Our Staff

Austin Houston

General Manager, Funeral Director/Embalmer

Austin  has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Georgia since 2016. He has been in the funeral industry since 2011. He is married  to Courtney Houston and they have three children. He is a 2013 Graduate of Chestatee High School. In 2017, Austin opened Houston's Monument and Cemetery Services here in Gainesville, GA.

Austin and his wife have served in leadership at different churches in the community and currently are the Pastors at Pleasant Hill Full Gospel Church in Dawsonville, GA. He also serves as a volunteer chaplain through Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville and Dahlonega. 

Telephone: 1-770-287-0220

Email: 

Jose D Delgado

Funeral Associate / Cemetery Manager

Jose has been in the Funeral business since 1997 in Puerto Rico and in Georgia since 2017. He is fully bilingual (English/Spanish), born in Spain and raised in Puerto Rico. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts with a Major in Ministry from Southwest Bible College and Seminary and a Master’s Degree in Theology in the same institution.  Jose has traveled around most of the world as an AB Seaman aboard the Missionary Ship “MV Logos II” and came to Georgia in 2002 with his wife and children to work with Crown Financial Ministries as the Global Seminars and Conference Director.  He is the Senior Pastor of Pozo de Esperanza, a mainly Hispanic Church in Gainesville, and has been a Board Member of several local social organizations in Gainesville, GA.

Telephone: 1-770-287-0220

Email: 

Ray Tatum

Funeral Associate

Ray is a native of Hall County and has worked with the Hillside Chapel staff since 2015. He is happily married to his wife, Cathy Tatum and they currently live in Flowery Branch. Ray also currently works at Jackson EMC. 

Ray has been apart of several local singing groups throughout the years. He and his family currently attend Lula Assembly of Praise in Lula, GA.

Telephone: 1-770-287-0220

Jim Watkins

Embalmer / Pet Crematory

Jim is a GA Licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer since 1987, past President of the Gainesville Evening Optimist Club, owns and operates Gainesville's first Pet Cremation Service, Northeast Georgia Pet Cremations. He is a native of Georgia and has been living in the Gainesville area since 1984.  Jim's family says he is always working, whether it is at the Funeral Home or helping families with Pet Cremations, and it's a true statement.  Jim enjoys taking care of his family, taking his old Jeep for a drive, and following his beloved Miami Dolphins during football season

W. Carl Owen

Funeral Director/ Embalmer

Born and raised in Brighton, Michigan, Carl received his bachelor's degree in education from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and later received his associates degree in Mortuary Science from Gupton Jones College in Atlanta. Carl is an avid fan of the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Tigers, and has one son, Will. His favorite hobby is collecting autographs. His prized autographs are numerous cards and baseballs from 1968 World Series Champions Detroit Tigers. Carl has been serving the business for over 30 years. "This job can be stressful, has its ups and downs, but knowing that I helped a family at a time when they need guidance, its what its all about."

Jeff Graham

Funeral Associate

Jeff Graham is a local minister currently serving as an Associate Pastor at Montgomery Memorial Baptist Church in Gainesville GA.  He has been in the Funeral Business for many years helping families in their time of need. 

Elizabeth Pedraza

Funeral Associate & Spanish Translator

Elizabeth grew up in Texas, and has been a resident of Hall Co. for over 20 years. She has been a friend of the owner’s for many years and currently serves as the Hispanic liaison for Hillside Chapel. She has a close personal working relationship with funeral homes all over Mexico, that also serve El Salvador and other international Countries. 

Telephone: 1-770-287-0220

Email: 

Terry Dale

Outreach Director

Terry is no stranger and loves encouraging people in a time of loss. His background has allowed him to develop a tender heart for people and he strives to comfort people from all walks of life.

Terry is a Hall County native and began working at Little & Davenport in March 2023. Terry has been ministering in Hall County for 51 years.  He earned degrees from Truett McConnell, Piedmont, and Candler School of Theology at Emory.

Terry has been married for 54 years and has two children and 4 grandchildren.

He still enjoys leading a local gospel group “Georgia”, which he has sang with for 48 years and his total singing ministry equaling 66+ years.

With every experience at Little & Davenport, Terry strives to be trustworthy, professional, and helpful in a difficult time of life. 

Telephone: 1-770-287-0220

Email: 

Cristel Vivaldo

Catholic Community Liaison

Cristel Vivaldo has served at the front office at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Gainesville GA for many years. Amongst many tasks, she coordinates Funeral Services between the Church and the Funeral Home to better service the Catholic community.