Our Team

Justin Baxley, President, Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services

As a sixth generation Floridian, growing up in the funeral and cemetery industry, Justin has a unique perspective on serving the families of North Central Florida. He says that " . . . there's no such thing as a cookie-cutter life, so there should be no such thing as a cookie-cutter Funeral Ceremony." He and his wife, Charity, live in Ocala with their two young sons, Jacob and Joshua and their Chocolate Labrador, Davie. Justin enjoys playing guitar, hunting, fishing, and logging miles on his Harley-Davidson Fatboy. Justin Baxley can be reached by phone at 352.671.1926 or via email @ justin.baxley@hiers-baxley.net

Dennis Baxley, Vice-President, Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services

Dennis has truly lived a life committed to service. With a career in the Funeral Profession spanning over 30 years, he has also served as Mayor-Commissioner for the City of Belleview, FL, member of the Florida State Board of Funeral Directors and Emblamers, Speaker Pro Tem of the Florida House, and Executive Director of Florida's Christian Coalition. He and wife Ginette have five children and seven grandchildren, who all reside in the Ocala area. Dennis is a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Belleview. He enjoys flats and deep-sea fishing as well as making music with family in his spare time. Dennis Baxley can be reached by phone at 352.671.1926 or via email @ dennis.baxley@hiers-baxley.net

Ramona Beauchamp, Advance-Planning Advisor

A life-long Chiefland resident, Ramona is well-known, not only for her love for families but for her famous "chicken salad" recipe, too!
Married with two children and four grandchildren, Ramona's passion is helping others. "I love to help others, cook, attend church, be a good listener, and I love being supportive of my family and friends. I pray the Lord uses me in whatever way or capacity He sees fit for me to be an example, to reach someone in need or to help someone. " says Ramona. Ramona can be reached by phone at 352.493.0050 or via email @ ramona.beauchamp@hiers-baxley.net

Beverly Brown, Community Care & Transitions Director

Author and Speaker Beverly Brown has been a member of the Hiers-Baxley team since 2006. Her life experiences help her to reach out to the bereaved in a way that is unique. That is because Beverly has experienced loss first-hand through the passing of her parents and of her daughter. A graduate of the Foresight Companies, Aftercare School, Beverly is the program developer and coordinator for Transitions. "Transitions" are workshops that provide the surviving spouse, or the child of someone who has passed on, expert advice on topics such as physical and emotional wellness, home security, travel planning and even "cooking for one." Away from the office, Beverly enjoys time with friends, family, and her church family. Beverly's greatest passion is reaching out to comfort others through her own testimony, which is published in the book, God Speaks...a true story. Beverly Brown can be reached by phone at 352.671.1926 or via email @ beverly.brown@hiers-baxley.net

Mark Carlson, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

A native of Minnesota and avid runner, Mark is now enjoying the warm and sunny running weather of central Florida. He is an expert and historian in the sciences of embalming and restorative art. Mark is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and has been serving in the Funeral Profession for over twenty-five years. Mark says, "We should strive to improve our commitment to excellence in Funeral Service, every day." Mark Carlson can be reached by phone @ 352.629.7171 or via email at mark.carlson@hiers-baxley.net.

Bob Ciccio, Advance Planning Advisor

Born in Boston, and a veteran of the U.S Navy, Bob is definitely a person of passion. With over six years of experience as an Advance-Planning Advisor, he feels that Funeral Service is a ministry, and not simply a job, and that helping families cope before, during, and after a death is a sacred mission. Bob and his wife Barbara have two children and one "beautiful grandchild." He is a committed Christian and away from work, his main interests include strengthening his faith and spending time aboard his black Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide with his lovely wife. Bob Ciccio can be reached by phone at 352.369.1020 or via email @ bob.ciccio@hiers-baxley.net.

Andrew Clark, Director of Operations - Licensed Funeral Director

Born in Gainesville, FL, Andrew spent his early years in Chiefland prior to his families move to Ocala. A member of the Hiers-Baxley team since 2004, Andrew earned his Funeral Service education at St. Petersburg College. In his spare time, he keeps busy at home and in the community - spending time with his wife, Ashley, bass-fishing with his Dad, playing basketball at the YMCA, where Andrew serves as a Board Member, and playing acoustic guitar as a part of the worship team at Crosspoint Church. Andrew Clark can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email @ andrew.clark@hiers-baxley.net

Don Clark, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Don is new to the Funeral Profession, but not to the concept of serving people. With a B.A. in Biology/Chemistry from Rutgers University, he has a unique understanding of the science involved in creating a positive memory picture for families through caring preparation of the remains. Don feels that Funeral Service gives him the special opportunity to serve families at the most critical time in their lives. He is a member of the Master Gardeners of Marion County and the Masonic Order, and enjoys playing violin and listening to classical music in his spare time. Don Clark can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email @ odonald.clark@hiers-baxley.net

David Clements, Licensed Funeral Director

A 45-year veteran of the Hiers-Baxley team, serving at our Ocala location, David believes that every person deserves a respectful and meaningful celebration of their life when they leave this world. David and his wife Laura have raised their family here in the Ocala-area. Their daughter, Deanna Clements, son, Rev. Samuel Clements and grandchildren Kyle, Allyson, and Jada all reside in Ocala. Away from the office, David enjoys Family outings, woodworking, fishing, hunting, gardening, collecting model firetrucks, and Gator football and basketball. David Clements can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email at david.clements@hiers-baxley.net.

Larry Davis, Licensed Funeral Director

Earning his Funeral Service education from Miami-Dade Community College, Larry has a funeral-service career spanning more than four decades. He is a stickler for detail, and for making sure that each step in the process of serving families is carried through with exacting excellence. Larry also serves an important role as Senior Associate, providing orientation and training to new team members within the Hiers-Baxley organization. Larry Davis can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email @ larry.davis@hiers-baxley.net

John Deakins, Licensed Funeral Director, Veteran's Service and Community Relations Officer

Born in the rural, poor coal-mining town of Appalacia, KY, John has made a life for himself by serving others. A Veteran of Vietnam, he understands fully the sacrifice that freedom requires. In his Funeral Service career, John has been a Director, Funeral-Home Owner, and Industry Consultant, in addition to serving on the Florida State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. John and wife Beverley live in Dunnellon, FL and have two children (Matt and Jennifer), three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. John enjoys fishing, hunting, and traveling, and is an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon. John Deakins can be reached by phone at 352.873.4114 or via email @ john.deakins@hiers-baxley.net

John A. Decker, Family Care Advisor

John and his wife Carole, reside in beautiful Lady Lake, Florida. Besides spending time with their three daughters and ten grandchildren, John and Carole enjoy motorcycling, golf and movies. A life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, John is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps with service in Viet Nam. When asked his perspective regarding funeral service, John states, "Helping families preplan has been a very fulfulling experience for me." John Decker can be reached by phone at 352.753.8353 or via email @ john.decker@hiers-baxley.net

John Dowling, Licensed Funeral Director

A proud resident of The Villages since 2006, John and wife Judy have six children and eleven grandchildren. John says, "Our mission is to listen to the familiy's needs and guide them through the steps necessary to fulfill those needs, using compassion and adherence to 'The Golden Rule'." John is a member of the National Funeral Director's Association and is seen as somewhat of a local celebrity, due to his involvement on and off stage with the Way, Way, Way Off-Broadway Players, the Bound for Broadway Players, and the Make Someone Happy Show Group. John Dowling can be reached by phone at 352.753.8353 or via email @ john.dowling@hiers-baxley.net

Ron Evans, Advance-Planning Advisor

Ron is a native Floridian who was born in Miami, Florida. The family homestead is located in Punta Gorda.
Ron resides in Belleview with his wife and three of their five children; they moved to the Belleview area six years ago from St. Petersburg, Florida.
Family is an essential ingredient in the Evans family. With three small children, there is always some activity that keeps them "on the go."
When asked about his perspective regarding funeral service, Ron states..."Having officiated over 100 funeral services, I have seen far too many horror stories of families in crisis that are completely overwhelmed as well as unprepared to handle making funeral arrangements. As a Family Care Advisor, I have the privilege of assisting families by helping them avoid such heartache." Ron Evans can be reached by phone at 352.369.1020 or via email @ ron.evans@hiers-baxley.net

John Ferguson, Licensed Funeral Director

Since 1980, John has been in funeral and cemetery service, as well as advance planning. He began his career as a 15 year old digging graves with a pick and a shovel.
John's educational background includes - Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle Pacific University, Associate in Arts Degree in Mortuary Science at Mount Hood Community College, Certified by The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, and he is currently furthering his university education at Liberty University - double major for Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
When asked his personal sentiments regarding funeral service, John states - "We have a unique ability to reach people at their most tragic times in their lives, in addition to helping them in advance of a death. I have experienced the death of my grandparents, suicide of my mother and step father, as well as the death of my brother, and girlfriend. Through all these, I would never have progressed through these heartbreaking events, had I not been a firm believer in my christian faith."
John's organizational affiliations include - Washington State Funeral Director & Embalmer; Washington State Funeral Directors' Association; Calvary Chapel South; inductive Bible study leader for Precept Upon Precept courses with Precept Ministries International (co-founded by Kay Arthur). John states - "I am a proud participant in the Tea Party movement across our country and celebrate being a Reagan conservative." The Heritage Organization; Reagan Ranch; and The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation are other affiliations in which John shares his passion.
When he has spare time, John enjoys his Ragdoll cat, Sterling; studying the Bible and traveling to historical sites of American history. Along with that, other favorite pastimes include cooking and of course eating; followed by college sports. He has also had the privilege of travelling to New Zealand and Australia. Last but not least, John states that he is glad to be a Texas Longhorn. John Ferguson can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email @ john.ferguson@hiers-baxley.net

William Johnson, Licensed Funeral Director

A graduate of the New England Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences in Boston, William has been a Funeral Director for 32 years. It was July of 1990 when he decided to make the sunshine state his new home. When asked his personal sentiments regarding funeral service, William's response was this - "I see my position as more of a ministry than a profession." On a personal note, in April 2009 when his dearest friend needed a full-time caregiver, William temporarily retired to take care of him. Upon his friend's passing, William came to work for Hiers-Baxley. Outside of work, fellowshipping with believers is his passion. He attends Christ Community Church in Ocala. "I have a heart for people and a heart for the Lord Jesus Christ," says William. William Johnson can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email @ william.johnson@hiers-baxley.net

Buddy Leaptrot, Licensed Funeral Director, Location Manager - Chiefland

A native Floridian serving in the Funeral Service profession for over 20 years, Buddy believes that like members of the clergy, he had been "called" to this profession. He finds it fulfilling and rewarding to provide compassion, care, and love to the families of Chiefland and the surrounding areas. Buddy and wife, Pam, have lived in Chiefland for over 10 years. Away from work, Buddy is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Chiefland and a Charter Member of the Lions Club of Chiefland. Buddy is also a talented stained-glass artist. Buddly Leaptrot can be reached by phone at 352.493.0050 or via email @ buddy.leaptrot@hiers-baxley.net

Mike McDaniel, Licensed Funeral Director

"Funeral Service is not what I do, it's who I am," says Mike, referring to his life's-commitment to serving families for over 30 years. Mike has a focused intent on serving each and every family with excellence and compassion, and in a personal way. Away from work, he is busy jogging, biking, hiking, fishing, and taking day-trips to the beach. Mike is most proud of his daughter Jennifer, who enjoys spending time with Dad when not away at college in Orlando. Mike McDaniel can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email @ mike.mcdaniel@hiers-baxley.net

Sara McGovern, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer - Manager, Central Operations Center

Not just a profession, more like a calling, Sara uses her artistic skills in tending to every detail necessary when it comes to preparing a loved-one for visitation and for burial. Giving every family the opportunity to say, "Good-bye" and to begin the healing process through a viewing, is Sara's passion - especially in those cases when doing so seems nearly impossible. She and her husband, Jeremy, live in Ocala and in their free time enjoying spending time with friends as well as the fine art of eating Japanese-style cuisine. Sara McGovern can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 and via email @ sara.mcgovern@hiers-baxley.net

Ron Morrison, Licensed Funeral Director

Ron has been married to Sharon for 45 years. They have two sons, Darryl (wife-Montsie) and Devin (wife-Heather) and three granddaughters - Gabriela, Catalina and Kierlan. Born in Chicago, Ron came to Ocala in 2000 from South Florida. Ron became a knee-amputee as a result of PAD. However, that only enforced his commitment to serve families during their grief. Ron's motto is "Have a great day...and thank God for it." Ron and Sharon attend Church @ The Springs in Ocala. They enjoy watching Dolphin football. Ron also enjoys fishing, easy jazz music, and working on his "honey-do" list. He loves spending time with family and talking with his grandchildren. Ron feels that "imagination and the future are God's greatest gift to mankind." Ron Morrison can be reached by phone at 352.753.8353 or via email @ ron.morrison@hiers-baxley.net

Joanne Nix, Advance Planning Advisor

In twenty-two years of serving families through Advance-Planning and the selection of cemetery property, Joanne has made a career of helping families plan ahead. She says, "God has blessed me with a ministry of serving others with compassion. Prearranging relieves a family of future emotional decisions while proving great peace-of-mind. I love what I do." Joanne is happily married to Charles. They have four fabulous daughters and four awesome grandchildren. Away from the office, Joanne is an avid horse-back rider and raises horses on her farm Northwest of Ocala. Joanne Nix can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 and via email @ joanne.nix@hiers-baxley.net

Kathy Riley, Advance Planning Advisor

Kathy, her husband and two step-children, live in Ocala. Their family time includes boating, travelling and cheering on their favorite college football team (GO GATORS!). Time spent with family is Kathy's passion. She enjoys helping others plan for the future - it just makes sense. Kathy Riley can be reached by phone at 352.369.1020 or via email @ kathy.riley@hiers-baxley.net

Jack Roland, Licensed Funeral Director

Jack and his wife, Carol, have been married for 38 years and have two adult sons, Bill and Clark. A native of Marion County, Jack was born and raised in Dunnellon, FL. A graduate of Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science, with an A.A. from Central Florida Community College, and a B.A. from University of Central Florida, Jack has over 25 years in funeral service profession. He is passionate about serving families and making sure they have the options they need to make informed decisions. Jack is a consummate funeral professional, with a focus on providing excellence to every family. Away from the office, Jack has been involved for many years in various community organizations. An active member of First Baptist Church of Ocala, he has served in many capacities there and is currently serving on State Board of the Florida Baptist Convention.
Jack enjoys spending time with family, watching Florida State Football, and crafting masterpieces in his backyard wood shop. Jack Roland can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email at jack.roland@hiers-baxley.net

Steed Salls, Licensed Funeral Director

Steed is passionate about serving and helping people. He says, "Helping someone through the most difficult time of their life can be both rewarding and fulfilling." With a career spanning nearly three decades, Steed has a proven record of experience in helping families work through the many decisions which must be made at a time of loss. On a personal note, some of Steed's interests include golfing, bird hunting, big-game hunting, and watching Gator basketball. However, traveling is at the top of his list. Steed Salls can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email @ steed.salls@hiers-baxley.net

Charlie Steckel, Advance Planning Advisor

Charlie and his wife, Karen, moved from Los Angeles to Ocala in 1993. They have been married for thirty years and between the two of them have seven children, sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Charlie is an expert in both Funeral and Cemetery Advance-Planning and enjoys the opportunity of helping families craft a plan for their final arrangements that saves money and more importantly, brings peace-of-mind. Charlie Steckel can be reached by phone at 352.369.1020 or via email @ charlie.steckel@hiers-baxley.net

Laura Sulzener, Family Care Advisor

Laura has been happily married to her husband, Sam, for 24 years. She and Sam enjoy family time with daughter, Savannah, and son, Jackson. Laura loves meeting new people and traveling to new places. She has a passion for Missions and even had the privilege of serving on the mission field in the Philippines for four years. As a Family Care Advisor, Laura's desire is to help others find support and solutions when planning their final arrangements. Laura Sulzener can be reached by phone at 352.369.1020 or via email at laura.sulzener@hiers-baxley.net

Paul Taylor, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, Cremationist, OSHA Coordinator

Paul and his wife Valerie have been married for 45 years. They have one daughter, Cindy, who is married to Randy. Together the couple has blessed Paul and Val with twin grandsons (Matthew and Andrew Woodall); both are serving in the U.S. Army. Pauls hobbies include woodworking, gardening, teaching and community activities. Deputy Commander of the Florida and Federal Disaster Mortuary Teams, a team of experts in the fields of victim identification and mortuary services, Paul is active in responding to large scale disasters in the United States and abroad. Paul Taylor can be reached by phone at 352.629.7171 or via email @ paul.taylor@hiers-baxley.net

Stephen Tweedle, Licensed Funeral Director, Location Manager - Belleview

Honoring a loved one's memory in a personalized and meaningful way - that's what Stephen Tweedle does best. "It's all about the life they lived," says Stephen. He grew up in Belleview, Florida and now, as manager of Belleview's only funeral home, he and his wife Esther are raising their children in the place they know and love. Away from the office, Stephen enjoys family time, especially at any Disney them park. He is also a great cook and enjoys his hobby of photography. Stephen Tweedle can be reached by phone at 352.245.2424 or via email @steve.tweedle@hiers-baxley.net

Joseph W. Waddington II, Licensed Funeral Director, Location Manager - TimberRidge

Joe loves people and people love Joe. As a Funeral Director with twenty-two years experience, Joe feels his calling to funeral service is much the same as a minister who is called to the church. Joe says, "We should never lose touch with the word "service" in our profession, and the commission of serving our families". He is an incredible cook, and in his time away from the office, enjoys entertaining and spending time with his wife Susan and son Joseph. Joe Waddington can be reached by phone at 352.873.4114 or via email @ joe.waddington@hiers-baxley.net

Damon Walker, Licensed Funeral Director

Referred to by other staff-family as "The Legend", Damon has been working in funeral service for over 50 years and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. A Hiers-Baxley team member for 45 years, he has a passion for helping people and says, "I try to build a relationship of support and to create a meaningful and personalized service." Damon's family includes his wife Ruth, daughter Michele Lackey, son Brian Walker, and grandchildren Tiffany, Lauren, Riley, Zachary, Joshua, and Austin. Damon's hobbies include fishing, hunting, and swimming.

Willard Woods, Licensed Funeral Director

Understanding, compassion, support...these are the acts that are remembered forever and that is Willard's passion - to reach out to and be of help to families who have had a loss. Willard's decades of experience have made him an expert at making each and every family he serves feel special and comforted, Away from work, he enjoys golf, traveling to North Carolina, spending time with family, and Southern Gospel Music. Willard Woods can be reached by phone at 352.753.8353 or via email @ willard.woods@hiers-baxley.net