John Edmund Dumas, Sr.

John Edmund Dumas, Sr., age 87, of Hillsboro, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2018.

John Dumas, Sr., aka “Honey”, was born in Hillsboro, to the late Frank Coleman Dumas and Mary Levi Goolsby Dumas. John married Janice Day Dumas and they lived in Atlanta where they raised their three children, Jamice (Mecie), Elaine (Laney), and John, Jr.

John received his degree in Civil Engineering at Southern Tech. He was the president and co-founder of Southeastern Roof Decks, Inc. John moved his home to Hillsboro in 1991, but continued to commute to his house in Atlanta.

John’s first, and by far the most important accomplishment was the 65 year marriage with Janice. Their marriage is one that any person on the face of this earth could take lessons from, because there isn’t much more of a perfect example of what a marriage should be. Habaneras and jalapenos appearing in Janice’s cooking were the only reason for argument. John had a quick wit about him, and could always come back with a quick response that made one laugh.

Although he sold his business at the age of 81, he never quit working. Retirement life for him meant driving the tractors, working the garden, feeding the deer, and spending most of the time with family and friends. The more the merrier!

John was a collector of land for conservation and habitat for wildlife. His Deer Forest is an accomplishment which glorifies the wonders of God. John collected heart pine from demolished buildings in Atlanta, and built his sawmill to construct his home in Hillsboro. His business, Southeastern Roof Decks, Inc., was awarded the Firestone Master Contractor Award many years in a row, a national award for the top five percent of roofing contractors in the United States. Through John’s leadership, Southeastern Roof Decks, Inc. became the largest company in the Southeast United States to pour lightweight concrete decks.

John loved hunting and fishing. He hosted many fishing trips with clients and friends, but his favorite place to fish was the farm. His dove hunting trips to Cordoba, Argentina with his late son, John Dumas, Jr., and Scotty Dumas were a hunting trip of a lifetime.

John was a member of Hillsboro Baptist Church. He loved his community and was always helping others. During the season of giving thanks, we are grateful for the 87 years that John Edmund Dumas, Sr., aka “Honey” spent with us on this earth. He was our Rock!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, John Edmund Dumas, Jr.; and brothers, Coleman Dumas, Bill Dumas, and Frank Dumas.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Day Dumas of Hillsboro; daughters, Jamice (Paul) Meschke of St. Simons, and Elaine “Laney” Wood (Kenneth “Kip” Adkins) of McDonough; grandchildren, Paul (Autumn) Meschke, Jr., Ben (Jessica) Wood, and Lacey (Nathan) McLendon; and great grandchildren, Adelyn Meschke, and Mikalyn Meschke.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. , Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at Hillsboro Baptist Church, 2326 Hwy 11 South, Hillsboro. Interment will be held in the Dumas family cemetery. Revs. Phillip Gilbert and Len Woodard will officiate.

Serving as pallbearers will be Paul Meschke, Jr., Ben Wood, Nathan McLendon, Kip Adkins, Jeremy Reese, Scotty Dumas, Sidney Dumas, and Todd Cowart. Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Resseau, Jimmy Goolsby, Bobby Goolsby, Jack Tillman, Preston Wynens, and Winfred Jackson.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at Jordan Funeral Home.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Loraine Dumas Outreach Ministry, 150 Sugar Hill Road, Hillsboro, Ga. 31038; Hillsboro Community Center, c/o Sudy Stuckey, 220 Fullerton-Phillips Road, Monticello, Georgia 31064; or Hillsboro Baptist Church, P. O. Box 86, Hillsboro, Ga. 31038.

Jordan Funeral Home, Monticello, Georgia www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com