Bulloch County Deputy Coroner Richard Pylant was sworn into office as Coroner by Probate Judge Lorna Deloach on Friday morning, April 28, 2023 in the Bulloch County Courthouse. Pylant has served as a Deputy Coroner since 2010.
Coroner Pylant replaces Jake Futch who resigned from this posltion this past week.
In Bulloch County the Probate Judge has the responsibility of appointing a new Coroner in the case where the current Coroner resigns during their term. The term for Coroner expires on December 31, 2024. Pylant will serve out the remainder of Futch's term.
After meeting with all three Deputy Coroners Judge Deloach felt Pylant was the best option because at this time he is not interested in running for the position long term. Both Deputy Coroner Craig Tremble and Deputy Coroner Chuck Francis have expressed interest in running for the position. Judge Deloach said in no way does this preclude Pylant from running for office if he changes his mind. However, based on his current decision she decided to appoint him.
"I was very impressed with the professionalism and camaraderie of all three of these men. You can tell they are all very committed to serving the citizens of our community and all three get along very well," said Judge Deloach. "We are blessed to have all three of them serving our community."
Richard Pylant's wife Dawn held the family bible while Judge Deloach swore him in. She first read the order which explained the need for the appointment due to the resignation of Jake Futch. She then administered the oath of office.
Long history of service
Coroner Pylant is a native of Jenkins county and become interested in the funeral service business as he came to know Mr. Robert Fields who owned Crowe and Fields Funeral Home. He was taken by his compassion and professionalism in dealing with families in their greatest time of need.
He is a 2004 graduate of Ogeechee Technical College with a Funeral Service Education Degree. After graduating he went to work with Joiner Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro. "I am very grateful for Mark Anderson and Tracy Joiner taking a chance on a young guy and teaching me the ropes in the funeral industry," said Coroner Pylant. "They exude integrity in everything they do and I appreciate all they shared with me and taught me."
In 2008, Pylant began a transportation company along with Ronnie Alderman called Curtron Transport. He has grown that company now to 16 full time employees and two part time employees who staff their 16 transport vehicles.
Initially the transport service was established to back up area funeral homes when they were short staffed. Then they saw the demand grow, especially during COVID. They now transport deceased individuals all over the nation.
Pylant is also is a POST certified police officer and works part time with Chief Jason Sapp and the City of Portal Police department.
As a Deputy Coroner he is required to complete all of the same training as the Coroner and has to complete annual recertification to be able to continue to serve.
Thankful for the opportunity
Coroner Pylant expressed his appreciation to Judge Deloach and to the citizens of Bulloch County for this opportunity to serve as Coroner. He also expressed deep gratitude to his wife Dawn for supporting him in this new role.
Both Deputy Coroner Craig Tremble and Deputy Coroner Chuck Francis will continue to serve as deputies and he plans to add one additionally deputy.
"This is one more opportunity for me to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. Serving families through this difficult time is a tremendous honor," said Coroner Pylant. "I will be forever grateful to Jake Futch for appointing me as one on his deputies and for all he has taught me through the years. I pledge to the the citizens that I will continue to serve them with the same legacy and quality of service that he has proved for all of these years."
Pylant will assume the role as Corner immediately.
