Meet Al Westmoreland! He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1966. After graduation, he went to Gainesville Junior College where he played basketball for two years. Al transferred to the University of Georgia where he attained a B.S. in 1970 and a Master’s degree in 1973. He went on to teach and coach basketball at Hart County for five years. Al met and married Anita, who is a pharmacist, she worked at Athens Regional Hospital for 39 years.
We want to thank Al for taking the time to tell us a little more about himself and what he loves about our community.
Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Answer: “I am married to my wife, Anita. I have two children, Jeff and Jenni (deceased). We have four granddaughters, Abby, Maddy, Ally, and Mary Grace, and two grandsons, Josh and Mason (both deceased). Abby graduated from Jefferson High School this year, and she is the 5th generation to graduate from the Jefferson School System.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I am retired. I worked 32 years in Human Resources. The last 27 years were in the Poultry Business.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Jefferson House and Friends.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I was born and raised here. I attended Jefferson High School and have lived in Jefferson 68 of my 75 years years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “Mr. Morris Bryan.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “I would go on an African safari.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “Forest Gump, Brian’s Song, An Officer and a Gentleman, Lonesome Dove.”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: “Enjoy life to the fullest. You never know what the future holds so cherish the time you have with family.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “Seeing my granddaughters become successful in life.”
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “I’m not much of a music person, but I do enjoy the military bands.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Marlow’s Cafe, The Roosevelt Theatre, Day Camp.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “Bobby Cox, the former Atlanta Braves Manager. I love the history of baseball, and I would enjoy the stories he could tell. We would go to The Varsity.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “The people. As we continue to grow, it is interesting to see how the new residents and the long-time residents seem to blend.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
A: “I will never leave Jefferson. I see myself continuing to be at most athletic events at JHS and doing my best to be a part of the community.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “I played two years of college basketball at Gainesville Junior College.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Several river cruises in Europe and the western part of the U.S.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “January. My Anniversary, January 8. I had better say that.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “Our community and the people who make it up, both past and present.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My family. After our daughter passed away our teenage granddaughters moved in with us. They inspire me every day to be a better person and parent.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “Outside just after a rainstorm, fresh cut grass.”
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Jefferson, Family, my Parents.”
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