonia, NC; Craig Carlan of Polk City, FL; sister, Arlene Whiting of Demorest, GA; brother-in-law, Dewaine Bohannon of Demorest, GA; mother-in-law, Mary Richards; sisters-in-laws, Vicky Peers, Chloe Rideout, Penny Richards, brothers-in-law, Fred Richards, all of Mars Hill, ME; Jody & Anita Richards of Cornelia, GA; grandchildren, Angela, Kenneth, April, Kelly, Jerry, Hannah, Taylor, Bobby John, Stacey, & Amber; 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives,  & a host of friends including special caregiver & friend, Rhonda Hogan of Demorest, GA.

The family would also like to thank the staff of Pruitt Health Hospice as well as Dr. John Cope & his staff for their dedication to helping care for Jerry during his illness.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 03, 2021 at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Grant Reeves Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Saturday.

An online guest registry is available for the Carlan family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia.