In Loving Memory of Herbert Monroe Priest, Jr.
November 14, 1942 – July 23, 2025

Herbert "Herb" Monroe Priest, Jr. died peacefully on July 23, 2025, at age 82 surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 14, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia, Herb was the son of Herbert Priest, Sr. and Evelyn Frasier Priest, and the cherished brother of the late Lynn Priest Kellogg. He grew up in Canton, Georgia, and graduated from Cherokee High School, where he was a standout multi-sport athlete, playing track, football, baseball, and basketball. He attended North Georgia College, where he played baseball and was a proud member of the ROTC. A talented left-handed pitcher, Herb was recruited for Major League Baseball. In a defining moment of his athletic career, he pitched the game in which North Georgia beat the University of Tennessee, marking the school's first-ever win against an SEC team.

Herb met his future wife, Janice, at First Baptist Church of Canton, and they began dating at 16 years old. Their love story blossomed into a 63-year marriage rooted in faith, friendship, and unwavering devotion.

Professionally, Herb worked in his family's business and ultimately owned and managed Priest Home Furnishings in Woodstock, Georgia. As a businessman in Woodstock, Herb was instrumental in founding and serving as the first president of the Woodstock Merchant's Association. He also served faithfully on the Downtown Development Authority of Woodstock for over a decade, where his leadership helped shape the city's thoughtful growth and preserved its small-town charm.

In 2012, a pedestrian crossing over the railroad tracks in downtown Woodstock was named in his honor—Herb Priest Crossing—a tribute to his dedication to uniting the old and new parts of town. Herb championed facade grants, parking improvements, and beautification projects, often leading the way long before public funding was available. He even planted corn, tomatoes, and peppers in planters along his block just south of Oak Street.

Herb's civic involvement included membership in the Jaycees, Rotary Club, and Optimist Club. He was granted lifetime membership in the Cherokee County Game and Fish Club and also served on the R.T. Jones Memorial Hospital Authority Board. He was an avid golfer and served as president of the Canton Golf Club when it transitioned from ownership by Canton Textile Mills.

Faith played a central role in Herb's life. He was a founding member of Rising Hills Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee, and a dedicated member of the property search committee. He loved his church family and found deep joy in serving wherever he was needed.

In his personal time, Herb was an avid gardener and an enthusiastic outdoorsman. He loved hunting and was passionate about training both bird dogs and beagles. Whether in the garden, on the golf course, at the store, or in the woods, Herb lived with purpose, kindness, and integrity.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Janice Priest; daughters D'Lynn Priest Wehunt (Lamar) and Diana Priest Stokes (Ford); grandchildren Adam Wehunt (Melissa), Andrew Wehunt (Emilee), Madison Stokes, and Grace Stokes; and great-grandchildren Adalynn Wehunt, Brooklee Wehunt, Avery Wehunt, and Easton Wehunt. He is also survived by numerous other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and especially his Schanuzer, Buddy.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Evelyn Priest, Sr., and his sister, Lynn Priest Kellogg (Larry).

Visitation will be held at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia, on Friday, July 25, from 11:00A.M. to 8:00P.M., and again on Saturday, July 26, from 11:00A.M. to 1:00P.M. A funeral service to honor Herb's life will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 2:00P.M., with Dr. George Anderson, Pastor of Rising Hills Church, officiating. Interment will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park.

So many lessons can be learned from Herb's dedication, generosity, and his desire to build community and serve others. Flowers and donations are welcome. Memorial contributions may be made to Rising Hills Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To give to Rising Hills:
● Text GIVE to 706-786-3602
● Mail to: P.O. Box 4506, Canton, GA 30114
● Online: www.gorhc.org

Herb will be remembered for his servant heart, his devotion to family and community, his steady faith, and the joy he found in everyday life. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the city he helped shape, and the many lives he touched with his love, laughter, and quiet strength.