Alpharetta SouthCare Funeral Home Opens

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

January 21, 2009 Alpharetta SouthCare Funeral Home & Cremation Service opened its doors for business recently, which makes it the only funeral home within city limits.

Chris Nuzum, president and owner of the business, said his company spent $370,000 renovating what previously had served as a public health office. A chapel, private rooms and reception areas were created. A courtyard was built with flagstone walk, a planted garden area, benches and ambient heating to provide family members a place to collect their thoughts.

"We try to give it a home-like appearance," he said, with the interior decor intended to more resemble a home than a business.Nuzum said the funeral home only schedules one service or visitation at a time so families and friends can grieve and remember their loved ones in private.

His company posts its prices online so family members can make decisions at home without pressure from funeral home staff.The company provides free valet service if more visitors are expected for a service or visitation than its lot allows. Most large services are held at churches and other locations, Nuzum said, keeping traffic light.