Since 1993, Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home has provided service to the families of Buchanan County and surrounding areas.

The business is operated by co-owners Doug Shortridge and Dennis Ramey, according to Shortridge, who noted it all started when he approached Ramey in 1993 with the idea of building a modern funeral home with easy access, plenty of parking and a home-like atmosphere.

After some discussion, they agreed to build the funeral home which is now located west of Grundy. The area's largest chapel, family sitting rooms, a comfortable lobby area and a kitchen in which refreshments for the family can be made available provide bereaved families and friends with a home-like atmosphere in which to share their grief and to remember the deceased. Once a year, at Christmas, the funeral home sponsors a candlelight memorial service for families to remember with them and the community those who have died in the past year.

The funeral home is a full service funeral home, providing funerals; pre-need planning, including life insurance to help families with final expenses; and monument sales.

"Shortridge-Ramey specializes in personalization of funerals," Shortridge said. "Not all individuals are the same, nor should their funerals be the same. We encourage family members to bring personal items, such as a favorite handmade quilt, pictures, medals, a hat or even a fishing rod to be displayed on a memory table. Not only does this help provide memories, it helps the family to be involved in the planning.

Shortridge began his career in funeral service at the age of 15, and now has over 25 years of funeral experience. He received his degree in mortuary science in 1988 from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA., and serves as funeral director and is an embalmer, licensed in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. He is also a life insurance agent for Settlers Life. Shortridge is married to Rhoda and they reside in Grundy. They have one son named Lucas Denis.

"I have always known what I wanted to do in my life, helping people when they need it most," Shortridge said.

Ramey, in addition to his involvement in Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home, has also been in the mining business for 23 years, operating Ramey Coal Company and is the franchise holder for the Vansant Subway, which opened in 1997. He also operates Pacer Construction, a general contracting company. He is married to Carol and they have two children, Joe Gary and Devan.

Shortridge noted the business has been successful in the time it has opened because of a caring staff.

"Our staff has been the key to the growth of the business," Shortridge concluded.

James Duty, Sue Stiltner, Beulah Shortridge, Reural Ratliff