March 19--CORDELE -- Just before 4 a.m. firefighters with the Cordele Fire Department were called to the scene of a structure fire at J.W. Williams Funeral Home located at 407 West 17th Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found flames coming from the roof of the building, which spread, claiming the building that has served as the funeral home since 1936.
Firefighters remained on the scene at 7 a.m. The exact cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.
Isaac Owens, spokesman for the funeral home says the loss of the building will not deter their service to the people.
"J.W. Williams has served the people of this community since 1918," said Owens. "We will rise above this. We want our families and community to know that we are still here and they can call us at our regular business number and will be able to reach us."
Owens said owner Arthur Parker will make an official statement later as to exactly what their plan of action will be as they move forward in the face of tragedy. Recently they had been working on the addition of a new chapel and four new offices and carpenters were scheduled to complete that work today.
The Dispatch will provide updates on this story as more details are released.
Copyright 2014 - Cordele Dispatch, Ga.
