BIRMINGHAM– Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory, a family owned business in Enterprise, was honored today by the Alabama Retail Association (ARA) as an Alabama Centennial Retailer, a retailer with 100 or more years in business in Alabama.
“For businesses to survive despite the dramatic changes of the past century is a remarkable achievement,” said ARA President Rick Brown. “It is fitting to celebrate the enduring contributions Searcy Funeral Home has made to Enterprise and the entire Wiregrass area.”
Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory, an ARA member since 2007, was honored at the 2010 Retail Day Luncheon at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center in Birmingham. The business received a bronze plaque to place outside the funeral home and a certificate suitable for display inside.
The funeral home is currently owned by Bill and Will Searcy, a father and son who represent the third and fourth generations of Searcys to operate the business. “We love what we do and that is being there for families in their time of need,” said William Bevis “Bill” Searcy.
In 1908, Polk Houston Searcy left Luverne in a horse and buggy with his wife, Lallie Revel Searcy, and opened a hardware and funeral home on the main street of downtown Enterprise.
As Enterprise grew, so did the Searcy family. Polk and Lallie Searcy raised five children in Enterprise. Brothers Revel and Lomax Searcy followed their father in choosing a lifetime career in the funeral profession. After the brothers’ deaths, Dorothy Bevis “Mama Dot” Searcy, Lomax’s widow, and their son, J. Lomax “Maxie” Searcy Jr., kept the family business going. Maxie’s brother, Bill Searcy, soon joined them in operating the business. In 2004, upon graduation from Auburn University, the fourth generation, William Edward “Will” Searcy, Bill’s son, became a funeral professional at the business founded by his great-grandfather. Mama Dot, who was actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the funeral home until age 90, died April 2 at the age of 92.
In October of 2007, the Searcy family purchased another funeral home on U.S. 167 North built by the Patterson family, moving the Searcy Funeral Home from downtown Enterprise to the new location. That move also brought the addition of a full-service crematory, which serves 15 other funeral homes in the Wiregrass area.
“The needs of families constantly change, and we are dedicated to continue to meet those needs for generations,” Bill Searcy said.
Phil Thomas, president of the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, nominated Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory as a Centennial Retailer.
The Alabama Retail Association presents awards annually to Centennial Retailers. To notify ARA of a retail business that has been in operation for 100 years or more, please contact Nancy Dennis at (800) 239-5423 or ndennis@alabamaretail.org.
>> Centennial Retailers honored previously
Media Contacts
Bill Searcy, Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory | 334.393.2273
Nancy Dennis, Alabama Retail Association | 334.263.5757 Ext. 101 | 800.239.5423
