Herman Grady “HG” Yeomans, III, Georgia Forestry Association Board Member and longtime forestry champion from Swainsboro, passed away on April 12, 2019. In addition to his contributions to GFA, HG will be remembered for his leadership in the forestry and natural resource community in Georgia.
He was a graduate of Swainsboro High School and Brewton Parker College. After college, HG worked as a radio operator for the Georgia State Patrol, before accepting a position as a district manager for Patz Equipment Company. In 1979, he started Yeomans Wood and Timber Company, a wood procurement organization. Over the next 40 years, HG worked to expand YWT to include several logging crews and a log yard that are all operating today.
A community growth advocate, he served on the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners, Swainsboro/Emanuel County Development Authority, Emanuel County Hospital Authority, Citizens Review Panel for Transportation Investment Act, and the Forestry Advisory Board for Swainsboro Technical College. HG was also involved in youth activities, serving as coach and Vice President for Dixie Youth Baseball for many years.
The son of a former Emanuel County Sherriff and Georgia State Trooper, HG learned the desire to serve his state, as well. He was elected by his peers, to serve on the Georgia Forestry Association Board of Directors and was appointed by Governor Purdue to serve on the board of the Georgia Forestry Commission.
An avid hunter, HG loved to take hunting trips both locally and nationwide. His most special times however, were teaching his kids and grandkids a love for the outdoors. He absolutely loved being a part of his children’s lives and lived to watch the grandkids play ball, dance, hunt and fish. For all his earthly accomplishments, his wife, kids, and precious grandchildren were what he was the proudest of.
HG will be remembered by his friends, colleagues and Georgia’s forestry community for his character, business style and kind spirit.
“HG had a deep love of forestry, his state and his family. He brought his keen business acumen to his role as a member of our GFC Board of Directors, and we will forever be grateful for his steadfast support of our agency and of our mission. He leaves behind an incredible legacy both on GFC and on our forestry community.” Chuck Williams, Director, Georgia Forestry Commission
“HG always reminded us to enjoy the life we are given on this earth by saying ‘you’re only given so many sunrises; so don’t miss any of them.’ I will always remember and cherish that.” Bill Mathis, Claude Howard Lumber Company
“I’ve known H.G. and his father for more than 30 years as they were wood suppliers for Gillman Paper Company. H.G. was a man of integrity and dependability. You could count on what he said, and his word was his bond. He will be greatly missed.” Earl Smith (retired), Gillman Companies
“H.G. and Mrs. Carol represent the forestry profession at the highest level! We will truly miss H. G.” Jim Fendig (retired), Wood Supply Research Institute
“One thing that we all loved about H.G. was the passion that he shared every day. No where was that more evident than the passion and love he had for his family. We could all follow his lead on how much he cared for his family.” Todd Mullis, 2019 GFA Chairman