People in the News

The NCFDA staff provides below news and announcements about your colleagues and people you know.

 

The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) just announced that the following individuals

have recently earned their CFSP designation. Congratulations to NCFDA President Johnny Thompson. (11.23.09):

 

Randy L. Grimes, Columbia City, IN

Amos T. Cooley, Anderson, IN

John B. Thompson III, Jacksonville, NC

Rodney McFarland Sr., Monroe, LA

The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) announced its Pursuit of Excellence® program’s 2009 award recipients. Out of 182 registrants – a 5.2% participation increase from 2008 – 167 firms have been recognized for adhering to strict ethical and professional standards and providing outstanding service to families and communities. Award recipients will be honored on October 26 at the “All-Star Recognition Ceremony and Reception” during the 2009 NFDA International Convention & Expo in Boston, Mass.To achieve the Pursuit of Excellence Award, NFDA-member funeral homes must demonstrate proficiency in key areas of the funeral service profession by fulfilling a set number of criteria in six categories of achievement. Participants must show their commitment to: Complying with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to bereaved families; maintaining an active level of involvement within the community; participating and actively serving in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs. The winners from North Carolina are: (8.21.09)

Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Conover, NC

Shuler Funeral Home, Hendersonville, NC

Twiford Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, Elizabeth City, NC

Wilkerson Funeral Home, Reidsville, NC

This week our unsung hero has served his community as a member of many boards and in many civic clubs.  He formally coached children in youth football and softball leagues. He has helped and continues to help people in need without any recognition, which is the way he wants it to be.  He has a special place in his heart for children and his desire is to see as many as he can happy. He moved here (Roanoke Rapids) in 1979 to manage Branch Funeral Home.  He was a member of the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad from 1980-1982.  In 1985 he was the President of the Roanoke Rapids Chamber of Commerce, then in 1994 he founded Eagle Home Medical Corporation.  He was responsible for the start of C.O.P.S. (Cops on Patrol).  He is now associated with Wrenn, Clark & Hagan Funeral Home and Crematory Service. He served in the U.S. Marines and was in Viet Nam where he received the Purple Heart.  On Saturday, December 13, 2008, he was selected to be one of four to participate in the ceremony to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.  He along with his daughters, Whitney and Angie and several other members of his family and friends from the Roanoke Rapids Area helped place thousands of wreaths on the graves of soldiers buried in Arlington. He is the father of two daughters, Whitney and Angie, grandfather of Tyler, Perry, Sidney and Hayley. He is brother to Beth and son of Mary and a friend to many!  This week we salute you, Joe Hagan and thank you for your dedication to your country and our town! More to come in the Jan-Feb-Mar 2009 issue of The Tarheel Director.