Our Story
Our Founder
Pioneer funeral director, Frank K. McFarland, Sr. began his career selling caskets with Ballenger’s a general merchandise store in Tryon. After studying with Brown’s in Raleigh, NC, he passed the state embalming examination on May 2, 1911, becoming the first licensed embalmer in Polk County. He immediately began operating the F. K. McFarland Funeral Home on Main Street in Tryon. “Senior,” as he became known, was assisted by his wife, Flora Fisher McFarland, as secretary and receptionist. Their quiet, understanding manner earned them a reputation of offering professional services with dignity.
From Then Until Now
Frank McFarland, Jr. joined his father full time in the funeral home in l946 after completing a a tour of duty in the Navy during WWII. Frank Jr. graduated from Cincinnati College of Embalming in l943.
F. K. McFarland, III began working in the funeral industry after graduating from Wofford College and Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service. He married Darlene Grigg McFarland in 1981. She was a graduate of Western Carolina University and began working at the funeral home in 1984. After the birth of their son, Frank Kenneth “Keen” McFarland, IV in l988, she too earned her funeral directors license.
Our Facilities
Construction of a new facility on Highway 108 was completed in 1962. At that time the firm was changed to McFarland Funeral Chapel, Inc. The Williamsburg style building, which features a large chapel, has changed little in appearance since being built.
As the needs of the community changed our facility was updated. With the increased interest in prearranged and prefunded funerals, an upgrade in 1995 added additional office space
Our On-Site Crematory
In 1979 an on-site crematory was added to the funeral home. As a result, we are able to accommodate families by not having to outsource the cremation. Once the necessary paperwork is signed and the 24 hour waiting period has passed, we can proceed with the cremation, even on weekends. The most important aspect is your loved one never leaves our care.
Our Belief
Assisting families today are two licensed embalmers, two licensed funeral directors, an office manager, and eight part-time staff. This group of dedicated individuals continue to offer to the community “professional services with dignity” just as “Senior” did in 1911.
