Our Staff

H.M. “Hank” Forbes Jr.

Funeral Director In Charge

Hawke M.T. Forbes

Owner

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 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.

Vanessa Johnson

Office Manager

Vanessa brings years of experience in customer 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.

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.