Losing someone close to you brings an immediate wave of logistical and emotional demands. Families in Sullivan County often turn to local establishments like Akard Funeral Home in Bristol, Tennessee, to manage the transition from a sudden passing to a meaningful memorial. Knowing what to expect when you walk through their doors—or call their office—helps you make clear decisions during a stressful week.
When you contact Akard Funeral Home, located at 1912 West State Street, the immediate priority is coordinating the transfer of your loved one into their care. You'll work with a licensed funeral director who handles the initial paperwork, including securing the death certificate and scheduling consultations. This guide breaks down their core offerings, pricing structures, documentation requirements, and practical steps to take when arranging a service in the Tri-Cities area.
Immediate Steps Following a Passing
The first 24 hours after a death require specific administrative actions before funeral arrangements can proceed. The exact process depends on where the passing occurred.
If your loved one passes away in a hospital, hospice facility, or nursing home, the staff will declare the time of death and help notify the primary care physician or medical examiner. The facility will coordinate directly with the funeral home you select to arrange transportation.
When a death occurs at home under hospice care, contact the hospice nurse first. The nurse will pronounce the death and sign the necessary medical documentation, after which you can call Akard Funeral Home to dispatch transport personnel. If the death is unattended or sudden, call 911 immediately so emergency responders and local authorities can clear the scene and notify the medical examiner.
Once transportation is secured, you'll schedule an arrangement conference with a funeral director. Gather the following information beforehand to streamline the meeting:
- Full legal name and social security number of the deceased
- Date and place of birth
- Names of surviving immediate family members
- Military discharge papers (DD-214) if veteran honors are requested
- Clothing and a recent photograph for cosmetology and dressing
Core Services Offered by Akard Funeral Home
Akard Funeral Home provides full-service arrangements designed to accommodate various religious, cultural, and personal preferences. Understanding these options allows you to tailor the memorial to your family's wishes.
Traditional Burials and Viewings
Traditional services involve embalming, casketing, a public visitation or wake, and a formal funeral service held either in the funeral home chapel or a local church. Following the service, a funeral procession travels to the cemetery for a committal service.
Embalming isn't legally required in Tennessee for immediate burial, but cemeteries or specific service timelines often mandate it if a public viewing with an open casket is planned. The funeral director will discuss these requirements during your initial consultation.
Cremation Options and Memorials
Cremation has grown significantly in popularity across Northeast Tennessee. Akard offers direct cremation—where the process occurs without a formal viewing or service—as well as cremations combined with traditional visitations.
Families choosing cremation retain several options for the remains. You can select a traditional urn for home display, burial in a cemetery plot or columbarium niche, or scattering in a designated location. The staff can also assist with ordering keepsake jewelry that holds a small portion of the ashes.
Veteran Services and Honors
As part of the Bristol community, the staff regularly assists families in arranging military honors for eligible veterans. This includes coordinating with the Department of Veterans Affairs to secure a U.S. flag, arranging for a bugler to play Taps, and organizing an honor guard detail to fold and present the flag to the next of kin. Veterans may also be eligible for placement in regional national cemeteries, such as the Mountain Home National Cemetery located nearby in Johnson City.
Understanding Funeral Costs and the General Price List
Federal Trade Commission regulations require every funeral home to provide a transparent, itemized General Price List (GPL) upon request. You have the right to select only the goods and services you want and need.
A typical funeral invoice itemizes several distinct categories:
- Basic Services Fee: A non-declinable fee covering the funeral director's overhead, licensing, and administrative permits.
- Professional Services: Separate charges for embalming, cosmetology, dressing, and staff supervision during services.
- Facility and Equipment Use: Daily fees for viewing rooms, chapel rental, and staff presence.
- Automotive Equipment: Charges for the funeral coach (hearse), flower vehicle, and family limousine.
- Merchandise: The cost of the casket, outer burial container (vault), urn, and printed memorial folders.
Cash advance items—such as newspaper obituary fees, certified death certificate copies from the Tennessee Department of Health, and honoraria for clergy or musicians—appear on the final bill as third-party expenses. Always ask for a written estimate before signing any contracts.
Pre-Planning and Pre-Funding Arrangements
Many residents choose to arrange their own funerals years in advance. Pre-planning removes the emotional and financial burden from surviving children or spouses.
When you pre-plan with Akard, your preferences are documented in a permanent file. You can also pre-fund the arrangement through a trust or a specialized insurance policy. Pre-funding protects your family from inflation, as funds grow to cover future costs according to the terms of the agreement. You can review pre-planning options directly through the Dignity Memorial network, which coordinates standard operational practices across affiliated funeral homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write my own obituary for my loved one?
Yes. While funeral directors often write standard drafts based on information you provide, families are encouraged to personalize the obituary. You can submit it directly to local publications like the Bristol Herald Courier or let the funeral home handle the submission process.
What happens if someone passes away while traveling out of state?
If a death occurs away from Bristol, contact Akard Funeral Home immediately. They will coordinate with a local funeral director at the place of death to handle the interstate transfer and legal permits required for transport.
Are green burials or eco-friendly options available?
Availability depends on local cemetery regulations and specific state guidelines regarding refrigeration and embalming. Speak directly with your funeral director about green burial options, biodegradable caskets, or natural burial grounds in the region.
How many copies of the death certificate should I order?
Most families order between three and five certified copies. You'll need official copies to settle financial accounts, close credit cards, file life insurance claims, and transfer vehicle titles or real estate deeds. Additional copies can be ordered later through the vital records office if needed.
