General Info

When a need is identified, the Smyrna Community have always been resourceful in providing a solution. This is evident in ambulance and funeral home services. Prior to 1960, the only funeral home or ambulance service was out of Atlanta or Marietta. For a period of time, volunteers attempted to fill this vital need, but the volume was greater than the one unit could service. Smyrna Councilman Bill Sanders recognized the need, and attempted to have funeral homes in Atlanta or Marietta to establish a branch in Smyrna. When his efforts failed, Mr. Sanders, his brother, Warren, and B.C. Castellaw took it upon themselves to form a funeral home and provide ambulance service. In 1960, Sanders Funeral Chapel, Inc opened on Concord Rd. Later the business expanded, and the name changed to Sanders-Castellaw Funeral Home. At this time funeral homes provided ambulance service for $5.00 to $20.00. In 1966, B.C. Castellaw bought out Sanders, changed the name to Castellaw Funeral Home, and later that year broke ground for an 8, 200 square foot building which was the first designed especially for a funeral home in the Smyrna area. This modern and spacious facility with four visitation rooms, a 45 foot cathedral chapel with seating for more than 200 people, and spacious parking. Castellaw Funeral Home has been an important part of the Smyrna community since it opened in September of 1966. Mr. Castellaw retired in 1997. His daughter, Gale Castellaw Baker, has been affiliated with the funeral home since 1968 and now serves as President. Gale is now the owner of Castellaw Funeral Home along with Al Cochran, Loretta Perry, and Coleman Castellaw. In 1996, a complete remodeling and updating of our facility was accomplished. Castellaw Funeral Home sits on 4 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, offering families a peaceful and tranquil environment to remember their loved ones.