Walk into the beautiful foyer of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, and you are warmly greeted by compassionate staff who care and are here to serve you during your time of loss and grief.
As Reagan Cooksey, Pastor of Northside Baptist Church, expressed in a recent video, “You can trust them and place a lot of confidence in them. That’s just how they are.”
Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home (SHMFH), a full-service funeral home, was formed in 2002. Owner Greg Smith opened the doors in September 2003. In 2004, Greg brought Larry Graves in as a director and part owner. Larry has since retired, and Greg now serves as both owner and director. As Greg states, “We are family-owned and not associated with a big corporation. We take pride in having a great reputation and are here to serve friends and families in our communities.” Greg’s son Will is also a part of the family business as both a director and an embalmer. The majority of the staff have been with the funeral home since its inception, are knowledgeable in dealing with the many needs that accompany the loss of a loved one, and provide these services with patience and understanding. SHMFH has three locations, the Huntsville facility, as well as locations in Willis and Montgomery. The Willis location has an 18-acre perpetual care cemetery that adjoins the funeral home, Smith Memorial Park.
Families can be served either through Pre-need planning, or At-need, meaning at the time a loved one has passed. Greg recommends pre-need planning so decisions can be made prior to a loss, when families then have more time and presence of mind to carefully think through the options, rather than having to make crucial decisions in the immediacy of the moment. A pre-need plan can be paid for at the time of planning, purchased along with life insurance to help with the cost, or paid at the time services are rendered. According to County Judge Danny Pierce, “They will work with you in any way to make it affordable, to make it what you want, and something that you are proud of. You can trust them and know that you have done your very best for your family member.” Pre-planning also allows a family to more effectively customize the funeral to the person’s wants and desires, and in a less stressful way.
Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home excels in customizing your loved one’s service and offers several choices regarding the type of funeral service desired, the style of casket, the method of transport to the grave site, and other details. A full funeral service is available, presided over by either the family’s minister or a pastor provided by SHMFH. The chapel is equipped with a sophisticated sound system with an array of available musical selections. The family can also opt for live music using the digital organ/piano or other instrumentation. Some families choose instead to have a full cremation service. This service is exactly like a funeral service with the addition of cremation afterwards. For military veterans, the formalities of a service can include an honor guard provided by the American Legion of Huntsville or the casualty assistance office for the particular branch of the military, a 21-gun salute, and an American flag provided by the US government. A discount is offered in honor of the veteran’s service. A planning session will allow a staff member to inform the family of all options available so a suitable choice of service style and accompanying details can be made.
SHMFH offers a full selection of casket styles on site in the Selection Room, and additional choices are available online from their Houston warehouse, with delivery within 24 hours. A casket can also be personalized with hand-carved details, branding, or other unique features. Another aspect of the funeral that can be customized is the transporting of the casket to the grave site. As Greg states, “There is no limit to what we can do. We have transported the casket to the grave site by horse-drawn carriage or wagon or by motorcycle hearse. We will do our absolute best to fulfill your most cherished wishes.” Asked what cemeteries they use, Greg responded, “Any cemetery. We have performed funerals at the Washington, D.C. National Cemetery, and have shipped overseas. Whatever location is selected, we will accommodate that request.”
If the family wishes, SHMFH can also produce a professional quality video which will serve as a lasting tribute to their loved one. When shown during visitation, it enhances the quality of the time by helping family and friends to recall happy and meaningful memories and to celebrate a life well-lived. They use professional software to compile and arrange photos, either paper or digital, around a chosen theme and music to produce a beautiful statement of the loved one’s life. This video will be provided to the family to enjoy for years to come.
Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home will soon be adding a new feature to its property in Huntsville. The porte-cochere, which currently shelters funeral home vehicles, will soon be enclosed to add a reception area for families to use during a service. The room will be composed of an entire wall counter with kitchen appliances, a number of seating booths, and tables and chairs. This is a family gathering place where meals can be catered or provided by family members and will allow family and close friends to share memories and a meal together either before or after a service. It is located next to the chapel, and also allows for the family to have a private prayer time prior to the service.
When you meet Greg, you understand why SHMFH has the well-earned reputation of caring and compassion for which it is known. He recently was presented the 2021 Ed Sandhop Spirit of Huntsville Award by the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce, an award that celebrates the character of one who is kind, compassionate, and professional. In 2008, he received the Sam Houston State University Service Award, the highest award the Alumni Association gives to a non-graduate of SHSU. He has also been active in the Huntsville Lions Club and Huntsville Rotary Club, served as a past president of the Conroe Noon Lions Club, and earned the lifetime achievement award through Lions Club International. These accolades speak to Greg’s care and commitment to the community, the same commitment that has been exemplified since he first opened the doors of SHMFH. And again, in testimonial from Danny Pierce, he shares, “I’m from a big family, and I’ve been in funeral homes all over the state, and this one stands out. Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home sits at the top.”
For questions or more information including days and hours of business: www.shmfh.com
1700 Normal Park, Huntsville, Texas 77340; 936-291-730010129 FM 1097 W, Willis, Texas 77318; 936-890-0454
20850 Eva Street, Montgomery, Texas 77356; 936-597-7300
Postcards Magazine
936-293-1188
PO Box 690
Huntsville, TX 77342
