McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation aquires Avinger Funeral Home in Holly Hill
Apr 16, 2018After the recent disabling stroke of Avinger Funeral Home president and owner, Ernest W. "Ward" Avinger, Jr, the Avinger family was forced to seek out a new owner to continue their longstanding reputation of service and commitment to the community that families in the greater Holly Hill area have come to expect since Ernest W. “Buddy” Avinger, Sr. took over the reigns of former Sauls-Rhame Funeral Home in 1960. Sauls-Rhame Funeral Home was originally named Bennett Funeral Home. Ernest “Buddy” Avinger changed the name and built the current location at 2274 Eutaw Rd. in 1983.Smith, a Bamberg native who partnered with the former McAlister Funeral Home in 1999, confirmed their current locations on Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley, Rifle Range Road in Mount Pleasant and Folly Road on James Island, St. James Avenue in Goose Creek. McAlister Funeral Home has served Charleston and it's surrounding communities since 1886. Smith also owns and operates Palmetto Cremation Society on Cunnington Avenue in Charleston.“We are truly honored the Avinger family selected us to continue their longstanding family legacy and service to the Holly Hill community," Smith expressed. "The business name will remain the same, the Avinger family members and staff will continue on for as long as they desire, Greg Robertson, licensed funeral director and embalmer, will be working alongside Buddy Avinger and we plan to offer all of our unique service options at our newest Holly Hill location; including human cremation services through one of our four onsite crematories, pet cremation services at one of our two onsite pet crematories, special Harley-Davidson or Horse Drawn Carriage Services, video tributes, catering, grief support and advance planning services.” Smith went on to say, “At McAlister-Smith, the personal touch that we are able to provide as a local, privately owned business is important to us. We are committed not only to providing needed services in the greater Holly Hill area, but also to being an acti... (Moultrie News)