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About Us

Who we are

Celebrating life since 1960

As a proud member of the Shelby and Kings Mountain County community since 1960, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.

What we stand for

Our promise

Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.

Dignity

Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.

Guidance

Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.

Legacy

Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.

Our story

We understand the joys and the challenges of the many relationships that touch so many lives. It isn’t just our training that helps us to understand, it's also because of the fact that these relationships so profoundly touch us too. The mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, friends, neighbors and co-workers that all of you are- we are too.

Through the ups, the downs and everywhere in between, we are not just your funeral home, we are your guides and support. We are your trusted confidantes and your family away from home, wherever life’s journey may take you.

For more than 50 years, Clay-Barnette Funeral Home has specialized in providing the very best in care. From our opening in 1960, to present day, we have upheld the very important traditions of the past and developed the new and innovative traditions of the present and future.

With an emphasis on functionality, comfort and aesthetics, our facility on Dixon Boulevard in Shelby was completed in 1998. Our spacious chapel and visitation rooms, state of the art family conference room and merchandise selection center are just a few of the many details that we have included for your ease and comfort. Since opening, we have redesigned aspects of our facility and our service offerings, ensuring that we always meet the growing needs of every person and every family that we serve.

In 2009, we opened our second location in Kings Mountain, with the same commitment to the highest standards of service, professionalism and accommodation. We revitalized the former Trinity Episcopal Church on Phifer Road to incorporate both the historical as well as the modern comforts of the architecture. From the grand chapel adorned with family-treasured stained glass windows, to the care-free rockers on the front porch, we have created an elegant, yet “homey” respite.

With more than 100 years of combined experience, our dedicated team is founded upon perfection- whether it be in the simplest or the finest of details. We invite you to see what makes us positively different and truly distinguished from the others, for an experience that will far surpass your expectations.

13k+

Legacies Honored

63

Years in Business

Moments Remembered

Our Locations

A place of healing

We welcome you to explore the Clay-Barnette Funerals, Cremations, & Aquamation Center facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.

Meet the team

Our incredible staff

Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.

The late W. Dwight Tessneer

The late W. Dwight Tessneer

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Noah Saldo

Noah Saldo

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Charles Lowrance

Charles Lowrance

Funeral Assistant

Leanne Jolley

Leanne Jolley

Office Manager & Aquamationist

Rodney Roseboro

Rodney Roseboro

Funeral Assistant

Nikki Hartman

Nikki Hartman

Funeral Director & Embalmer

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We're here for you

We exist to serve the unique needs of every family

Seamless Arrangements

We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.

Unique Funerals and Tributes

Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.

Around the Clock Support

We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Reviews

Hear from the families we've served

“Great place. Eric is very easy to work with.”

Author: Charles Lowery rated with 5 stars

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Associations & Awards

Honoring excellence

We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.

Our Awards

Clay-Barnette is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.

We're hiring

Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Clay-Barnette Funerals, Cremations, & Aquamation Center offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.

Plan Ahead

Plan for the future, today

Pre-planning lets your loved ones focus on honoring life instead of hashing out details. Learn the choices you can make now, so a future funeral becomes more of a celebration than a burden.