In the heart of Bristol, Tennessee, a funeral home has served families with compassion for decades. Akard Funeral Home is known for its respectful and personalized services that help loved ones say goodbye in a meaningful way. Whether it’s a traditional service, cremation, or a celebration of life, this funeral home has built a reputation based on trust and care.
Families in Tennessee and Virginia often compare services across several homes, such as Speck Funeral Home, to find one that aligns with their needs. In this article, we will explore the history, offerings, and values that make Akard a cornerstone in its community.
What is Akard Funeral Home?
Akard is a long-established, family-owned funeral service provider located in Bristol, Tennessee. It offers compassionate care and professional support to families during times of loss, providing a wide range of services such as traditional funerals, cremations, memorials, and pre-planning options. Known for its respectful, personalized approach, Akard combines time-honored traditions with modern conveniences like online planning tools and livestreaming services, ensuring every family receives meaningful, affordable, and dignified care.
Location
Akard is located at 1912 West State Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620. Serving the greater Bristol area, it provides professional and compassionate funeral and cremation services. With a convenient location, on-site parking, and accessible facilities, the home aims to support families through every step of planning and memorial needs. You can reach them by phone at (423) 989‑4800 or via their email contact form on the official website.
How Akard Funeral Home Began
Akard has been a family-owned and operated business since its inception. Located at 1912 West State Street, Bristol, TN, the home has served residents from all walks of life. Their long-standing presence in the region has helped establish trust among generations.
The founders believed that funeral care should be personal, dignified, and affordable. That philosophy remains true today. Through years of change, the staff at Akard has stayed committed to honoring the memories of loved ones in ways that feel personal to each family.
They are not just service providers; they are grief companions who walk families through some of life’s toughest moments.
What Sets Akard Funeral Home Apart
When comparing funeral homes, what truly makes Akard Funeral Home unique is its blend of traditional values and modern convenience. They offer streaming services for families who can’t attend in person, as well as eco-friendly burial options for those who prefer green funerals.
They also focus on pre-planning, which allows families to make important decisions ahead of time. This can greatly reduce emotional stress and financial pressure during a loss.
Another factor is their accessible location in Bristol, close to major hospitals and cemeteries, which makes logistics much easier for grieving families.
Funeral Services
Akard offers a wide variety of services to match different traditions, beliefs, and personal preferences. Families can choose from simple cremation to elaborate funeral ceremonies. Below is a table showing their core offerings:
| Service Type | Details Offered |
|---|---|
| Traditional Funeral | Chapel service, viewing, hearse transport |
| Graveside Funeral | Direct burial at cemetery with family gathering |
| Cremation Services | Direct cremation or with memorial service |
| Celebration of Life | Personalized event with music, stories, and photos |
| Pre-Need Planning | Funeral planning in advance to ease family burden |
| Green Burials | Eco-friendly options without embalming or metal caskets |
| Veteran Services | Honors for military veterans including flag, taps, and burial benefits |
Every option is handled with respect and care, ensuring families feel supported through every decision.
Professional and Compassionate Staff
One of the biggest assets of Akard is its experienced and compassionate staff. From funeral directors to support personnel, every team member is trained to handle grief-related situations with care.
They listen carefully to family needs, provide legal and administrative support, and even offer help with writing obituaries or selecting music for the service.
You don’t have to manage everything alone. Their approach makes the entire process feel less overwhelming, even in moments of deep sorrow.
Facilities and Amenities
Families often choose Akard not just for the service but also for its state-of-the-art facilities. These include spacious chapels, private visitation rooms, and comfortable reception areas.
There is ample parking, wheelchair access, and a calming interior that promotes peace. Below is a summary of the amenities available:
| Amenity | Available at Akard |
|---|---|
| Chapel for Services | Yes |
| Livestream Capabilities | Yes (For distant family & friends) |
| Wheelchair Accessible | Fully compliant |
| Family Lounge | Yes, with refreshments |
| Floral Arrangement Help | Available on-site |
| Private Viewing Rooms | Multiple available |
These features ensure that services are comfortable and respectful, no matter the family’s cultural or religious preferences.
Online Planning and Tribute Tools
Today, people want flexibility, and Akard embraces this through online tools. Families can plan funerals online, make payments, or submit obituary information via their website.
You can also create online memorial pages with photos, guest books, and donation links. This is especially helpful for families spread across different states or countries.
In today’s digital age, such tools bring people closer even when they can’t be physically present.
Cost and Affordability
One major concern for families is the cost of funeral services. Akard is transparent about pricing and offers packages to meet various budgets.
While actual costs can vary depending on choices, here is a general pricing guide:
| Service Package | Estimated Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Direct Cremation | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Traditional Funeral | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Graveside Service | $3,500 – $5,000 |
| Celebration of Life | $2,500 – $4,500 |
They also assist in navigating insurance claims, veteran benefits, and offer payment plans for those in need.
Akard vs Other Regional Funeral Homes
Many families compare Akard with other local names to make their decisions. For instance, Lakes Funeral Home McKee KY is known for its hometown values and affordability in Kentucky. However, Akard stands out for its technological services, eco-conscious options, and long-standing reputation in Tennessee.
Their continued dedication to evolving with the times while maintaining tradition gives them a competitive edge.
Community Involvement and Events
Beyond funeral services, Akard is deeply involved in the local community. They host grief counseling seminars, participate in charity drives, and support veterans’ organizations.
During holidays, they hold remembrance events for families who lost loved ones throughout the year. These activities help families heal and stay connected even after the funeral is over.
Such involvement reflects their mission of being more than just a business. They’re a pillar of the community.
Why Choose Akard Funeral Home?
Choosing a funeral home is a decision made during times of grief, confusion, and pressure. But Akard simplifies the process with kindness, experience, and resources that few others can offer.
Their ability to mix tradition with innovation makes them the go-to option for many families in the Bristol region. Whether it’s pre-planning or urgent needs, their staff is always ready to help.
How to Contact
If you or someone you know is in need of funeral services or planning assistance, contacting Akard is simple. You can reach them using the details below:
| Contact Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1912 West State Street, Bristol, TN 37620 |
| Phone Number | (423) 989-4800 |
| Website | www.akardfuneralhome.com |
| Available on website contact form | |
| Hours | 24/7 availability for emergency services |
Their website offers planning tools, service schedules, and obituary listings for public access. This makes it easier to get help at any time.
Positive Reviews and Testimonials
Akard has earned consistently high ratings on Google, Legacy.com, and Yelp. Families often highlight the warmth of the staff, the peaceful environment, and the ease of planning.
Many reviews mention how the home goes above and beyond expectations. One family shared how they received help with every detail, from casket selection to thank-you cards. Others praised the ability to livestream services, allowing distant relatives to participate.
This kind of feedback builds the reputation that Akard holds today.
Final Thoughts
Losing a loved one is never easy, but the presence of a compassionate and experienced team can ease the pain. Akard provides that comfort. Their approach is rooted in respect, personalization, and accessibility. They offer services that cater to every budget, every belief, and every family tradition.
When you compare the options and look at what really matters—care, attention, and legacy—it becomes clear why so many families continue to place their trust in Akard Funeral Home.
If you want a place that honors lives while supporting the living, Akard stands ready to serve.
