The Southerlands History
A local pharmacist and businessman, Mr. Gray Blanton had a vision for a "Continuing Care Retirement Community" for the Warren County area. As this idea was shared with two other local business owners, a dentist, Dr. James E. Williams and an entrepreneur, C. Courtney Carbaugh; this vision became a reality.
The partnership between the three local businessman evolved and The Southerlands located in Front Royal, VA, became an official establishment in December 1996. Mr. Blanton operated as the Administrator in the early years of The Southerlands Retirement Community.
In 1999, after much consideration, Mr. Carbaugh and Mr. Blanton sold their interest to their remaining partner, Dr. James Williams. At this time, Mrs. Shirley Williams, Phd. joined her husband in sole ownership of The Southerlands. Mrs. Williams received her doctorate in Theatre from the University of Denver.
In 2001, J. Michael Williams, son of Dr. & Mrs. Williams assumed the Administrator position. Michael is a graduate of James Madison University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. In 1996, Michael became licensed in the state of Virginia as a Nursing Home Administrator. Prior to his position at The Southerlands, Michael was an administrator of a large nursing home chain in Roanoke, VA. Michael also served as Executive Director for the Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Center.
In 2003, the Williams family structure was developed and has taken the lead in providing quality housing and care in the Shenandoah Valley region.
The Southerlands is locally owned and operated and is a registered Continuing Care Community with the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition to serving the active adult and senior community, members of The Southerland’s staff play active roles within the community in areas such as Rotary, Kiwanis and various religious and civic organizations. The Southerlands is more than a home… it is a family.
