Our Staff

H.M. “Hank” Forbes Jr.

Founder/Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Hawke M.T. Forbes

Owner/General Manager

Hawke manages everyday operations at the funeral home. He has grown up around the funeral business his entire life and finds serving others in their time of loss to be his calling.

He is a 2014 graduate of Baker County High School and a 2018 graduate of Florida State College of Jacksonville, with an associates degree in Funeral Service.

He is also a Florida notary public and has performed wedding ceremonies. He is an active member of the Baker County Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving as the secretary for the Macclenny Lions Club.

He enjoys spending time with family and friends, outings on his boat and attending concerts.

As of February 26, 2021, Hawke assumed ownership of the business and is proud to be the only local funeral home with staff dedicated to one location and community.

Serving with the funeral home since 2010.

Douglas L. Davidson

Licensed Funeral Director In Charge

Doug has more than 25 years of funeral service experience upon joining our staff in July 2024. A Clay County resident since 1997, he is active in his community by serving as a board member of the Lake Asbury Homeowner Association and through his veteran work with the American Legion Post 250 in Middleburg.

As a member of the American Legion Riders, Doug volunteers on many charity motorcycle events and is a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders. He also is a former elder of St. Peter's Lutheran Church.

Doug was born in Virginia, raised in Minnesota, and moved to Florida in 1988. He is a graduate of Florida State College, Edison Community College and Barry University. He also had a 27-year career in the fire service obtaining the rank of Deputy Chief / Fire Marshal with Clay County Fire Rescue.

When he isn't at work, Doug enjoys "glamping' in his motorhome, hunting and fishing. He is the proud father of four grown children, two grandchildren and the busy "pet parent" of three mini dachshunds.

Doug has trained in one of the busiest funeral homes and central care facilities in Jacksonville, with a proven track record of providing efficient and appropriate service as a funeral director, embalmer, and manager of a crematory. His experience and passion for the funeral service is shown in his ability to be compassionate and understanding, allowing him to comfort and guide families in their time of sorrow.

Vanessa Johnson

Office Manager

Vanessa brings years of experience in customer service and various clerical roles.

She is a proud mother and grandmother and is an attending member of Christian Fellowship Temple.

She is very passionate about serving this community with much love, care, and respect

Serving with the funeral home since 2021.

Wes Taylor

Family Service Associate

Wes is a native Floridian born and raised in Duval County. He has over 50 years in the funeral service, as well as cemetery management. He is a proud husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is looking forward to serving families in our area and being apart of the Forbes family. 

Serving with the funeral home since 2020.

Tom Sonke

Family Service Associate

Tom has been a resident of Clay county for over 30 years. He worked in the property and casualty insurance industry for over 30 years. He served First Coast families for over 10 years with funeral homes in Jacksonville. Tom is excited to serve families here in Baker county!

Serving with the funeral home since 2020.

David Lauramore

Family Service Associate

David is a lifelong resident of Baker County and a graduate of Baker County High School. He worked for many years for the Department of Corrections and later for Baker County Sheriff's Office. He has recently retired and is excited to join us here at the funeral home.

In his spare time, David is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting with family and friends in Georgia and spending time with his wife, Sheila, and his children and grandchildren. 

Serving with the funeral home since 2021.

Billy Rhoden

Family Service Associate

Billy is a Baker County Native and a graduate of Baker County High School. He is currently working for the Baker County Sheriff's Office and formerly worked for the Department of Corrections. Billy is also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp. 

Billy enjoys spending time with his wife, Cindy, children, and grandchildren in his free time. 

Serving with the funeral home since 2021.

William Godwin

Family Service Associate

William was born in Lake City in 1962 and was raised in Glen St. Mary. He graduated from Baker County High School and was a member of the Wildcat Football team. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting and fishing with family and friends.

He has been married to the love of his life Cleo Godwin for over thirty years and together they have a daughter, Crystal and four grandchildren that are his pride and joy.

William has over 40 years of experience in the funeral business and believes that it's an honor to serve his community.

Serving with the funeral home since 2022.

Rev. Terry Yerby

Chaplain

Rev. Terry Yerby is a resident of Jacksonville and was formerly the pastor of First Baptist Church of Bryceville.

He enjoys spending time outdoors, boating, hunting and fishing.

He is excited to provide his services to families in our community when the need arises.

Serving with the funeral home since 2021.