Our Staff
Our Valued Staff
Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.
Michele Rupar-Smith
Managing Funeral Director
Michele Rupar-Smith is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with over 20 years of experience in the funeral service profession. She is also a certified grief counselor through the American Academy of Grief Counseling. With a deep passion for guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments, Michele brings both compassion and expertise to her work.
She holds a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Cultural Diversity. Michele is a well-recognized motivational speaker on topics related to death, dying, and critical illness, frequently presenting at professional conferences, community forums, and educational institutions.
In addition to her work in the field, Michele serves as the Lead Instructor and Department Chair for the Funeral Service Education Program at Ogeechee Technical College, where she is committed to training the next generation of funeral service professionals.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Michele is a devoted wife, the proud mother of four children, and a loving grandmother to ten grandchildren.
Michele Rupar-Smith
Managing Funeral Director
Michele Rupar-Smith is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with over 20 years of experience in the funeral service profession. She is also a certified grief counselor through the American Academy of Grief Counseling. With a deep passion for guiding individuals and families through some of life’s most difficult moments, Michele brings both compassion and expertise to her work.
She holds a Master of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Cultural Diversity. Michele is a well-recognized motivational speaker on topics related to death, dying, and critical illness, frequently presenting at professional conferences, community forums, and educational institutions.
In addition to her work in the field, Michele serves as the Lead Instructor and Department Chair for the Funeral Service Education Program at Ogeechee Technical College, where she is committed to training the next generation of funeral service professionals.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Michele is a devoted wife, the proud mother of four children, and a loving grandmother to ten grandchildren.
Ginger Bryant
Office Administrator
Ginger Bryant
Office Administrator
Taylor Lowe
Preneed Specialist
Taylor Lowe
Preneed Specialist
In Loving Memory
In Loving Memory of Leo D. Hotchkiss
Funeral Assistant July 11, 1934 ~ October 29, 2021
Leo was a native and lifelong resident of Bulloch County and served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956. Leo worked for Derst Baking Company for twenty-seven years and was employed with the Bulloch County Health Department for twelve years. After retiring from the Health Department Leo worked at Ellis Travel Trailers and as a funeral attendant with Hodges-Moore Funeral Home and later with Deal Funeral Directors. Leo was a longtime member of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
In Loving Memory of Leo D. Hotchkiss
Funeral Assistant July 11, 1934 ~ October 29, 2021
Leo was a native and lifelong resident of Bulloch County and served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956. Leo worked for Derst Baking Company for twenty-seven years and was employed with the Bulloch County Health Department for twelve years. After retiring from the Health Department Leo worked at Ellis Travel Trailers and as a funeral attendant with Hodges-Moore Funeral Home and later with Deal Funeral Directors. Leo was a longtime member of the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church.
In Loving Memory of Larry Bird
Funeral Assistant
A retired pastor after 40 years with the United Methodist Church, was raised in Statesboro. He lived here until he went off to college and seminary, where he obtained an A.A. degree, B.S. degree, and a M. Div. from Emory University. Married to Sunshine, they have two daughters and seven grandchildren. Larry enjoyed traveling, genealogy, and working to maintain a manicured yard. Larry enjoyed helping out at the funeral home and considers it a ministry.
In Loving Memory of Larry Bird
Funeral Assistant
A retired pastor after 40 years with the United Methodist Church, was raised in Statesboro. He lived here until he went off to college and seminary, where he obtained an A.A. degree, B.S. degree, and a M. Div. from Emory University. Married to Sunshine, they have two daughters and seven grandchildren. Larry enjoyed traveling, genealogy, and working to maintain a manicured yard. Larry enjoyed helping out at the funeral home and considers it a ministry.