FUNERAL

Thank goodness it’s Friday! We’re just days away from our favorite event of the year — The Group’s Fall Conference. We can’t wait! Until then, here are some of this past week’s happenings and what’s coming up next in the world of deathcare — plus a little good news, because who doesn’t need that? Highlights and headlines ↪ Good news for Tennessee: Last week, Comfort Zone Camp, a weekend grief camp that hosts up to 60 kids who have lost a parent, held a fundraiser in Nashville

This is the first in a special series that takes a deep dive into the benefits and logistics of offering witnessed cremation services to families when appropriate facilities are available — and when families are open to it. Next week, we’ll debunk the long-held myths surrounding witnessed cremation. About six years ago, deathcare publications were all abuzz with articles about Solace Cremation, a startup that remotely facilitated “all-inclusive” direct cremation arrangements

Maryville, TN - The Independent Funeral Group, a growing network of independently-owned and -operated funeral homes from across the U.S., has added Patricia Hartley to its administrative team as Head Content Creator. Hartley has created content to support and inform deathcare professionals for more than seven years as the Managing Editor of Connecting Directors, a leading online publication dedicated to funeral service. “I’m thrilled to join The Independent Funeral Group team

Thank goodness it’s Friday! It’s been a big, busy week for The Group as we gear up for the Fall Conference (So. Much. Swag!), and we can only imagine what you’ve been up to. Hopefully, this weekly feature will help you get caught up on some of the week’s happenings and what’s coming up next in the world of deathcare — plus a little good news, because who doesn’t need that? Highlights and headlines ↪ A 2019 investigation by a North Carolina news outlet has now resulted in a cl

Maryville, TN — The Independent Funeral Group, a growing network of independently-owned and -operated funeral homes from across the U.S., is proud to introduce longtime members Adam Atchley, James C. “Jim” Cortner, Justin Jeffers, Frank “Bud” Myers III, and Daniel Ownby as the organization’s board of directors, signaling an exciting new generation of leadership and growth. Each represents one of The Group’s founding independent, family-owned funeral homes that joined together

Happy Labor Day! … to all who celebrate, at least. Or maybe that greeting should read “to all who have the opportunity to celebrate”. If you’re reading this on Labor Day (Monday, September 7, 2026), chances are you’re not among the latter group. Unlike Christmas, New Year’s Day, and the Fourth of July, Labor Day is one of those federal holidays that, for too many people (present company excluded, of course) means nothing more than a three-day weekend. In the nearly 150 years

Thank goodness it’s Friday! You’ve had a busy week, and you may be preparing for an even busier weekend, whether that’s Week 1 of college football or four funeral services. Hopefully, this weekly feature will help you get caught up on some of the week’s happenings and what’s coming up next in for The Group and within the world of deathcare — plus a little good news, because who doesn’t need that? Highlights and headlines ↪ The South Chicago Chapel saga is growing more sordid

In early July, I had the sincere privilege of spending a day at the East Tennessee Cremation Company in Maryville, Tennessee. I talked with the staff, watched the process and the sincere respect and attention to detail with which it was conducted, and asked lots of questions. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the entire experience made a lasting impact on me, but one particular part of that day was especially meaningful: learning about witnessed cremations. As my gracious

Meet our Head Content Creator, and our new news format.

Employment opportunity for a Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer in Fayette County, GA