moultrie magazine september_october_november 2014

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FEATURES:Not the Roman KindThere are no laughing mules in this county, but wedo have our very own LuLu. And she can cook upa country meal to beat the band. Read all aboutLuLu’s Fork in the Road, Moultrie’s first-ever foodtrailer, and be the next to stick a fork in her deli-cious country cuisine.

A Happy AltitudeAllen Edwards is back! His revealing interview withDarrell Griner, one of Moultrie’s most well-knownjewelers, explores the depth and breadth ofGriner’s expertise. You might find his favoritehobby shocking though. Get ready for a mile-highsurprise.

Music in Moultrie: The Music That Makes UsThe fellow with two dads shares the soundtrack tohis life and reminisces about compiling two com-pletely different music collections brought on by thedeath of a father. It’s a nostalgic and beautiful jour-ney through decades of music that is both timelyand timeless.

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September - October - November 2014

September - October - November 2014 5

Published quarterly by:Davenport Publications

Volume 8 Issue 2September - October - November

2014

Publisher/Art DirectorHeath Dorminey

Managing Editor/MarketingHeath Croft

ContributorsJohn OxfordCarrie ViohlAllen Edwards

Eric Foster-Whiddon

Letter from the Publisher

Growing up as a kid in the 1980s,I had an uncle (he was actuallymy daddy’s uncle and my greatuncle) and boy did he live up tothat title. G.T. Dorminey. As a

child, my grandparents lived right next door,and my uncle lived just across the road. Henever married; it was just him. For a time, helived in Baltimore, Md. In fact he lived there solong that when he came back to South Geor-gia, he had a northern accent.I always loved to go and visit my great uncle.He was always so patient with me and my sis-ter and was truly a great person. We had a tra-dition. I am not sure how it got started, but atleast once a month, on a Saturday morning,Uncle G.T. would pick us up and take us tobreakfast at McDonald’s and then to Roses.Yes, this was before Walmart. Roses was theplace to shop in Moultrie. Sometimes he wouldtake us to Playland which at that time was lo-cated in the Sunset Plaza. He would always letus pick out a toy. I remember my sister and Iwould be so excited when the Saturday camethat Uncle G.T. was going to take us to break-fast. But I forgot to mention one of the coolestparts! He had a yellow1960-something Volk-swagen Beetle that was in immaculate shape. Ican remember riding in that car like it was yes-terday; I thought it was the coolest thing.You used to be able to drive under that Sun-set Plaza sign right between the two poles thatheld it up. We would always beg him to driveus under it which he did with great fanfare.There was this one time that we pulled up toRoses and I was so excited that I was runningaround the car. Uncle G.T. said, “Heath becareful and watch for cars.” Well, wouldn’t youknow it? I ran right out behind his car and intothe side of a car passing by. It scared me good,but I think it scared my uncle even more. I wasokay though. I didn’t hit it hard, and the carsaw me so they stopped. I never ran aroundthe car like that again!Sometimes, my uncle would go for a walkdown to the bridge and back near our home.Of course, if my sister and I spotted him, we

would tag along. And he was more than happyto let us walk with him. Once, while on a walk,we passed by some equipment that was parkedon the side of the road, and we heard a whin-ing noise. There was a little puppy covered indiesel fuel. We had no luck with finding theowner in the neighborhood so our parents letus keep her. She was with us for many yearsand was one of the best pets I have ever had.On the days we were playing at his house, hewould make us a toasted deviled ham sand-wich. He would always have a boiled egg andhad one of those egg slicers which he would letus push down to slice the egg.As the years passed and we grew older, ourvisits with Uncle G.T. slowed, and our Satur-day trips to McDonald’s and Roses stopped.Then we moved to town. One day I went outto visit my grandparents, and I was walkingaround reminiscing. I sat down under a largepecan tree and looked up and saw my UncleG.T. walking up the road. He had a cane bythen. He spotted me and headed my way. Hesat down under that pecan tree with me, andwe talked about old times. We had a great visitfor about an hour. I told him before I left that Iwould try and come by more often to visit withhim. He said he would like that. Little did Iknow at the time that this would be our lastvisit together. Just a couple months later, hewas diagnosed with dementia and went down-hill extremely fast.My Uncle G.T. made a positive impact onboth me and my sister, and I have tons of greatmemories of him. He was a kind man with abig heart who loved his family. Anytime I seean old Volkswagen Beetle, especially a yellowone, I cannot help but think of him. Some-times when I pass by Moultrie Plaza and seeRoses still there, I remember those weekendtrips. I am grateful for those times. You know, Ithink I might have breakfast at McDonald’sthis Saturday just for old times’ sake. WhileI’m at it, I might just take a stroll aroundRoses, but you can bet I will be watching forcars.

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Cover photo by:Carrie Viohl

Disclaimer:Any ideas or opinions expressed in the content ofMoultrie Magazine are not necessarily the views of thepublisher. All claims, materials and photos furnishedor advertisments used are, to the publisher’s knowl-edge, true and correct. Hence, liability for errors oromissions cannot and will not be assumed by thepublisher or owner.© 2014 Davenport Publications. All rights reserved. Uncle G.T. with me and my sister Kelli in 1985.

Heath Dorminey

6 September - October - November 2014


This isn’t Cornfield County andthere’s no pickin’ and grinnin’here, but when a Moultriecouple recently reached a fork

in the road in their lives, they decided touse that opportunity to start a new busi-ness venture – the first of its kind here.And it has a decidedly nostalgic ring to it. Terry and Deirdre Allen opened LuLu’sFork in the Road, a food trailer in earlyMay. Currently located at One Stop #4, atthe intersection of South Main Street andFifth Avenue Southeast, it is open forbreakfast and lunch.Terry Allen says his wife has alwaysloved to cook and even wanted to open herown restaurant, but he was resistant to theidea. However, in 2009 the idea was re-newed when Deirdre Allen first began ex-ploring the idea of owning a food truck ortrailer. Deirdre Allen was able to find asponsor for the food truck, but Terry Allen

says he remained uninterested in the idea.Things changed though in September2013 when the couple once again began toexplore the possibility of owning and run-ning a food trailer, Terry Allen says. Hehad spent his career in sales at RiversideManufacturing Co., but he and his wifewere ready to take on a new career path.Deirdre Allen says they had both reachedthe age where one either stays in his/herchosen career or instead takes the oppor-tunity to change direction. After doingsome research on food trailers, they bothdecided to try it, even though neither hadany experience with operating one.“We were both ready for a careerchange,” Terry Allen says, “and wewanted to do it together.” “We both like to meet people,” he says,“and she likes to cook, so it made sense.”To help them prepare for owning a foodtrailer, Deirdre Allen says they both did

months of research and attended festivalswhere they spoke with other food trailerowners. Based on all their research anddiscussions with others, they contactedConcession Capital in Hollywood, Fla., tobuild a trailer for them. Terry Allen says the entire trailer had tobe custom built according to their specifi-cations. In addition to their research onowning and operating the first food trailerin Moultrie, Terry Allen says he andDeirdre also had to learn about the permitprocess. They found they needed to get ahealth permit, a city business license andpermission from a location before theycould start their new business.Deirdre Allen says everyone was verysupportive of them throughout theprocess, but it took time for everything tobe completed. It was also during this timethat the name for the business becameclear. “We were at a fork in the road in our


lives,” Deirdre Allen says. The name Forkin the Road itself was already taken, butshe says they simply added the name LuLuto the front of what became the foodtrailer’s full name. Deirdre Allen saysLuLu is the name her grandsons havegiven her so it was only natural to have itemblazoned on the trailer. But, this LuLudoesn’t own the first gingham dress andhas never sat with a moonshine jug on herlap. Our LuLu is less country queen andmore blonde bombshell. They also chose the location at the OneStop #4 because there are such limitedchoices for a quick breakfast on Moultrie’ssouth side.Deirdre Allen says she learned the basicsof cooking from Terry’s mother, GussieAllen, and she has always enjoyed cookingfor her family. She says she grew up in anatmosphere where eating a meal was aspecial time to be together as a family.“I enjoy cooking,” Deirdre Allen says,“and eating a meal and sitting down withfamily is a special time.” The food trailer arrives at its locationabout 5:30 a.m. each day, and DeirdreAllen says they cook for the next hour. Allof the meats and vegetables are freshly cutat the trailer’s base of operations locatedbehind the U.S. Post Office on SouthMain Street, and everything is cooked once theyhave arrived at the remote location. LuLu’sFork in the Road is open each weekday.Deirdre Allen says she has been over-whelmed with the positive response theyhave gotten since opening. She says sheconsiders it a privilege that people want tospend their hard-earned cash on the foodshe makes each day, and she wants to

[ “If people are willing to pay theirhard-earned money for our food,we want it to be good,”saysDeirdre Allen. ]

Terry and Deirdre Allen are the proprietors of LuLu’s Fork in the Road.

LuLu’s Fork in the Road is Moultrie’s first-ever food trailer.


be sure everyone gets a good meal at a good price.“If people are willing to pay their hard-earnedmoney for our food, we want it to be good,” saysDeirdre Allen. Terry Allen says the regular customers have beengreat, and he hopes to be able to create a following.He says that he has seen people make connectionswhile waiting in line. Some have made new friendswhile others have become reacquainted with oldfriends.LuLu’s selection for breakfast and lunch is a happymedium in order to have something for everyone,Deirdre Allen says. She says the menu will reflectsome changes as fall comes around, but they bothplan to continue to cater to everyone’s tastes. Spend-ing the hot South Georgia summer in a food trailercan be long, but they both agree that it has been arewarding experience thus far. “The long days have been worth it,” Deirdre Allensays. “We’re both enjoying it immensely.”And while she may share a name with one ofCornfield County’s most popular residents, the simi-larities end there. Lucky for us, our LuLu isn’t one togo around spreading rumors. Really she’s just notthe gossipy kind. No you’ll never catch her repeatinggossip. So you’d better be sure and listen close thefirst time.

LuLu’s serves breakfast Monday thru Friday 6:30 a.m. to9:30 a.m. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For moreinformation on Lulu’s Fork in the Road, check them out onFacebook or Twitter.

We can handle all your designneeds. Drapes, bedding, pillowsand everything for your windows!

Fabric Avaliable or Bring Your Own!

515 GA Hwy 133 South l Moultrie

229-985-5285

-Opening Soon-New area of furniture, accessories and gis.All under one roof!

The tent out front sheilds customers from the South Georgia rays while they wait.


Photo by: Fisher Photostudio


Iam a man with two last names because I am a fellow with two dads; mybiological father is Jonathan Foster and my adopted dad is David Whid-don. On Father’s Day 2014, Jon passed away. I packed up my wife andfour kids to make the more than 2,000 mile round trip to his hometown

of Neosho, Mo. to mourn with our family, celebrate my dad’s life and tobring his belongings back to Moultrie. An avid guitarist and music enthusi-ast (you know what they say about trees and falling apples), some of my dad’smost-prized possessions were his guitars, his stereo system and his hundredsof albums...................................................................................................Once we arrived safely back at home, I

spent a week hooking up speaker wires

and sorting through CDs. This process in-

spired me to pull out my personal music

collection and combine it with his. A few

years ago I contracted “vinyl fever” and

began amassing a collection of LPs, but I

neglected the CDs that I painstakingly col-

lected over the previous two decades. Al-

bums that were once treasured had been

relegated to boxes in closets and the attic

in favor of digital files on my computer

and phone.

As I picked up one CD after another,

dusted the jewel cases off and put them in

order, I was reintroduced to the sound-

track of my life. This stroll down musical

memory lane put a new emphasis on a

thought that I know to be true: most peo-

ple identify with music more strongly than

almost any other medium, to the degree

that it characterizes seasons in our lives.

Especially for folks like myself, my dad and

my musical peers, it often feels that our

musical experiences define us, acting as

close companions of the life experiences

that have molded and shaped us.

Humor me as I share the musical sea-

sons of my life.

Like most folks, I can remember the first

album I ever purchased with my own

money. I wish I could tell you that I was a

musically-discerning youngster and picked

up an album by The Beatles, Neil Young

or Led Zeppelin for that inaugural CD.

Heck, even John Denver would make me

look cooler than the disc with which I

marched out of Walmart. I was one ex-

cited pre-teen the day I left the big box

store, holding tightly to my prized pur-

chase, Vanilla Ice’s debut album, “To the

Extreme.” Though I can still sing most of

the words to “Ice, Ice Baby,” I’m glad to

say that my musical tastes have matured as

I have!

I remember owning cassettes by

Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys, and

various country artists during those early

days of musical exploration (all better

choices than my first one). However, dur-

ing a summer in the late 80s, I spent a

week with my aunt and uncle in Ocala,

Fla. and made an amazing discovery.

Their high school and college-aged daugh-

ters were much cooler than me, as I

learned when I plundered through their

music collection. Once I heard “Green” by

R.E.M. and the self-titled album by The

Violent Femmes, my Jacko cassette took a

back seat. For the first time, I personally

identified with music that I was not hear-

ing on my local radio stations. The music

fit my life, communicating through lyrics,

melody and rhythm something that felt

genuine and authentic in that particular

season.

Many musical seasons followed, sere-

naded by a variety of favorite artists.

While playing hacky sack next to the jun-

ior high picnic tables, I talked with my

peers about the music that we were being

fed by another college-aged cousin of a

friend. We were discovering artists like Di-

nosaur Jr (and J Mascis and Lou Barlow

and Sebadoh), Lou Reed, Flaming Lips,

Yo La Tango, The Verve, Pond, etc. It was

particularly exciting to watch my then-fa-

vorite little-known band, The Smashing

Pumpkins, make a “Saturday Night Live”

appearance with the release of their new

album “Siamese Dream.” Whether it was

grunge, alt-rock or post-punk, the under-

ground sound of the 1990s still speaks to

me today.

I became a Christian at the age of 15

and my love for music found a new focus

as I discovered the burgeoning Christian-

rock scene. My high school years were

wrapped in tunes by Plankeye, Blender-

head, MxPx, as well as big names like DC

Talk, Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline. I

was on a desperate hunt for music with a

faith message that had the same edgy

character as the underground artists I dis-

covered during junior high (not often a

successful pursuit). Along with finding my

new faith, I had another experience in this

season that changed my life: I learned to

play guitar.

Along with three other Moultrie fellows,

Clint Knight, Jonathan Napier and Jim

Fountain, I spent five years through high

school and college as a member of Joshua

Generation, a Christian-rock band that

wrote and performed original music. Our

12

experiences as a band put us in personal contact with a variety of

other up-and-coming musicians along the fringes of our Chris-

tian-rock subgenre. The next several years were influenced by the

music of artists like David Bazan (Pedro the Lion), Damien Ju-

rado, Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional), Aaron Shust,

Lee & Jamey Bozeman (Luxury) and Bill Mallonee (Vigilantes of

Love). For me, college was a musical adventure dotted with Bible,

theology and Greek classes, lots of rock and roll occasionally in-

terrupted by homework. Joshua Generation was followed by stints

with Widow June, Veterans Radio, EFW Band and Pedestrian.

When graduation came, I had no idea what I was going to do,

but I knew music would be part of it. During my first position as a

youth minister, I began teaching music lessons to youth-group

kids, with the agreement that they would play their instruments in

a youth-worship band. This little arrangement put me on a road

that would eventually lead to Beans & Strings, almost 10 years

later.

My dad’s music collection reflected his life as well. As I sorted

through it, I remembered all the times he talked on and on about

his favorite artists, dropping names I didn’t recognize at the time.

When did he first hear Robin Trower? How did he make the

jump from rock and roll to bluegrass, becoming a fan of Tony

Rice? I cannot count the times Johnny Winter made his way into

a conversation. The albino blues guitar legend was my dad’s all-

Joshua Generation performs at Battle of the Bands in the mid 1990s.

Joshua Generation with its first album release in 1996.


Courtesy of Eric Foster-Whiddon

705 South Main StreetMoultrie, Georgia 31768-5432

Phone: 229-985-4137 Fax: 229-890-5968

Scotty Jarvis, Pharm.D.SAFETY & SERVICE SINCE 1923


time favorite musician, who coincidentally passed away exactly one

month after him. Which seasons in his life were accompanied with

songs by Blood, Sweat & Tears, Cream, Steppenwolf, Ry Cooder

and the legendary Jimi Hendrix? Just as my musical discoveries de-

fined the seasons of my life, this collection of albums was the

soundtrack of my dad’s life, more than just a random collection of

top hits. As I was combining two music collections, I felt as if I was

combining two lives.

Perhaps all this talk of bands and albums and musical nostalgia

doesn’t mean much to you. Not everyone who enjoys music is really

a “fanatic” in the truest definition of the word “fan.” However, for

some of us, we once found a friend in our favorite LPs and CDs,

only to lose contact as we lost ourselves in the responsibilities of

work, family and community. When is the last time you thought

about your favorite artists? Pull out your albums, throw on a pair of

headphones and take a walk down your own musical memory lane.

As you do, you may remember something about yourself as you ex-

perience anew the music that made you. Your collection is more

than a playlist; it is a representation of a significant life, your life.

Take time to listen to it and enjoy it.

As I organized my CDs, my most-prized category was music

made by my friends. I am proud to say that this selection of albums

was pretty substantial and consisted of many discs by Moultrie mu-

Photo by: LoloStock

sicians like Brandt Sims, Brian Gray, AngelieLipscomb, Matthew Williams, Kim Harrelland even “Moultrie Magazine’s” publisher,Heath Dorminey. Keep your eyes open for livemusic happening in downtown Moultrie; thefall and winter seasons are busy times for ourbeautiful downtown, and the square will oftenbe ringing with live music. Watch for concertsin any of our downtown restaurants, as well ason the amphitheatre. Make it a priority to treatyourself to a show. You may just find thesoundtrack for the next season of your life onthe square in downtown Moultrie!

For more information about music in down-town Moultrie, check out the events calendarat DowntownMoultrie.com or contact Eric at(229) 985-0093 or [email protected].

Eric Foster-Whiddon is the owner of Beans & Strings,a music school with a full-service espresso bar on thesquare in historic downtown Moultrie. As a songwriter,educator, and business owner, Eric advocates for localmusic, music education, and downtown Moultrie. Thisarticle is part of an ongoing series highlighting music inMoultrie. Visit MoultrieMagazineOnline.com, Down-townMoultrie.com, and BeansandStrings.com for moreinformation.


Photo by: LoloStock

Past: Jimmy BryantTravelers coming into

Moultrie may notice a road-

side sign honoring one of our

most famous native musicians,

Ivy J. “Jimmy” Bryant Jr.

Born in Moultrie on March 5,

1925, he is said to have played the fiddle on street corners dur-

ing the Great Depression, gathering change from generous lis-

teners in order to help the family meet ends. After a World War

II injury, he applied himself to the guitar and eventually landed

in California, where he met Speedy West, the pedal steel gui-

tarist who would become Jimmy’s long-time musical collabora-

tor. Through a series of professional connections, West provided

Bryant with opportunities that helped him land a contract as an

instrumentalist with Capitol Records. Though primarily known

as a champion of the Telecaster electric guitar, the story goes

that Leo Fender (legendary guitar builder and founder of the

Fender guitar company) approached Bryant in the early 1950s

with a prototype of his new guitar design, the Stratocaster,

which can be heard in Jimmy’s recording of “Little Rock Get-

away.” In the 1960s, Bryant worked in music production, ran a

recording studio in Las Vegas during the early 1970s, and then

relocated to Nashville, Tenn. for a short season in the mid-70s.

He later returned to his hometown. Jimmy Bryant died in 1980

from lung cancer. He was 55 years old.

Present: Larry SimsWhile many Moultrians may

know Sims from his years in

administration at Colquitt Re-

gional Medical Center, they

may not be aware that he is an

accomplished singer/songwriter in the vein of Neil Young and

Bob Dylan. Sims credits The Beatles’ appearance on “The Ed

Sullivan Show” as his motivation for learning to play guitar. He

lists the greats as his primary influences: Jimi Hendrix, Eric

Clapton, CSNY (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) along with the

aforementioned Bob, Neil and those British boys. In recent

years, Sims has become a fan of the indie scene, including acts

like The Shins, Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes. His original music

is wrought with thought-provoking lyrics and melodies that fol-

low the listener home long after the show is over. Sims is at his

best when strumming his old Gibson and blowing his harmon-

ica between verses of “Into the Fog,” “Been Thinking About

My Younger Days,” or “Ordinary Life.” Be sure to catch one of

his live performances in downtown Moultrie – he is a local fa-

vorite for good reason. For more information on Larry Sims,

visit reverbnation.com/larrysims

Future: The GilbertGirlsIn 2010 Nicole Gilbert

walked into Beans & Strings to

sign up her 10-year-old

daughter, Morgan, for guitar lessons. A little apprehensive,

Morgan asked her mom to take lessons with her. But, Gilbert

needed something for her 6-year-old daughter, Courtney, to do

while she and Morgan were in a guitar lesson. A slot was avail-

able for drum lessons, so Courtney jumped right in consider-

ably less apprehensive than her big sister. (Drummers…right?!)

Within a couple of years, Morgan developed an interest in

singing while playing the guitar, so her mother began studying

the bass guitar and a three-piece girl band was born, aptly titled

The Gilbert Girls. After four years and countless hours of les-

sons and live performances, The Gilbert Girls have developed a

repertoire of country and pop tunes. They frequently play at

downtown Moultrie events as well as regional festivals. Their

style has been described as “sassy girl country” and their enter-

taining performances follow suit. Look for The Gilbert Girls on

the schedule of downtown Moultrie performances in the com-

ing months.


Moultrie Musicians: Past, Present & Future


Article by: Allen Edwards Photography by: Carrie Viohl

20

For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with youreyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you willlong to return. –Leonardo da Vinci

If there is such a thing as perfec-

tion, it so often soars above us. It

is always just out of our reach.

Or it swirls around us, ethereal,

ineffable. There are no grandiose

words that can truly capture the very

essence of perfection.

And most of us would be content to

touch perfection here on earth.

But local businessman Darrell Griner

endlessly pursues perfection on, above,

and even in the earth. A beloved fixture in

downtown Moultrie, in 1979 at the tender

age of 25, he opened Griner’s Jewelry with

no collateral on a handshake loan.

“I told the banker, as I was leaving, ‘If I

have to get three jobs to pay you back, I’ll

pay every penny back,’” he says with a

chuckle. “That was the way it was done in

small towns then.”

Since then, Griner has established a

strong customer base that returns to his

shop time and time again because of the

quality of jewelry he carries, he says. He

has customers across the United States in-

cluding some in Atlanta, New York and

even North Dakota. Many are now sec-

ond-generation.

“Children grow up, go to school in

Athens, and then migrate to Atlanta or

New York for their jobs,” says Griner, “but

they don’t forget the small town they come

from.”

And with good reason.

The stones in Griner’s inventory could

just as easily grace the cases of a posh Park

Avenue boutique as in his shop downtown.

He goes to great lengths to choose the per-

fect stones for his jewelry and often buys

directly from the people who own the

mines rather than through second-party

dealers. He flies to Belgium to choose his

diamonds and Thailand for sapphires. He

visits Germany and China to find stones

that meet his exacting standards.

“I’ve got to buy stones like I am buying

them for myself,” he says. This is a some-

times difficult task, as a perfect stone can

easily be marred by an unskilled hand.

“A poor cut is like someone built a new

house and put an awful paint color on it,”

he says. “You can take a beautiful stone,

but someone has to cut it correctly to get

the beauty out of it.”

As such, Griner knew early on that he

had to find quality stone cutters with

whom he could build relationships.

“It’s like having one good mechanic who

works on your car or boat motor,” he says.


Griner Jewelry has been a permanent fixture in downtown Moultrie for over three decades.


“My cutters know that when I look at stones they have to be as

good as they can be.”

Griner’s cutters are more than just reliable, however. In his

mind, they are artists.

“Mother Nature created that stone, and he [the stone cutter]

brings it to the world and makes it beautiful,” he says, noting that

quality and brilliance are paramount in gem selection.

“A diamond should be a pretty star in a winter night sky,” says

Griner. But knowing his gems’ sources is only a part of providing

customers with a quality product. He also has a moral stake in his

purchases. Over the last decade, the general public has become

aware of conflict stones, primarily because of the 2006 film

“Blood Diamond,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a diamond

smuggler in Africa’s Sierra Leone. The movie exposed many to

the terrible conditions of African diamond mines and the brutal

enslavement of miners at the hands of ruthless warlords, which in

turn prompted calls for change in the gem trade. Griner, however,

had already been working exclusively with conflict-free gems for

years when the movie was released.

“We were all trying to head off the problem before then,” he

says. “We have to do business the human way, the right way.” Ac-

cording to Griner, the right way means building a business that he

will one day proudly pass down to his daughter Amy, who works

in the store, and to his grandchildren, who often roam around it.

It also means respecting customers enough to choose ethics over

profit.

“One of the most important days of a young lady’s life is when

she gets her engagement ring,” he says. “She wants to know that it

is legitimate and that no one lost a father or a child or an arm

over it.”

Customers at Griner’s Jewelry can shop with easy consciences,

and he has the documentation to prove it. When new mines are

opened, a gemologist from the Gem Institute of America (GIA)

takes a specimen and documents its mineral makeup. When

Griner purchases diamonds, he sends them to the GIA for ad-

vanced testing that can narrow a stone’s origin to a specific mine.

The GIA knows immediately whether the diamond is conflict-free

or not.

“It’s like a DNA test for stones,” he says. Once he has chosen his

gems, Griner brings them back to Moultrie for mounting on-site

Surrounded by an impressive new interior, the Griner Jewlery logo takes center stage.


Darrell Griner’s favorite hobby is flying his Mooney M2OJ 201 aircraft on a sunny August afternoon.


in his store. Again, Griner says quality

must guide every decision.

“You’re creating things that are going to

last for generations,” he says.

For example, Griner recently finished a

one-of-a-kind white gold ring crowned

with a peridot, a green gem from Pakistan.

Less South Georgia matriarch and more

European monarch, the peridot is indica-

tive of Griner’s own discriminating tastes

and talents. Its Portuguese cut magnifying

its brilliance in a hundred prisms of light,

its mount a perfect pale balance for the

jewel’s rich emerald hue. The pressure to

create a legacy with his jewelry means an

endless pursuit of knowledge.

“I’ve studied the jewelry business for 40

years and am still studying just as hard as I

ever have,” he says. “I’ll discover a differ-

ent stone that’s been right there that I’ve

been unaware of.” Because of that, Griner

says his work, while requiring painstaking

detail, is rarely tedious.

“Every working day of my life is like a

treasure hunt,” he says. That pressure is

more internal than external. Though

Griner describes himself as an easy-going

person, he admits his attention to the

smallest details of his work can be frustrat-

ing.

“I’m very particular, and it’s not an easy

life when you are that way,” he says. “I’d

like to be more happy-go-lucky.”

Like many, Griner turns to a hobby to

relieve his frustrations. Unlike those who

simply play golf or collect stamps, how-

ever, Griner’s hobby, like his expectations

for jewels, is above the heads of most peo-

ple.

“One of the most important days of a young lady’s lifeis when she gets her engagement ring,” he says. “Shewants to know that it is legitimate and that no one lost afather or a child or an arm over it.”


An aerial view of the coast off St. Mark’s taken on Saturday, August 16.


Quite literally.

For almost four decades, Griner has been soaring off

into the vast skies as a private pilot. It is there in the cock-

pit of his Mooney M2OJ 201, traveling 200 miles per hour

11,000 feet over land and sea, that he says he feels most

free.

“My wife likes getting in the plane and getting there,” he

says. “I just like being up there.” That freedom from the

reality of life was made obviously clear to him on a recent

trip from Macon to Moultrie. Flying through a typically

hot South Georgia afternoon with temperatures in the

mid-90s, Griner climbed to an altitude of 5,000 feet and

watched the thermometer drop to 70 degrees.

“It was so clear visibility-wise that it was hard to land in

Moultrie,” he says, and his mind clicked through a list of

alternative locales: St. George Island, Panama City, New

Orleans.

Instead, he nosed the plane down towards the Moultrie

airport and watched the mercury rise on the thermometer.

“Below 3000 feet, it was like someone turned on the

heat,” he says. As a boy, he says he dreamed of becoming

a military pilot. An injury playing backyard football at 16

and a motorcycle crash at 18 derailed those dreams, but

Griner says he knew he would have to find another way to

fly. Now, he says, there are few things he would rather do.

“I’ll work as long as I can breathe if it takes that to have

a plane,” he says, smiling.

“A pilot is scared to death of the day he gets too old to

fly or can’t afford it, Griner says. “I’m addicted to it.”

Griner quickly rattled off the names of his favorite flight

plans: the North Georgia mountains, Gatlinburg, and, of

course, the Gulf Coast. He has flown to California and the

Bahamas in his plane and has seen sights from his cockpit

27September - October - November 2014

Appropriately, Griner’s home sits near the Moultrie Municipal Airport. Griner’s Mooney M2OJ 201 aircraft coming out of the hangar.

29September - October - November 2014

Soaring high over downtown Moultrie on Saturday, August 16.


The view from here: Downtown Moultrie as seen from Griner’s plane.


that most can only imagine. A favorite, he

says, is a trip he took to New Orleans with

wife Yvonne and daughter Amy. It was

shortly past sunset as the trio flew west

over Lake Pontchartrain just as the lights

of The Big Easy flickered on.

“Seeing the skyline of the city all lit up,

the runway all lit up, was a priceless pic-

ture I’ll never forget,” he says.

Even in flight where he feels most free,

Griner can’t escape his stickler’s nature.

“Every flight is trying for perfection,” he

says. “It’s constant correction: weather,

wind, the machine.” But while the drive

for excellence would wear on some, for

Griner, it seems almost exhilarating.

“Every takeoff and every landing is a

competition with myself,” he says. “To

make that perfect landing, to take-off and

rotate and let the nose come up and then

fly itself off, I never get tired of that.”

Pilots have a term for a plane perform-

ing at peak performance: on-step.

Whether his eye is looking through his

jeweler’s loop or the cockpit’s windshield,

whether his hand is crafting an engage-

ment ring or guiding the Mooney’s control

stick, Griner is searching for precision.

Having tasted flight and finding it deli-

cious, he isn’t content to keep his feet on

the ground for too long. Skyward he has

been, and it is skyward that he longs to re-

turn. He continues working towards that

magical moment when he is on-step and

almost certainly enjoys every minute of it.

“My world is fun,” he says.

Griner’s favorite flight plans include the North Georgia mountains, Gatlinburg and the Gulf Coast.

(229)985-5336 Toll-free: (866)262-6822

713 South Main Street Moultrie GeorgiaDiane Parten, Broker.......................229-873-6030Mike Parten, Assoc. Broker.............229-873-6029Bonnie Tucker, Assoc. Broker.........229-589-1700Karen Johnson, Assoc. Broker.........229-589-0467Vi Ladson.........................................229-985-2242

Lynda Denham.................................229-873-6228Dell Gay...........................................229-985-2134Bill Acuff.........................................229-985-9763Marsha Meadows.............................229-589-1238

Celebrating our35th Anniversary!

Contact us for the special attention and service thathas brought people back tous again and again!

1202 2nd Street S.E. Charming brick home on well landscaped corner lot, 2bedrooms 2 baths, large family room with fireplace,separate living/dining room, kitchen with all appli-ances, laundry room, garage with storage rooms,fencedback yard, roof and cent. H/A.in great condition. $79,000 MLS#902706

906 Joe Louis Ave3 BR, 1 BA home. Great first time home buy-ers or investment property.New tile in kitchenand new paint fenced in back yard.$26,900 MLS#903529

10 15th Ave SEThis 4 BR 3 BA brick home has some great updates,including designer kitchen with granite counter topsand all stainless appliances, new windows, replacedroof and new paint inside and out. Fireplaces in formalLR and den. Very nice formal dining room. Doublegarage with dual control doors. $169,900 MLS#903314

704 1st Street SEBeautiful traditional home in historic district. Numer-ous upgrades inside. .This two story home would makean excellent office and home combined. Great location.3 BR and 2 BA upstairs. Beautiful living area dowwn-stairs featuring family room, separate DR, sun porch ,stainless steel kitchen appliances and many more extrasincluding basement.$227,000 MLS#903717

301 Holly TailLocated in Clubview Subdivision. Spacious foyer leadsto comfortable L-shaped LR/DR. The tiled Kitchen hasall appliances and a cozy breakfast area. This spacioushome also has a Family Room with bookcases, and astudy. The MBR has a balcony overlooking the patioand pool area. Large corner lot and is in Sunset Schooldistrict.$179,900 MLS#903411

2204 Vineyard Court3 BR, 2 BA, family has outgrown homelocated in great area with children.Owneris son of selling realtor. Live Oak schooldistrict.$149,000 MLS#902985

117 Suwannee RoadNew Construction on 1.125 acre lot in River-wood subdivision, Sunset school district. 3 BR,2 BA home.

$159,900 MLS#903820

201 Norris Drive3 BR, 2 BA New construction in DoerunSchool district ideal location for someoneworking in Albany.

$159,900 MLS#903825

1468 Perryman RoadThis large 4 BR farm house has so much tooffer located in this quiet area. 5.26 acres. Par-tial pasture fenced and some woods that extendback to a pond. Pond not included with prop-erty but can have pond rights according toowner. Partial renovations made inside.$98,500 MLS#903821

907 1st Street SEThis 3 BR, 2 BA home has a separate apart-ment 858 Square feet,Kitchen, Bath and laun-dry room. Call to view today.$129,900 MLS#903797

2440 Jacqueline Circle5 BR. 3 BA A rare find.....five bedrooms and 3baths, plus formal LR/DR, Den, Kitchen andInformal DR, well kepy, clean. $149,000 MLS#904037

1338 GA Hwy 33 South4 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home with 7.72 acres,partially fenced, great for horses, 30x40 workshop and30x40 shed with concrete floor and electricity, utilityhouse, large covered deck with above ground pool.$139,900 MLS#904145

1504 Hutchinson DriveBeautiful yard, great home for couple or young family.Home has producing pecan tree in back yard withplenty of shade to enjoy. Large storage building andnice carport. This 2 BR, 1 BA home is well kept andmove in ready. PRICED TO SELL.$49,950 MLS#904217

721 Pine Drive3 BR, 1 BA home with new heating and air sys-tem, 24 x 28 workshop with roll up door,fenced in yard.$49,900 MLS#904240

162 Seminole DriveThis new listing at Indian Lake is a great loca-tion and features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, large liv-ing room and separate dining room. The eat-inkitchen is complete with stove, dishwasher andrefrigerator. Good condition with new tileflooring throughout.$97,000 MLS#903989

1408 7th Street SEDuplex, 1 side is 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath theother 2 Bedrooms 1 Bath located on cor-ner lot.$139,900 MLS#903887

1417 10th St SW3 BR. 2 BA Completely remodeled home. Newkitchen cabinets,new roof,new central heatingand air & new flooring.$89,000 MLS#904270

128 Southlake DriveLocated on 5 acres with access to 2 ponds, 30 x 25dock with a 20 x 25 shelter over it and a boat slip. 4BR 3 1/2 BA home. Kit has been remodeled with cus-tom cabinets and granite counter tops. Bonus room up-stairs for family enjoyment. Has a 22 x 26 Work shopwith 2 roll up doors and an access door.$470,000MLS#904250

1944 4th Street SE3 BR, 1 BA great starter home located in Colo-nial Heights Subdivision. Call to see this hometoday. would make a great investment.

$69,900 MLS#903925

Fallin & McIntosh, PCAttorneys at Law39 North Main StreetP.O. Box 250

Moultrie, Georgia 31776

Phone: 229-985-5881Fax: 229-985-0659

Email: [email protected]

William G. FallinWilliam M. McIntosh

“The Real Estate Lawyers”

l On-site Manager (7 days a week)l High Security Fencel Key-Pad Gated Accessl Secure Lightingl Climate-controlled & Standard Units l Many Sizesl Free Moving Truckl Full-coverage Video Surveillancel RV/Trailer Parking

“Where they are serious about your stuff!”


719 South Main StreetMoultrie, Georgia 31768229-985-3032

RealtorsBobby Browning.................................................229-891-5169Patsy Browning...................................................229-890-7669Charlotte Kelley..................................................229-891-5111Jeri Smith............................................................229-873-5374Heath Dorminey..................................................229-798-2245

www.browningbrasskeyrealty.com

17 Pearl Street3 BR, 2 BA on .56 ac with outbuilding

$159,000 MLS#903287

1720 Eastview Lane - Southgate2 BR, 1 BA Townhome$85,000 MLS#903385

1156 6th Street SW2 BR, 1 BA home

$47,500 MLS#903607

2212 5th Street SE3 BR, 2 BA Fenced Yard$119,000 MLS#903609

1159 6th Street SW2 BR, 1 and a half bath$47,000 MLS#904311

Downtown Commercial Building8,172 sq ft. Ready for your business!

$130,000 MLS#904222

459 Bob Taylor Road3 BR, 1 BA

$45,000 MLS#903706

LAND - Mitchell County11.82 acres in Mitchell Counth.

Pond, and great homesite.$35,460 MLS#904248

4082 Old Doerun Road2 BR, 2 BA 1,360 sf$99,000 MLS#903779

317 Star Circle -Norman ParkNearly new 3 BR, 2 BA 1,496 sf

$139,900 MLS#903834

1624 Murdock Street 2 BR, 2 BA on 3.5 acres 1,550 sf

$185,000 MLS#903915

313 Floral Drive2 BR, 2 BA Townhome 1,326 sf

$110,000 MLS#902965

156.7 acres FarmExcellent soil! 50 acres under pivot. Balance in timber and hardwoods.

$5,000 per acre MLS#903954

C.O. Kennedy Road3 BR, 2 BA w/ 5 acres 1,736 sf

$90,000 MLS#904309

2 Old Tram Road5 BR, 3 and a half bath Executive Home

$368,000 MLS#903066

2 Bracken Drive3 BR, 2 and half bath Executive Home

$224,900 MLS#904310

236 Langford Street3 BR, 1 BA in Berlin, GA$59,900 MLS#903257

Commercial Properties515 US Hwy 133 South

6,484 sf building with 1.62 acres$185,000 MLS#:903070

233 Pineview Ave NE1.02 ac w/1,250 sf building - formerly truck wash/repair shop

$85,000 MLS#903673

Commercial Land Available -- Call Office

LandResidential Lots REDUCEDSloan’s Village: $15,000/Lot Owner must approve plans

Hwy 202 & Lower Meigs Rd. 3 Lots, Owner Financing, Covenants

$13,000 - $19,900

Countryside-Executive Lot $99,000

Reduced

Reduced Reduced

Reduced Reduced

Reduced

www.colonybank.com


159 Shady Grove RoadSolid, well built older home, well taken care of. 3 BR, 1 BA,nice neighborhood, close to town and all services. Great forfirst time buyer.$49,900 MLS# 904023

1500 10th Street SWNewly renovated 3 BR, 2 BA home with beautiful old pine floors. Thehouse is located in a great area with a view of Lake Sylvia at the end of10th St. Corner lot with fenced back yard. Owner is licensed Real Es-tate Agent in the State of GA$79,900 MLS# 903945

709 South Main Street l P.O. Box 3007Moultrie, Georgia 31768

(229) 985-1145 l Fax (229) 890-1445

E-mail: [email protected]: mattcorealtors.com

“For All Your Real Estate Needs”

Kirk Friedlander, GRI...................589-0618Patricia Taylor...............................891-8456Todd Hall.......................................850-0025Wayne Cooper...............................891-6439Regina Giles............................. .....891-8162

Agents & Evening Phone Numbers

(229) 985-1145

SINCE 1957SINCE 1957

27 8th AVE SEWell established office building in Colonial Village. Easyaccess from S. Main St. SE. 3 private offices, open workspace, 2 BA, alarm system, ample parking.$74,900 MLS# 902855

504 4th Street SWNice brick 3 BR, 2 BA home that has been totally renovatedwith new flooring bathrooms, kitchen windows, etc. Newwiring, lighting, A/C unit being installed.$79,000 MLS# 904129

133 West BlvdOne of the better Southgate Townhomes on the market today.2 BR, 2 BA fireplace, patio, end unit. Move in ready.$88,250 MLS# 904122

810 5th Ave SEVery nice starter home with plenty of space. 3 BR, 2 BA,hardwood floors, fireplace and unique coffered ceilings.$85,000 MLS# 901985

2220 Azalea DriveAffordable home in popular Jacqueline Circle neigh-borhood. 3 BR, 2 BA. Two car garage, nice backyard with deck and storge building.$94,900 MLS# 903484

126 West Broad StreetBeautiful restored home in downtown Norman Park, Thishouse has loads of character and sits on a large corner lot. 3BR, 2 BA, family room, eat in kitchen.$125,000 MLS# 904106

724 5th Ave SEComplete former medical office, can be converted toa professional office or retail with ease. Excellent lo-cation, high traffic counts.$99,900 MLS# 904100

518 1st Street SEHistorical home close to downtown with access to shopping,churches, recreation and schools. 5 BR, 3 BA, oak floorsdownstairs. Large KIT w/cherrywood cabinets. Double cargarage w/ one BR apt.$129,900 MLS# 903166

149 Martin LaneVery unique home located just outside Moultrie. Three acres include a 2BR, 2 BA house. Workshop, storage building, cook house, stocked pondand new dock. House has beautiful wood work inside. Large woodburning fireplace, office enclosed porch with custom blinds.$169,900 MLS# 903886

2189 GA Hwy 202Beautiful older farm house on almost 11 acres in S.W.Colquitt County. 2 BR, 2 BA all heart pine construction,pond, lots of privacy.$129,000 MLS# 904255

4853 Tallokas RoadWell maintained home just outside Moultrie. 3 BR, 2 BAmove-in condition. Vaulted ceilings, fireplace, two cargarage. Nice deck in back.$179,000 MLS# 904072

10 Wifregrass CircleLakefront living with great in-town location. 3 BR, 2 BAwith lots of upgrades. Entire inside has been repainted andbrand new carpet installed in all bedrooms. Plantation shut-ters, nice deck overlooking lake.$189,000 MLS# 904071

6 Ridge RoadBeautiful home in one of Moultrie’s most desirable neigh-borhoods. 3 BR, 3 BA has a spacious floor plan with up-grades. Large kitchen and laundry room. Master bath haswalk-in closet. Screened in porch, ground pool and deck.$185,000 MLS# 904130

1758 Gatewood CircleThis beautiful home has it all, 3 BR, 2 BA, foyer, diningroom, living room, kitchen w/ breakfast room. Large mastersuite, spacious fenced in back yard. Beautiful hardwoodfloors w/carpet in bedrooms.$194,500 MLS# 903903

116 Silverwood CourtBeautful well kept home in Southlake Subdivision. 4 BR, 2and a half bath, custom kitchen with breakfast area. Formaldining room, patio and fireplace.$249,900 MLS# 903750

709 South Main Street l P.O. Box 3007Moultrie, Georgia 31768

(229) 985-1145 l Fax (229) 890-1445

E-mail: [email protected]: mattcorealtors.com

“For All Your Real Estate Needs”

Kirk Friedlander, GRI...................589-0618Patricia Taylor...............................891-8456Todd Hall.......................................850-0025Wayne Cooper...............................891-6439Regina Giles............................. .....891-8162

Agents & Evening Phone Numbers

(229) 985-1145

SINCE 1957SINCE 1957

1336 Fairview DriveFrank McCall house located just off Main Street. This large brickhome has everything and is move-in ready. Foyer, 4 BR, 2 and a halfbath. LR, large sun room, breakfast room, kitchen, laundry, dining etc.Located in R.B. Wright School District..$199,995 MLS# 903836

107 Holly TrailReally nice 4 BR, 3 and a half bath all brick home in Club-view. NIce big yard with great views. Very spacious inside,excellent neighborhood and school district. $289,900 MLS# 903996

384 Tanglewood DriveIf location and quality are important to you then you should consider thiscustom built home on Tanglewood. 4 BR, 3 and a half baths. Granitecounter tops, hardwood floors, hardiboard siding, screened in porch,fireplace, oversized garage.$314,995 MLS# 904210

603 Rowland DriveWell maintained office building located just off VeteransParkway. Moultrie’s fastest growing retail and commercialarea. Excellent condition with plenty of parking.$299,900 MLS# 903962

24 Cherokee RoadYour chance to own a great home in Moultrie’s first upscale neighbor-hood. This home has been almost entirely renovated. 4 BR, 3 BA allbath’s have been updated, new hardwood floors and carpet. New roof,windows (upstairs) are just part of the improvements. Move in condi-tion.$345,000 MLS# 903869

6 Dogwood CircleOne of the best homes in Dogwood Subdivision. Located ona quiet cul-de-sac, this executive home has lots of privacy. 6BR, 3 BA, 3 fireplaces, game room, deck, fenced back yard.Outside fireplace on patio.$395,000 MLS# 903488

1900 2nd Street SENewly restored Mid-Century modern home can be yours! WilliamFrank McCall designed home, built by O’Neal Construction in 1963. 4BR, 3 BA, new electrical wiring, new roof, fresh paint inside and out.Located on a large corner lot in a great neighborhood.$349,900 MLS# 903870

143 Southlake DriveBeautiful 3 BR, 3 and one half bath in one of Moultrie’sfinest neighborhoods. 2+ acres, pool, pool house, 2 cargarage and mother in law suite.$479,900 MLS# 904258

112 Fairway DriveOne of the most beautiful and prestigious homes in Moultrie. Jack Wil-son A1A architect designed home on 5 acres. Adjorning the SunsetCountry Club. 4 BR, 2 and a half baths. This home is 2 story Georgianstyle brick, wide heart pine floors. This joins a 10 acre lake with allrights of ownership.MLS# 903934

217 Lakespring DriveCustom built for a large family. 7 BR, 7 and a half baths,well maintained home on beautiful lake lot. Salt water poolin back yard. Professional kitchen w/granite countertops,theater room upstairs, five car garage, much more!$524,990 MLS# 904216

165 Hugh Bannister RoadWhen location and quality are important, then consider thishome. 4 BR, 2 and a half baths on four acres with expansiveviews of the backyard and lake. Open and bright with ampleroom for the entire family.$549,900 MLS# 904080

“For All Your Real Estate Needs”Residential l Commercial l Land

229-985-1145

19

125 South Main - At the GrandDowntown Moultrie, Georgia 31768

“We Handle All Your Real Estate Needs”

3 BR, 2 BA$115,500 MLS#904194

3 BR, 2 BA$52,900 MLS#904221

3 BR, 2 BA$119,900 MLS#904136

3 BR, 1 BA$99,900 MLS#904178

4 BR, 2 BA$119,900 MLS#904302

3 BR, 2 BA$187,500 MLS#904243

3 BR, 2 BA$124,900 MLS#904076

3 BR, 2 BA$149,900 MLS#904195

Commercial$159,900 MLS#904177

3 BR, 2 BA$185,000 MLS#904277

Commercial Building$139,900 MLS#904124

RealtorsTerrie Alderman, Broker/Owner..................229-985-2206

Debbie Mock, Realtor Associate.................229-873-2533Lifetime Member Million Dollar Club

Judy Burnham, Broker Associate................229-589-0758Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar ClubJenny Ray, Realtor Associate......................229-873-2291

3 BR, 2 BA$138,000 MLS#904207

16 Acres$66,900 MLS#904170

3 BR, 2 BA$149,900 MLS#904075

3 BR, 2 BA$119,900 MLS#904218

Commercial or Residential$68,900 MLS#904193

3 BR, 2 BA$115,000 MLS#904186

3 BR, 2 BA$178,000 MLS#904155

2 BR,1 BA$49,900 MLS#904215

3 BR, 2 BA$97,000 MLS#904154

3 BR, 1 BA$129,900 MLS#904279

Realtors

Lee Redmond, Realtor Associate................229-985-0177

Connie Garcia, Realtor Associate............... 229-891-6443“se habla español”

Margaret O’ Neal, Realtor Associate...........229-873-7102

5 BR, 3 BA and 1 half bath$369,900 MLS#904303

Office: 229-985-0177 Fax: 229-985-0178

2 BR, 2 BA$138,500 MLS#904278

3 BR, 2 BA$132,200 MLS#904276


moultrie magazine september_october_november 2014

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