Jerry C. Deese
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director - Embalmer FDE3750, Certified Crematory Operator #1493
Jerry C. Deese, a native of Hartsville, SC, is the son of Sherry Hoffman Gratzer and the late Jerry Preston Deese. He is a well-respected individual in his profession and community, having served families in the Columbia/Lexington area for many years before taking ownership of Milton Shealy Funeral Home in 2021. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Jerry is a 1993 graduate of McBee High School and holds an Associates of Arts Degree from Commonwealth Institute of Mortuary Science in Houston, TX. He is a licensed funeral director/embalmer in South Carolina and also possesses a Crematory Operator Certificate from the National Funeral Directors Association.
Jerry remains fully committed to his community and helping families honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
He is a proud father to his son, Jaydan, and shares his home with three goldendoodles, Reesie, Riley, and Ryder and a sheepadoodle, Roscoe.
Jerry C. Deese
Owner, Licensed Funeral Director - Embalmer FDE3750, Certified Crematory Operator #1493
Jerry C. Deese, a native of Hartsville, SC, is the son of Sherry Hoffman Gratzer and the late Jerry Preston Deese. He is a well-respected individual in his profession and community, having served families in the Columbia/Lexington area for many years before taking ownership of Milton Shealy Funeral Home in 2021. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Jerry is a 1993 graduate of McBee High School and holds an Associates of Arts Degree from Commonwealth Institute of Mortuary Science in Houston, TX. He is a licensed funeral director/embalmer in South Carolina and also possesses a Crematory Operator Certificate from the National Funeral Directors Association.
Jerry remains fully committed to his community and helping families honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
He is a proud father to his son, Jaydan, and shares his home with three goldendoodles, Reesie, Riley, and Ryder and a sheepadoodle, Roscoe.
Lauren Harmon
Managing Licensed Funeral Director FD3841 Batesburg-Leesville Chapel
Lauren, a native of Batesburg-Leesville, is a third-generation funeral director and our managing director who began her career at the funeral home in 2010. Being able to continue the family tradition of serving her hometown is a privilege for Lauren, who feels so much appreciation for her community and the people who entrust her to take care of their loved ones during their most difficult days.
A proud Batesburg-Leesville Panther alumni, Lauren graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Erskine College and an Associate Degree in Funeral Service from Piedmont Technical College.
Lauren is married to Cory Harmon, and they have two children, Anslie and Hayden. She takes pride in raising her kids in the same community she was raised in, one that she considers to always support and encourage one another. When she is not serving her community, Lauren enjoys chasing her children around and spending time with her family and friends.
Lauren Harmon
Managing Licensed Funeral Director FD3841 Batesburg-Leesville Chapel
Lauren, a native of Batesburg-Leesville, is a third-generation funeral director and our managing director who began her career at the funeral home in 2010. Being able to continue the family tradition of serving her hometown is a privilege for Lauren, who feels so much appreciation for her community and the people who entrust her to take care of their loved ones during their most difficult days.
A proud Batesburg-Leesville Panther alumni, Lauren graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Erskine College and an Associate Degree in Funeral Service from Piedmont Technical College.
Lauren is married to Cory Harmon, and they have two children, Anslie and Hayden. She takes pride in raising her kids in the same community she was raised in, one that she considers to always support and encourage one another. When she is not serving her community, Lauren enjoys chasing her children around and spending time with her family and friends.
Cody Jack Rollings
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director - Embalmer FDE4339, Certified Crematory Operator #1398
Cody J. Rollings has been an apprentice funeral director and embalmer at Milton Shealy Funeral Home since 2021. He pursued his education at Piedmont Technical College and is currently working towards earning his Associate of Science Degree from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service.
Originally from Kershaw, South Carolina, Cody has made Lexington County his home and cherishes the small-town feel that Batesburg-Leesville provides. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones, his yellow lab, Daisy, and exploring nature.
Cody's passion lies in serving families and his community, and he is committed to providing compassionate and professional funeral services.
Cody Jack Rollings
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director - Embalmer FDE4339, Certified Crematory Operator #1398
Cody J. Rollings has been an apprentice funeral director and embalmer at Milton Shealy Funeral Home since 2021. He pursued his education at Piedmont Technical College and is currently working towards earning his Associate of Science Degree from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service.
Originally from Kershaw, South Carolina, Cody has made Lexington County his home and cherishes the small-town feel that Batesburg-Leesville provides. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones, his yellow lab, Daisy, and exploring nature.
Cody's passion lies in serving families and his community, and he is committed to providing compassionate and professional funeral services.
McKinley Shealy
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director FD4742, Certified Crematory Operator #1480
A lifelong resident of the Lake Murray area of Saluda County, McKinley Shealy takes great pride in serving Batesburg-Leesville and the surrounding communities. A graduate of Saluda High School, McKinley went on to earn a degree in history from USC-Aiken and spent 28 years working in the public school system.
His connection to Milton Shealy Funeral Home began in 2005, when Mr. Milton Shealy hired him as a part-time funeral associate. After nearly two decades of serving families in this role, McKinley began his full-time career with the funeral home in May 2025 as an apprentice funeral director and crematory operator.
McKinley and his wife, SueEllen, have two sons, Matthew and Nolan. Together, they enjoy traveling from the South Carolina coast to the mountains of North Carolina. Outside of work, McKinley enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.
For McKinley, Batesburg-Leesville feels like an extension of his family. Having experienced both life’s joys and challenges within a close-knit community, he feels a deep calling to serve others during their most difficult times. His work at Milton Shealy Funeral Home is rooted in compassion and purpose, as he strives to provide comfort, preserve dignity, and honor the memory of each individual. He approaches his role with a heart for service, hoping to offer strength and hope to the families he serves. He is committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact through the care and support he provides to the community he calls home.
McKinley Shealy
Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director FD4742, Certified Crematory Operator #1480
A lifelong resident of the Lake Murray area of Saluda County, McKinley Shealy takes great pride in serving Batesburg-Leesville and the surrounding communities. A graduate of Saluda High School, McKinley went on to earn a degree in history from USC-Aiken and spent 28 years working in the public school system.
His connection to Milton Shealy Funeral Home began in 2005, when Mr. Milton Shealy hired him as a part-time funeral associate. After nearly two decades of serving families in this role, McKinley began his full-time career with the funeral home in May 2025 as an apprentice funeral director and crematory operator.
McKinley and his wife, SueEllen, have two sons, Matthew and Nolan. Together, they enjoy traveling from the South Carolina coast to the mountains of North Carolina. Outside of work, McKinley enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.
For McKinley, Batesburg-Leesville feels like an extension of his family. Having experienced both life’s joys and challenges within a close-knit community, he feels a deep calling to serve others during their most difficult times. His work at Milton Shealy Funeral Home is rooted in compassion and purpose, as he strives to provide comfort, preserve dignity, and honor the memory of each individual. He approaches his role with a heart for service, hoping to offer strength and hope to the families he serves. He is committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact through the care and support he provides to the community he calls home.
Jane Oswald
Secretary/Funeral Associate - Unlicensed Batesburg-Leesville Chapel
Jane Gulledge Oswald has been a valued member of the Milton Shealy Funeral Home staff since 2021. She assists with visitations, services, and office responsibilities, helping ensure families receive compassionate care and support during their time of need.
A native of Saluda County, Jane grew up in a family of nine and attended Saluda County schools before making her home in Batesburg-Leesville. She is a graduate of Hollywood High School and appreciates the close-knit atmosphere of the community, where neighbors still know one another and everything you need is close to home.
In her free time, Jane enjoys reading, working in her yard, and browsing rummage sales. She finds fulfillment in serving families during difficult times and is dedicated to providing an experience filled with kindness, comfort, and personal attention.
Jane Oswald
Secretary/Funeral Associate - Unlicensed Batesburg-Leesville Chapel
Jane Gulledge Oswald has been a valued member of the Milton Shealy Funeral Home staff since 2021. She assists with visitations, services, and office responsibilities, helping ensure families receive compassionate care and support during their time of need.
A native of Saluda County, Jane grew up in a family of nine and attended Saluda County schools before making her home in Batesburg-Leesville. She is a graduate of Hollywood High School and appreciates the close-knit atmosphere of the community, where neighbors still know one another and everything you need is close to home.
In her free time, Jane enjoys reading, working in her yard, and browsing rummage sales. She finds fulfillment in serving families during difficult times and is dedicated to providing an experience filled with kindness, comfort, and personal attention.
Jim Hall
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed
Jim Hall
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed
Tom Vaiden
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed
Tom Vaiden
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed
Jimmy Richardson
Advanced Planning Funeral Director FDE2008
Jimmy Richardson has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1989 and has specialized in Advanced Funeral Planning since 1999. Through this role, he has helped more than 2,000 families prearrange and prepay their final expenses, providing peace of mind and thoughtful preparation for the future.
A graduate of The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Jimmy finished second in his class in 1988. He was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where his values of faith, service, and community were deeply rooted.
Jimmy has been married to his wife, Becky Ross Richardson, since 1991. Together, they have two adult children, three grandchildren, and four dogs. He serves as a deacon at Green Hill Baptist Church and currently serves as an Area Assistant with The Gideons International.
Committed to giving back, Jimmy has long believed in community service. Earlier in his career, he was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary, and Lions Club. It has been his privilege to help individuals and couples plan ahead, easing the burden on loved ones while ensuring each life is honored with dignity and as a fitting tribute.
Jimmy Richardson
Advanced Planning Funeral Director FDE2008
Jimmy Richardson has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1989 and has specialized in Advanced Funeral Planning since 1999. Through this role, he has helped more than 2,000 families prearrange and prepay their final expenses, providing peace of mind and thoughtful preparation for the future.
A graduate of The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Jimmy finished second in his class in 1988. He was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where his values of faith, service, and community were deeply rooted.
Jimmy has been married to his wife, Becky Ross Richardson, since 1991. Together, they have two adult children, three grandchildren, and four dogs. He serves as a deacon at Green Hill Baptist Church and currently serves as an Area Assistant with The Gideons International.
Committed to giving back, Jimmy has long believed in community service. Earlier in his career, he was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary, and Lions Club. It has been his privilege to help individuals and couples plan ahead, easing the burden on loved ones while ensuring each life is honored with dignity and as a fitting tribute.
Dana Stone
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed
Dana Stone
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed
Dr. Chris L. Masters
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed
Chris was born in Shelby, North Carolina, in 1957 and has devoted his life to serving others through ministry, counseling, and compassionate care. He married his wife, Areshia Blankenship, in 1983, and together they have two children, Hannah Masters Temple and Michael Masters. Chris is also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren—five grandsons and one granddaughter.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gardner-Webb University, a Master’s degree in Ministry from Covington Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling from Covington Seminary. Throughout his career, Chris served the South Carolina Baptist State Convention as a consultant, focusing on church health and leadership support. He is a Certified Transitional Pastor and a Certified Life Coach.
After 38 years of faithful service as a pastor in various churches, Chris retired from pastoral ministry and began serving families in funeral service in 2024. His transition into funeral work reflects his lifelong calling to walk alongside people during some of life’s most meaningful and challenging moments.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys golf, target shooting, and spending time with his grandchildren. His greatest joy continues to be serving people in all areas of life with care, respect, and compassion.
Dr. Chris L. Masters
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed
Chris was born in Shelby, North Carolina, in 1957 and has devoted his life to serving others through ministry, counseling, and compassionate care. He married his wife, Areshia Blankenship, in 1983, and together they have two children, Hannah Masters Temple and Michael Masters. Chris is also a proud grandfather to six grandchildren—five grandsons and one granddaughter.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gardner-Webb University, a Master’s degree in Ministry from Covington Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling from Covington Seminary. Throughout his career, Chris served the South Carolina Baptist State Convention as a consultant, focusing on church health and leadership support. He is a Certified Transitional Pastor and a Certified Life Coach.
After 38 years of faithful service as a pastor in various churches, Chris retired from pastoral ministry and began serving families in funeral service in 2024. His transition into funeral work reflects his lifelong calling to walk alongside people during some of life’s most meaningful and challenging moments.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys golf, target shooting, and spending time with his grandchildren. His greatest joy continues to be serving people in all areas of life with care, respect, and compassion.
Ronnie Steele
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed, Certified Crematory Operator #1359
Ronnie Steele has worked at Milton Shealy Funeral Home since 2021. After graduating from Cornerstone Christian Academy, he began a lifelong commitment to serving others. Ronnie has worked with the Charleston Fire Department, Lexington Sheriff’s Office, and volunteered with Hollow Creek Fire Department for over 10 years. These jobs opened the doors to further ways of serving his community, such as working in mortuary transportation and response for 18 years. Ronnie married Elisabeth Steele, and together they have a family of 5 children in Batesburg-Leesville, a town that he considers to be an extension of his family, a community that sticks together. Avid Carolina football team fan, he also enjoys spending time with his family and being a faithful member of Eastside Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon. He is proud to be part of the Milton Shealy Funeral Home family, where he currently serves as a certified crematory operator and funeral associate. He not only takes pride in the caring professionals he has as coworkers, but he also knows that Milton Shealy creates a positive impact by treating people with dignity, respect, and compassion through their toughest losses.
Ronnie Steele
Funeral Associate - Unlicensed, Certified Crematory Operator #1359
Ronnie Steele has worked at Milton Shealy Funeral Home since 2021. After graduating from Cornerstone Christian Academy, he began a lifelong commitment to serving others. Ronnie has worked with the Charleston Fire Department, Lexington Sheriff’s Office, and volunteered with Hollow Creek Fire Department for over 10 years. These jobs opened the doors to further ways of serving his community, such as working in mortuary transportation and response for 18 years. Ronnie married Elisabeth Steele, and together they have a family of 5 children in Batesburg-Leesville, a town that he considers to be an extension of his family, a community that sticks together. Avid Carolina football team fan, he also enjoys spending time with his family and being a faithful member of Eastside Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon. He is proud to be part of the Milton Shealy Funeral Home family, where he currently serves as a certified crematory operator and funeral associate. He not only takes pride in the caring professionals he has as coworkers, but he also knows that Milton Shealy creates a positive impact by treating people with dignity, respect, and compassion through their toughest losses.
Roscoe
Therapy Dog
Roscoe
Therapy Dog
