Manuel Fernandez

Manuel Fernandez, age 92, of Elberton passed away Monday, January 2, 2023.  

Manuel was proud of his Spanish heritage and was born in Barre, Vermont to the late John Fernandez and Julia Peña Fernandez.   Known for his work ethic, he loved to share stories of his first job at eight years old as a soda jerk at Reed’s Drug Store on the one way street.  He would later spend the rest of his working years in the granite industry, founding Landmark Granite Company in the Summer of 1967.  When he wasn’t working, Manuel could be found watching football or in a deer stand.  For years, he would coach little league on Thursdays, cheer on the Blue Devils under the Friday night lights at the Granite Bowl, spend Saturdays in Athens or Clemson, then spend Sundays in Atlanta watching the Falcons.  As a hunter, he was instrumental in the repopulation of deer in Elbert County at a time when there were no deer left in the area.  Manuel loved his community and was active in the Jaycees civic organization.  Upon retirement, he remained active by spending hours feeding the birds from a chair in his garage and by making sure his lawn remained manicured and pristine.  Manuel will be remembered for his hard work and his love for his family.

Manuel is survived by his wife of 68 years, Iris E. Fernandez; children, Carol Fernandez (Nick) of Hartwell and Vince Fernandez (Tina) of Elberton; grandchildren, Zach York (Katie) and Eli York (Madison), all of Hartwell, Alex Fernandez (Bailey) of Cumming, and Bella Thomas (Colby) of Ft. Benning; great grandchildren, Lincoln Miller York and Landry Malone York; brothers, Joe Fernandez (Katherine) and John Fernandez (Susan); sister, Louise Moore; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6-7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home; and he will lie in state on Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until 12 noon at the funeral home.  

Interment will be private in Elmhurst Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of one’s choice.  

Arrangements for Manuel Fernandez are in the care of Hicks Funeral Home and Cremation Services.