LAKELAND —
W.G. “Dub” Music of Music Funeral Services in Lakeland and Valdosta views his services as a ministry, and his recent award from the Independent Funeral Directors of Georgia (IFDG) speaks volumes about his work ethic and compassion.
More than 120 Georgia funeral home directors were eligible for the IFDG’s first President’s Award. But the man who has held every position in the organization, except treasurer, was lauded with the association’s newest and highest honor during IFDG’s annual convention which was recently held in Savannah.
“I was surprised and humbled to receive the IFDG award from my peers,” said Music who also stated that he was on the board for seven years. “I am greatly honored because there are some great people in this industry. I was just amazed that they selected me out of all of the 125 directors on the IFDG board.”
While IFDG First Vice President Sammy Highsmith said he couldn’t reveal the specific criteria for the President’s Award, he points to Music’s work and longevity in the funeral services field.
“The award concerns the contributions that Dub has made to the profession, and it takes into consideration the number of years that he’s devoted to the helping both families and the IFDG itself,” said Highsmith.
“He has embraced new technologies and innovations in the field, and he offers outstanding services to the families he has worked with.”
Dub Music and his siblings compose the second generation of the business and legacy that was started by his father in 1955 in Lakeland, said Music. The family-owned mortuary business now operates in both Lakeland and Valdosta.
“My father was in the business when I was born, and I was raised in it,” said Music.
“When I was 13, I decided that I didn’t want to do anything other than serve families. I have four sons, three of which are in business with me. One is still in high school.”
Music considers himself to be an outdoorsman and said he enjoys hunting and fishing.
But leisure holds little value when you love your work.
“I’ve never hated to come to work — I don’t know what feeling is or what it’s like,” said Music.
“I love the opportunity to serve families at their time of need. I believe funeral services are a form of ministry.”
Dub has been in and around the funeral industry since he was 13 years old and received his funeral director’s license in 1973, according to Family Services Counselor Paula Sheffield.
He served as the president of the IFDG from 2007 until 2008, she stated, and prior to 2007, he also held the positions of area director, secretary, and vice president for the IFDG.
Local News
Related Photos
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Casey, Michael, Wilma, Dub, Lee, and Kyle Music pose for a picture as Dub Music showcases his Independent Funeral Directors of Georgia President’s Award.
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Funeral Directors honor Music
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