SERVING FAMILIES WITH “DIGNITY, HONOR AND RESPECT” SINCE 1916

This website is designed to provide information about the funeral home, the services that we offer, and our sympathetic staff.

Haisten Funeral Home of Jackson is locally owned by Lynda Ballard, retired first grade teacher with 40 years of service to the children of Butts County, and her son Doug, who is a local attorney. Richard (Rick) Ballard, their husband and father had been associated with the funeral home since 1967, later purchasing it from the Haisten Family 1981 and maintained ownership until his death in April of 2021.

Haisten Funeral Home was established in 1916 by the Haisten family to serve the people of middle Georgia and surrounding areas. The Haisten family had funeral homes in Griffin, Barnesville and Jackson, and Rick later built and operated a funeral home in McDonough. We are as committed today to offering the same personal service at a price within every family's means as we were in 1916.

Haisten Funeral Home strives to make sure that the family's needs are met, and that everything possible is done to make one of the most difficult times a little more bearable. We are committed to providing all of the families we serve with caring, compassionate, and dignified services. We aren't just a funeral home; we are a friend. For over 100 years, Haisten Funeral Home has been serving families all over Georgia with dignity, honor, and respect.

We believe that when a family entrusts us to help them plan a tribute to their loved one it should not be a mournful occasion, but rather a celebration of a life that has been lived. We take the trust that your family places with us to be one of greatest importance. We strive to offer a wide range of services to be able to fulfill the wishes of every family that calls on us, and to plan a celebration that will be consistent with your family's needs and expectations. We will take the time to design a personal service and see to every detail to relieve the burden on you and your family during the time of loss.

Our Staff includes:

Jeff Dodd, Funeral Director

Jeff has been serving families for over 35 years. After completing his education receiving his Master of Public Health, and business administration, he served as an administrator in both hospitals and nursing homes throughout Georgia. He then felt led to attain his funeral directors license and served families in the middle Georgia area. Jeff previously lived in Butts County for many years, and is excited to be back home working in Jackson. Jeff and his wife Michelle attend Rock Springs Church. Jeff and Michelle share a life dedicated to serving others.

Jack Reeves, Administrative Associate

Jack is a Butts County native, graduating from Jackson High School in 1969. He was employed at Sylvan Grove Hospital while pursuing nursing at Griffin Tech, graduating in 1970. He is a Military Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. Jack was certified as an E.M.T. in 1973. He began his career with Haisten Funeral Home in 1978 and continues in this capacity today. He served Butts County as Deputy Coroner for thirteen years.

He married the former Reba Huckaby of Thomaston, GA in 1970. Jack and Reba have one son, one daughter, six grandchildren and one great-grand child.

Richard Brooks, Funeral Associate

Richard is a lifelong resident of Jackson; he graduated Jackson High School in the class of 1974. He believes in putting back into the community. Richard joined The Exchange Club of Jackson in 1982 and has served at both the local and state level. He remained an active member until the Club surrendered its charter. He was presented the Shining Light Award by the Butts County Chamber of Commerce in 2012 for his community service. He is a former youth baseball coach, Cub Scout & Boy Scout leader having served on the local and district level, he earned the rank Eagle Scout in 1970. Richard is an active, 4th generation member of Stark Methodist Church, his grandparents and great-grandparents are listed as some of the original members back in the 1860’s. He joined the staff of Haisten Funeral Home in October of 2015.

Richard married Jenkinsburg native, Jackie Burford in 1981. They have one son, one daughter, and three granddaughters.

Special offerings:

Public Servant Memorial Service

We offer a Public Servant Memorial Service. This means that when any public servant who is protecting our country in the armed services or is serving our community is killed in the line of duty, he or she is entitled to the Funeral Director & Staff Services at no charge. This is our way of giving our thanks and appreciation to those who actively serve, whether it is in the armed services, law enforcement, fire department, and/or correctional officers.

Little Angles Program

For those families who suffer the loss of an infant we offer our "Little Angels Program." This program is intended for those who suffer the loss of an infant 24 months or younger. With this program, we will provide the Funeral Director & Staff Services at no charge. This is our way of expressing our love and sympathy for one of the most difficult losses anyone would have to experience.

If you have any questions or need more information about these special offerings, please contact us at any time.