Ferd Holman Westmoreland passed away on Sunday April 17, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. Mr. Westmoreland had been in declining health for a number of years.
Ferd (Yes, F-E-R-D, not Fred!) Holman Westmoreland was born March 12, 1934 in Cleveland, Georgia to the late Marvin and Gladys Westmoreland. For 46 years he was married to the love of his life, Martha Jean Westmoreland, who preceded him in death on March 21, 2005. Mr. Westmoreland was also preceded in death by son Mark, sisters Jonelle and Ann; brothers Bill, George, and Doug.
Growing up in what was known as the “Leo / Friendship Community “of White County, Mr. Westmoreland’s family’s homestead, Farmland, and pastures were once located in what is now present day Mossy Creek School, Chandler Concrete, up & down the US 129 south vicinity of Cleveland. For over 3 decades Mr. Westmoreland’s business headquarters was located at the intersection of US 129 S. & Westmoreland Road, Cleveland. Having served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, Mr. Westmoreland was a life time member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
During “Martha and Ferd’s” early years of marriage they resided in Atlanta, GA, but chose to move to Gainesville, Ga in 1970 to raise their children: son Mark & daughter Kim. In 1977 Mark was killed in an automobile accident. In 1987, some years after relocating his business operations to Cleveland, Mr. Westmoreland was finally able to return to his “beloved White County” and live full time in the area he grew up in.
For nearly five years decades, Mr. Westmoreland had been the business owner of Westmoreland Hauling Inc. Through the years Westmorland Hauling Inc. included different facets of the trucking industry, which included, but not limited to dump truck hauling, sand-pump operations, grading equipment operations & services, long body dump truck – long distance hauling, as well as long distance – reefer/cold unit hauling with tractor trailers.
Retiring in 2011, Mr. Westmoreland fondly talked about his years in the industry, recalling various business associates / employees, and ‘the adventures’ they all had up until his passing. It was loving & laughable memories of many of these associates, who are too numerous to include here. However, it cannot go without mentioning the late Ross Palmer, and Palmer’s sons Billy and Lamar. Birds of a feather were Ferd and Ross. Enough said. Those who know, know.
Mr. Westmoreland is survived by his daughter Kim and son in law Dink Tallent, and their three children Buster, Hannah and Autumn. Mr. Westmoreland is also survived by 2 maternal aunts-Novella Simmons and Bea Roberts. He is also survived by a great-grandson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and truly the best neighbors, Jerry & Elizabeth Shuler.
The family will receive friends at Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, GA from 2-4 & 6-8 on Tuesday April 19, 2016. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday April 20, 2016 at the chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. A private graveside service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Gainesville, GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial, tax-deductible Contributions be made to one of the following non-profit organizations: Cleveland Worship Center, P.O. Box 667, Cleveland GA 30528 (706) 865-4413; Evelyn’s Place (Animal Rescue Shelter) 805 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd SW, Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 503-5402; Family TIES-Gainesville ( A Child Abuse Prevention/Social Services Organization, Serving Hall, White & Surrounding Counties) , P.O. Box 1206, Gainesville, GA.
Online condolences may be made to the family at barrettfh.com.
Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.