Enhancing Community Connections: A New Chapter for Huntsville’s Funeral Home
HUNTSVILLE, TX — Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, a foundational element of the Huntsville community since its inception in 2003, is undertaking a significant expansion. This development, adding an extra 2,100 square feet, represents not just physical growth but a deepening commitment to the community’s needs. Importantly, the current expansion is not affecting normal business operations, ensuring the funeral home continues to serve the community without interruption during this period of growth.
Greg Smith, the visionary behind the funeral home, reflects on the journey from its beginning. “We started the funeral home in 2003, marking our 20th year in business,” he shared. Starting from the ground up, Smith and his team have transformed their vision into a trusted community institution. His path into the funeral industry began in high school in Sanger, Texas, where he first encountered the funeral business. “I worked for a funeral home in high school… that was my introduction to the funeral business,” Smith recounts.
The concept for Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home first emerged in an informal setting — a Bearkat tailgate. Reflecting on these early days, Smith remembered the casual beginnings that eventually led to establishing a community mainstay in Huntsville.
The upcoming expansion is designed to extend the funeral home’s role beyond traditional services. This addition will feature a commercial kitchen, restaurant-style booth seating, and state-of-the-art technology, transforming the space into a multipurpose community hub. The new facilities will accommodate a wider array of services and events, creating a space where Huntsville residents can gather for various occasions.
Smith’s commitment to community engagement is a core tenet of the funeral home’s philosophy. Emphasizing the significance of local ties, he notes, “You’ve got to have relationships.” This principle is reflected in his active participation in Huntsville’s civic life. As a longstanding figure in the Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce, he has served both as an ambassador and as the auctioneer at its annual gala for over 15 years. His leadership skills were particularly notable during his presidency of the Conroe Noon Lions Club, which he grew into the largest of its kind in the United States, with membership surpassing 330. Additionally, Smith is a committed member of the Huntsville Rotary Club and the Lions Club of Huntsville. His roles also include serving as president of the Huntsville Airport Board and as a Director of the Walker County Fair Association, underscoring his deep commitment to the community.
The dedication to service is echoed in the staff at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. Manager Billy Cauthen, a Huntsville native and a graduate of Huntsville High School, has been with the funeral home for over 16 years. Smith praises Cauthen’s character and work ethic, saying, “Billy is among the most compassionate, hardest-working, and dependable individuals I’ve ever encountered.” This sentiment reflects the deep roots and personal investment the staff has in serving their community.
Moreover, Smith’s engagement with University Heights Baptist Church illustrates the diverse ways in which he and the funeral home contribute to Huntsville’s community spirit. “Our expansion is more than just adding square footage; it’s about creating a place where the community can come together in times of joy and sorrow,” Smith stated.
This community-centered approach, rooted in Smith’s philosophy of relationship-building and active participation, positions the funeral home as a key locale in Huntsville for various events and gatherings. It’s a tangible manifestation of their dedication to serving and supporting the local community.
As Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home anticipates completing its expansion in early 2024, it continues to affirm its role as a pivotal part of Huntsville’s community life – a center for connection, comfort, and celebration.
Located in the heart of Huntsville, Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home continues to be a beacon of support and service. For more information about the funeral home and its community-centric expansion, the community can reach out at 936-291-7300 or visit www.shmfh.com.
