Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy.
United Funeral Service, Inc. had it's beginnings in 1907 when Hamilton Hardware began filling an unmet need in Union County by stocking caskets and doing embalming above the main floor of the hardware business in downtown New Albany. By succession, United Funeral Service was incorporated in 1964 by a group of local community leaders who wanted a first class facility with dedicated caring professionals to serve the community for future generations. We will celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2009. We have met the vision of our forbearers by continually remodeling and upgrading our physical site as well employing the very finest professionals who are sincerely motivated by their calling to serve families. We’ll be here when you need us and always have been. We call ourselves "The United Family" and truly feel that way.
Our local newspaper began a poll of citizenry many years ago called “the best of the best” and United Funeral Service has always been voted "The Best Funeral Home" every year. We don’t take our duty and responsibility for sterling service for granted and we pride ourselves in meeting and exceeding the expectations of families in their time of need. We are humbled when we are told by visiting friends and family from other states and locations that they wish they had a funeral home like United in their city or community.
We continue to be family owned and understand what families go through when they suffer the loss of a loved one because each one of us has experienced that and know what a huge difference it makes in the grief process in how the funeral ceremony and saying "goodbye" is professionally and caringly handled. We are proud to give each family the care and attention they deserve. We encourage families to celebrate the life of the deceased and try to personalize every funeral service to reflect on that life.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
Rodney Shands
President
Rodney has practiced law since 1972 and was elected County Attorney for seven consecutive terms and then as Chancery Judge for the First Judicial District of Mississippi in 2002, retiring from the bench in 2006. He came to United as a Board Member and legal counsel in 1973 and was selected as President in 1987 and continues in that capacity today. In addition to his duties at United, he also is a roster neutral for the American Arbitration Association and conducts mediation for cases for appointment by Judges and upon request by counsel. He has been a member of the New Albany Presbyterian Church since 1964 and has served as Deacon and Elder as well as served on the Synod’s Missionary Board, Foundation Board and Board of Stewardship, all based in Greenville, South Carolina. He and his wife, Ginger, have three daughters and seven grandchildren
Cary Saxon
Manager
Cary is a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, Pre-Need Counselor and Insurance Agent who has worked in funeral service since 1986. A graduate of South Pontotoc Attendance Center and Northwest Community College where he earned his degree as Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service. Cary has three children, Beth, Ashlyn and Levi; and two grandchildren, Hannah Belle and Roper.
Shellie Chunn
Assistant Manager
Shellie is a graduate of Northwest Mississippi Community College, where she earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Services. She is a licensed funeral director and mortician. Shellie was raised in Corinth by Rev. Trent and Debbie Nethery. She graduated from Kossuth. She is married to Randy Chunn and has four children and four grandchildren. Shellie has been with United since October 2018. "I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." Psalm 91:2
Kathryn McClure
Office Manager
Kathryn has been a member of the United family since 1989. She and husband, Mike, have been married for over 30 years and have two daughters. Laurie is married to Jeremy White, they have two sons, Owen and Reece. Whitney, who is engaged to Brock White, is studying to become a Dental Hygienist. Kathryn and Mike are long time members of Martin Baptist Church where Kathryn serves on the nominating, counting, shower and food committees as well as serving as a member of WMU and works in the church nursery from time to time. Her favorite Bible verse is "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13.
Judy Wingo
Judy came to United in 1994 after many years working in the banking industry. She is the daughter of the late William "Bill" and Blondie Wingo and has one son, Bobby, a graduate of Mississippi State University. She is a member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Beverly Baker
Beverly came to United in September 8, 1998. She has two sons Baron Baker, a member of the Union County Sheriff's Department, and Brent Baker a member of the New Albany Police Department. She attends Hillcrest Baptist Church.
Benny Rakestraw
Benny was born and raised in Union County. He and his wife, Mabel, have two children, Tonya McBrayer and Perrin Rakestraw; three grandchildren and three great granchildren.
He served five terms as a Union County Supervisor.
He is a member of Parks Baptist Church.
Daniel Garcia
Daniel was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. He joined the Navy after two years of college and
retired with 22 years active duty and 8 years reserved time. Daniel joined United family part-time
in March, 2021. He is married to Mary Frances and they have two daughters and one son, and seven grandchildren. They are active members of Parks Baptist Church. “I plan to work as long as the good Lord gives me strength.” “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.”
Pat Wilhite Taylor
Pat has been a member of the United family since September, 2022. She and her husband, Ricky,
have been married 40 years and have two sons, Chance, is a physical therapist in Paducah, KY, and married to Ellen and they have two children, Elizabeth and Chandler. Their youngest son, Kye, is an
Accountant in Nashville, TN. Pat and Ricky are active members of Ingomar Baptist Church. Pat is also the Co-owner of Between Sisters Gift Shop.
Chelcie Hancock
Benny Hogue
Maintenance manager
Benny has been working in the funeral business as a groundskeeper and maintenance manager since 1990. He and his wife, Doris, have been married for over 37 years and have three children and seven grandchldren. Benny served in the National Guard for six years. Benny and Doris attend Hillcrest Baptist Church.
Joe Bryant
Joe has worked part time for United since retiring as Sheriff of Union County where he served for three terms. Prior to that, Joe was a policeman and investigator for the New Albany Police Department. Joe and his wife, Martha, have one daughter, Denise Allen, who is married to Skipper Allen and one grandaughter and two great-grandchildren. Joe is a member of the American Legion, a Mason and a Shriner and he and his wife attend Parks Baptist Church.
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