Our passion and love for the funeral industry started May 21, 1953, in Hickman County when the Funeral Directors came to the Nine Mile Ridge Community to get the grandfather of David Love, William Thomas Love. It was in that moment, that David realized he wanted to become a Funeral Director and be able to help people during the worst times of their life. After graduating from Hickman County High School David honorably served his Country in the United States Marine Corp. When he got back home, the real story began as he and his wife, Connie Garner Love moved to Nashville so he could begin his formal education in our beloved profession. In 1974 David graduated from John A. Gupton College in Nashville with an Associates of Science in Mortuary Science Degree. Beginning his career at McDonald Funeral Home in Hohenwald. While working in Hohenwald, he and his wife were blessed with their first child, Tony Love. He then worked for Morgan Funeral Home in Henderson. While in Henderson, he and his wife were blessed with their second child Becky Love Wilson. After having two children, they decided it was time to move closer home. They finally made the move to what would quickly become home, Wayne County. Once in Wayne County, he began to work for Middle Tennessee Funeral Home. Still living in Wayne County, he left this career he loved to pursue other options. However, in 1986 he found himself back in the profession he so dearly loved. His full time career in funeral service would come to an end December, 31 2021 or so he thought. Even though after retirement, David did not keep his license. While he is no longer licensed as a funeral director or embalmer, David is excited to continue serving the people of Wayne County as an unlicensed funeral assistant.
Now, having been in Wayne County since 1981, Tony has always felt that Wayne County was truly his home. Tony can recall from childhood people asking him if he was going to become a Funeral Director like his dad, David, to which he would quickly reply, “No”. However, in 1997 Tony’s career would begin. Tony started working at the Funeral Home in Waynesboro on the grave crew and then began to help with funerals as time went on. In 1996, Tony was blessed with a son, Gabe Love. In 2008 he was married to Denise Pearce Love and gained two step-sons. As his career continued at the funeral home, Tony soon realized this is what he wanted to do from then on and started pursuing his education. In 2013, Tony graduated from Jefferson State University in Birmingham, AL with his Associates of Science in Mortuary Science.
Being raised in Hohenwald with no thought of being in Funeral Service, you would find David’s nephew, Kenley Bates. However, it was in 2013 after having accepted a position in Nursing School, that Kenley would be approached by McDonald Funeral Home manager, Richard Tate wanting him to go to work. After much thought and prayer, and a conversation with his Uncle David, Kenley decided to give this a try. Unfortunately, Richard would become ill with a brain tumor in February of 2014. While helping to take care of Richard, Kenley married BethAnn Scott Bates in 2015 and graduated from John A. Gupton College in Nashville with his Associates of Science in Mortuary Science. While Kenley and BethAnn continued to help Richard’s wife, Kathy take care of him, they were blessed with their first child in 2016, Oliver Bates. As Richard’s health continued to decline, he passed away in July of 2017. After his death, Kenley needed a change. So in October of 2018, Kenley made the move to Wayne County to join the family in the Funeral Service Profession. After moving to Wayne County, Kenley obtained his Life Insurance Producer License and his Crematory Operator Certification. In December of 2019 Kenley and BethAnn were blessed with their second child, Tobe Bates. Kenley is currently
working to obtain his Bachelors in Biblical Studies from Heritage Christian University in Florence, AL and serves as the Associate Minister at Wayne Furnace Church of Christ in Waynesboro.
Having formally introduced our staff, we hope you will allow our 82 years of combined experience (75 years combined serving Wayne and surrounding Counties) to continue to serve you.
Our Family Honored to Serve Yours.
Waynesboro
1-931-722-6020
1-931-722-6021
Obituary Line
1-931-722-6023
You are welcome to call us any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience.