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In 1960, George W. Clay, Jr. was joined by Bob Barnette and the doors of Clay-Barnette Funeral Home at 410 West Warren Street were opened. The operation was a partnership between the two until 1962, when Mr. Barnette chose to embark upon an alternative career endeavor. Regardless of Mr. Barnette's departure from the business, the Clay-Barnette name remained and Mr. Clay continued to operate the funeral home with the support of his staff.
The formerly privately owned family residence at 410 West Warren Street was a suitable location for the funeral home although the business eventually outgrew the facility. After 38 years, plans for a larger and more accommodating building were in progress and the construction of a new facility began. In 1998 the new Clay-Barnette location was complete and ready for move-in at 1401 West Dixon Boulevard . The Warren Street location was purchased by a family and once again became a private residence, as it is today. The new building has served the funeral home well, as it is today the current location of the operation and will remain so for years to come.
After many years in the business, the notion of another partner /owner surfaced for Mr. Clay as a means of assistance with the operations of the funeral home. Although Mr. Clay continued to enjoy his involvement and service to families, it was expedient to slow down to an extent. It seemed to be an ideal time to search for someone who enjoyed the funeral profession and family service just as much as he has.
After several visits to Shelby and meetings with George and Frances Clay, Eric and Kayce Bester were impassioned to acquire and facilitate the operation of Clay-Barnette Funeral Home. The Besters made the move from Arizona to North Carolina in September of 2002 with aspirations to create their own roots while continuing their passion for funeral service and affection for family service.
As a truly locally, family-owned funeral home, today, the Besters, along with the rest of the staff, proudly continue to carry on the established and valued traditions of Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.
Clay-Barnette Funeral Home is one of the longest established and reputable funeral homes in Shelby and in Cleveland County. .
We, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, strive to provide the most optimal and meaningful experience possible through our established traditions of sincerity, honesty, competency and distinction. We believe in integrating honorable traditions and values such as these along with modern innovations. With this in mind, we have focused upon not only providing the utmost in quality service, but also the utmost in comfort, convenience and selection. We at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home are aware of the fact that one size does not fit all. That's why we have a variety of options available to fit your needs, whatever those needs may be. It's important to us to provide what funeral service and care should be.
Clay-Barnette Funeral Home is a member of the National Funeral Director's Association, the North Carolina Funeral Director's Association and the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce. We also actively contribute to numerous organizations within the Shelby and surrounding communities.
When the Besters joined the funeral home in 2002, they endeavored to incorporate the existing founding principles and traditions, with innovative and unique services and products. The following services and products are representative of those which have been incorporated into the quality of Clay-Barnette Funeral Home's offerings:
Tribute Videos :
Every person is individual and unique for who they are and for how they have lived their life. We recognize the importance of each individual and what makes them special and have introduced a video that captures and celebrates the qualities of each special individual. Our tribute video, which is the first of its kind in Shelby , is a compilation of photographs, special scenery and music and serves as a comforting memorial for a family who has experienced the loss of a loved one.
Memorial Flower Seed Program:
A personalized Memorial Flower Seed Program has been developed and is available to every family who provides us with a picture of their loved one. This picture is featured on the front of the packet along with their name and our sentiments and are designed to either be planted in a special place or may be kept as a token of remembrance.
After-Care Program:
After the conclusion of funeral services, we realize that there are additional needs that families often experience. After-care is an important aspect and service for families, which is why we have specially designed these services to assist with meeting the needs of families.
We have a program available to families who wish to receive literature and resources through our monthly care letters. These letters are specifically designed with those whom we have served in mind, offering assistance with topics such as grief, pre-planning and other valuable resources. We also offer assistance with filing claims for Veteran's and insurance death benefits for those who are in need of assistance with these matters.
Funeral Resource Center :
With the comfort and convenience of each family regarded with a tremendous amount of importance, we have incorporated innovative and distinctive arrangement and selection facilities to accommodate these needs. Our arrangement and selection facilities are warm and inviting offering a diverse selection of products and services to match.
(Click here to visit our Funeral Resource Center)
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Eric M. Bester Co-Owner, Funeral Director and Embalmer |
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Kayce O. Bester Co-Owner, Funeral Director |
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Jennifer R. Skinto, Licensed Funeral Director |
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James I. Neal Funeral Director |
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Heyward N. Rogers Funeral Assistant |
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Billy D. Blanton Funeral Assistant |