Joel Clayton Ulmer
February 14, 1941 – September 2, 2025
Funeral services for Joel Clayton Ulmer, 84, of Whigham, GA, are at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, Cairo, GA. Rev. Chris Allen and Rev. Harold Burrell will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Whigham, GA. Mr. Ulmer passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Active and honorary pallbearers will be current and retired Troopers of the Georgia State Patrol.
Born on February 14, 1941, in Bainbridge, Georgia, Mr. Ulmer was the beloved son of the late Joseph Simon Ulmer and Audrey Christine Crew Ulmer. A proud veteran, he served his country with honor in the United States Army.
On December 11, 1976, he married the love of his life, Gail Stanland Ulmer. Together, they built a life full of love and devotion, sharing nearly 48 wonderful years of marriage.
Mr. Ulmer dedicated 33 years of exemplary service as a Master Trooper with the Georgia State Patrol, where he served with unwavering honor and integrity.
A true outdoorsman, he had a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors and found joy in spending time in nature. He was a devoted son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle—always placing his family above all else.
Known for his warm laughter and enduring friendships, Mr. Ulmer lived a life rich in love, loyalty, and purpose. His legacy of strength, service, and compassion will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include: his wife, Gail S. Ulmer of Whigham, GA; children, Mandi Ulmer Cuevas (Mark) of Thomasville, GA, Clay Ulmer (Rachel) of Cairo, GA; grandchildren, Ava Cuevas, Emilia Cuevas, Daniel Cuevas, all of Thomasville, GA, Reese Dozier of Cairo, GA; siblings, John R. Ulmer (Kay) of Athens, GA, Jane U. Montgomery (Wood, Sr.) of Braselton, GA, Gail U. Bryan of Thomasville, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, JoAnn Ulmer Bridges.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Ulmer’s memory to: The Grady County Honor Guard, P. O. Box 1234, Cairo, GA 39828.
The family will receive friends at the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
