Our History
The history of Webb Funeral Home is the story of two funeral homes in two communities in Mitchell County, North Carolina and long-time funeral director Charles Grindstaff. In 1937, J. W. Webb, a furniture dealer and general merchant, established Webb Funeral Home in conjunction with his general store in the Relief section of the north end of Mitchell County. At that time, his employees were Manuel Roberts and Hughes Burleson, the firm's first embalmer. In 1943, Webb opened a branch in a small house beside the Presbyterian Church on Oak Avenue in Spruce Pine. The firm served five families during its first year in Spruce Pine.
During 1936, Ben F. Quinn, an associate of Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion, North Carolina, moved to Spruce Pine and opened Quinn Funeral Home in an old home at 208 Roan Road. Charles Grindstaff joined Quinn in the operation of his funeral home in 1948. Following Mr. Quinn's death later in 1948, his wife, Miriam Quinn, sold the business and property to J. W. Webb.
Following the purchase of the Quinn property, Webb closed his firm on Oak Avenue and moved to the facilities that he had purchased from Mrs. Quinn. He brought the Webb Funeral Home name with him. In 1950, a new home, which is the central area of the present Webb Funeral Home, was constructed directly behind the original house. Since the area's economic growth had favored Spruce Pine, the Relief location as phased out during this period. Mr. Webb died in 1965.
At one time, Hughes Burleson, Manuel Roberts, Charles Grindstaff, and Jack Roberts shared in the ownership and management of Webb Funeral Home. Following the death of Burleson in 1964, Bill Roberts, Manuel's nephew and Jack's brother, joined the staff as an embalmer and purchased Manuel's interest in the firm when Manuel retired. Under the management of Charles Grindstaff and Jack Roberts, Webb Funeral Home continued to serve a growing number of families each year.
In 1972, a new brick chapel, preparation room, and parlor were added to the building. The original building was bricked and an attractive two-story white-columned porch was built across the front. In 1979, Jack Roberts sold his interest in the firm to Charles Grindstaff and Bill Roberts. In early 1991, Bill Roberts retired.
During 1992, the funeral home was totally redecorated, including new carpet, paint, wallpaper, draperies, and furniture. A handicap rest room was added, and the preparation room was brought into OSHA compliance. Upon completion of the renovation, Webb Funeral Home celebrated its 50-year anniversary in Spruce Pine with an Open House, refreshments, and performances by several local gospel music groups on Sunday, August 23, 1992.
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Chris Pitman Owner/Manager
Chris has been affiliated with Webb Funeral Home since 1978. He graduated in 1984 from Mayland Community College with an A.A.S. degree in Accounting and is a 1987 Honors graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service with an A.A.S. degree in Funeral Service. He has been involved with the Mitchell High School Athletic Department where he currently serves as Sports Information Director. In addition to Sports Information Director, he has worked as a statistician for the football and basketball programs. During the 1995-1996 and 2003-2004 seasons he was a statistician for the Mitchell Lady Mountaineer State Champion teams. He is married to the former Pamela Sparks and they have two children, Mallory and Jesse. He is a member of the Bethel Baptist Church where he serves as Bible Drill Director and AWANA games director.
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Jodene Hughes Funeral Director & Family Service Counselor
Jodene is a native of North Dakota and currently resides in Spruce Pine with her husband, Ricky. She is a 2009 Graduate of Fayetteville Technical Community College earning her Associates Degree in Funeral Service. She attends St. Lucien Catholic Church in Spruce Pine.
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Walter Johnson Family Services Director
Since the age of 17, Walter F. Johnson has been in and around the Funeral Service Industry, and is a second-generation employee of Heritage Family Funeral Service. He served his apprenticeship at Hampton Funeral Service in Boone, North Carolina, where he also worked for seven years. Walter is a 2015 graduate of Fayetteville Technical Community College with a degree in funeral service. He is a licensed funeral director, and is a licensed pre-need counselor in North Carolina. Walter is married to Pam (Cornett) Johnson. They have two children, Zack and Kaylee, and they live in Boone, North Carolina. They are active members of Willow Valley Baptist Church (Watauga County), where Walter serves as a deacon and in other leadership roles.
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Tinky Piercy Office Manager
Tinky is a native of Mitchell County. She and her husband live in the Ledger Community and are members of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
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Joe Biddix Ambassador
Joe lives in Spruce Pine with his wife, Virginia. He has two children and three grandchildren and is a member of Altapass Baptist Church.
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Richard McKinney Ambassador
Richard and his wife Beulah live in Spruce Pine; they have three children and six grandchildren. They are members of Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church.
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Junior Blackburn Ambassador
Junior is a life long resident of Mitchell County. He lives in the Bear Creek Community and attends Mt. Calvary Freewill Baptist Church.
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Mark Huskins Ambassador
Mark is married to the former Donna Garland and they reside in Bakersville. He is a member of the Freedom Baptist Church. Mark has been involved with the Mitchell High School Mountaineers Football program for twenty-five years where he serves as a statistician. He also currently serves as the Assistant Fire Chief with the Ledger Fire Department.
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TJ Robinson Funeral Assistant
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TJ Miller Funeral Assistant