Cremation Services

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone particles and shy through the application of direct flames and intense heat.

- Can I have a service with cremation?

Cremation actually tends to have more options and flexibility than other types of disposition. A traditional service followed by cremation and even burial is completely available to those desiring cremation. Other services are available to those families who desire cremation, such a memorial service which happens typically after the cremation itself. These types of services have the flexibility to be in the evening since scheduling with a cemetery is not always necessary however it is always recommended due to having a permanent place of memorization.

- Is embalming required? 

No. Embalming is required when performing a cremation. Tennessee law does require after a given amount of hours after death that a person be placed either in refrigeration or be embalmed. We only require embalming if the family chooses a public viewing or ceremony of some type where the casket would be open.

- Can the cremation be witnessed?

Absolutely, our new crematory was built where if the family desires to do so they can be present for the cremation. We are proud of our crematory and the condition in which it is kept. If at any time any of our families or potential families would like to see our facilities we welcome them to stop by.

- Does Tennessee have specific legal requirements for cremation?

Yes, first the legal next of kin must sign a cremation authorization. What this means is that there is a hierarchy on who can sign this form. A short list of who can sign in order is: ( Durable Power of Attorney with dispoistionary rights, Spouse, Children (18+), Parents, Adult Siblings, Adult Grandchildren, The grandparents). It is to be noted however that if there are multiple children they are all required to sign the authorization, while this may sound difficult in some situations we assist the family in doing so and have always had success. Secondly, our medical examiner must give approval for each cremation that takes place along with the local health department. This is something that the funeral home takes care of. 

- What can be done with the cremated remains? 

This option is one that is little known, most people assume that the only option is taking the cremated remains home with them to keep. This is not at all true in fact there are many options, cremated remains can be buried, placed in a columbarium niche in a mausoleum, scattered on property designated for it, or 3 miles offshore in the gulf of Mexico, ashes can be transformed into a cultured diamond or even launched into space. Our cemetery run a program where if you are unsure of what to do we allow the ashes to be placed into our cemetery and for up to two years we will refund the money you spent if you choose to place the remains somewhere else. Our staff can better assist you in exploring any of these options or others as well.

- How long does it take to cremate a body in Tennessee?

This varies depending on the size of the person as well as what type of container they are in during the cremation process. It can take anywhere from an hour and a half to 4 hours. The standard operating temperature mandated in Tennessee is 1600 degrees Fahrenheit with a few variations.

- What do cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains are usually a coarse light grey color but this can vary based on many factors. The average adult cremated remains would weigh between 5-8 pounds and usually take up 200 cubic inches in volume or less. We remove all the remains for the crematory that are possible to be removed with some minuscule amounts of remains which cannot practically be removed with the appropriate equipment. All cremated remains are placed in the selected urn.