ABOUT US

Brian Poole was only a senior in high school when he began working at Byrd Funeral Home in his hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Finding working hours that fit his school and sports schedule was important to him, not knowing at the time he had also found his future career. During his internship he aided with funeral visitations that occurred on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, working until 10 pm in the evenings.

Along his career path Brian would work in a variety of other capacities and businesses, but always came back to the funeral industry. As a student, it had made a lasting impression on him, and he found it meaningful. He felt it important to be there for families during stressful and sad times of their lives, a time when they needed sincerity and compassion most. Brian relates he had realized his “life’s calling,” with a capacity to minister and help families during heartbreaking times. He received his licensing (Alabama and Georgia) from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services and joined Byrd Funeral Home full time.

When Byrd was purchased by Service Corporation International (SCI) in 1995, it became one of 2,000 funeral homes acquired by the company, including one in Woodstock, which Brian was asked to manage. Having spent most of his life in the flat ‘wiregrass section’ of South Alabama, Brian and family made the move to the Appalachian foothills of North Georgia. The Poole family found what they have called ‘home,’ a place to live and grow. They not only discovered the beauty and convenience of the area where the ‘metro meets the mountains,’ but also the graciousness of the people. It would become home for Brian, his wife Amy and two daughters, Olivia, 15 and Ava, 12.

Brian Poole is a ‘people person.’ He enjoys getting involved in the community, serving as he can. He ran for county commissioner after only one year of living in Cherokee County, knocking on many doors and meeting many people, which he appreciated. He received a majority of the vote. “Because I was the new guy in town I never dreamed I would be elected, but it happened,” he said. “I am grateful for every minute I had to serve, and I am proud of the progress we made.”

Brian most recently purchased four funeral homes in the Cleveland area and looks forward to serving the community. He is the proud owner of Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cleveland, Poole Funeral Home at Fike Chapel, Poole-Serenity Funeral Home & Cremation Services, and Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Etowah. Brian and his staff are dedicated to serving families and will continue to do so.

Cody began his funeral profession in March of 2000. In 2005, he received his degree in Funeral Service Education from Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA while serving as the class president.

He is a Georgia Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, a Certified Crematory Operator and GA & TN Life Insurance Agent.  Cody resides in Chatsworth, GA with his family. He is a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church in Chatsworth; enjoys spending time with his family, playing the occasional round of golf and watching sports. 

Email: ctefuneral@gmail.com  

Phone: 706-889-8202

Matthew Harrell is a funeral assistant and has been in the funeral industry since 2007. He retired from Procter and Gamble and is an ordained minister. Matt not only assists our funeral homes on services but also officiates funerals when a family is in need. He is copastor of Sand Bethel Church in Rupert, GA and loves his church family. Matt enjoys spending his free time with his wife Elaine, of 33 years, children and grandchildren.  Matt is also an avid GA Bulldog fan, Go Dawgs!

Jeanie is the administrative assistant / office manager.  She has been in the funeral home industry for 5 years.  She had a 29-year career with Whirlpool, with 20 plus year being a production planner/scheduler.  Some of Jeanie's most favorite times are spent on the water, camping and fishing and spending time with her family.  She is married to Stacey Ledford and has 4 children: Tanner and Brooke Riley and Chris and Kelli Ledford.  She also has 6 wonderful grandchildren.  Jeanie is very passionate about trying to help make it easier on families going through some of the hardest and saddest times of their lives. jledford@poolefuneralhome.net