Rev. Verner L. London, age 89, of Cleveland, Georgia went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 2. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Katherine Humphries London and four children: Ronnie London and wife Eloise, Judy London Dunagan and husband Roger, Stanley London and wife Jennifer, and Roger London and wife Kathy. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Matthew, Andrew, Katie Honeycutt, Levi, Olivia Smith, Max, Will, Troy Dunagan and eight great grandchildren: Elizabeth Fortner Holloman, Allison Fortner, Rebecca Fortner, Madilynn London, Kori London, Blakely Honeycutt, Maggie Reece Dunagan and Clarissa Dunagan.
He is also survived by four brothers: Charlie, Maylon, Douglas, and Lamar and one sister, Imogene Kimbrell. Verner is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Leonard & Viola London; two brothers, Carl & Thomas B. London; two sisters, Eulene Murphy & Elora Montgomery and a granddaughter, Betty Fortner.
After completing high school in Habersham County, he sawmilled with his Dad and married Katherine Humphries in 1949. Around 1957, Verner and Katherine moved to White County. He began poultry farming and soon became one of the largest shaving distributors in North Georgia. Also during this time, Verner began raising beef cattle, and then added a registered Hereford herd that progressed into a commercial cow/calf and stocker operation.
In 1978, he and his son, Stanley, sold all their beef cows and began raising dairy heifer replacements. The London farm has grown into one of the largest working farms in White County raising corn silage, hay and pasture. The farm helps to raise Holstein replacement heifers that are sold in over sixteen states. They have leased the Hardman Farm pastures which surround the Indian Mound since the early 1980s. Verner and Katherine were chosen as the White County Farm Family of the Year during the 1980’s. In 2012, Verner was inducted into the White County Agriculture Hall of Fame.
From 1960 to 1964, Verner served as Chairman of the White County Commissioners. He was instrumental in changing White County from a wet (alcohol) to a dry county. He oversaw having the first budget in the county and served while the new courthouse was built.
From 1967 to 2004, Verner pastored nine Baptist churches in White, Habersham and Hall counties. As a pastor, Verner helped one church pay off all their debt and another build a new church. He preached in many Spirit-filled revivals, saw many come to know the Lord, ministered to the sick and dying.
Funeral services are 2:30 pm Sunday, November 5, 2017, at New Bridge Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Robinson, Rev. Mike Irvin, and Rev. Lewis Fortner officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Roger Dunagan officiating.
The family will receive friends at the London residence, 316 Vernon London Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528, from 6-9 pm on Friday and also from 1-8 pm on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Verner’s honor may be made to Gideon’s International, White County Camp, PO Box 946, Cleveland, GA 30528.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home (706-778-8668) of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
