Board approves Comfort Cremation Center, OKs 2026 meeting dates; executive director reports 72 open complaints

At its July 2025 meeting, the Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers approved the establishment of Comfort Cremation Center and accepted the board meeting dates for 2026. The executive director also presented administrative licensing and disciplinary summary figures.

Executive Director Gribble reported that, administratively, one establishment and six individuals were approved under the executive director’s authority for the period June 7–July 1, 2025. Gribble told the board that as of July 8, 2025, the board had 72 open complaints: 41 involving funeral directors or embalmers and 31 involving establishments.

The board considered an application for Comfort Cremation Center, listing the proposed manager as Sean Scott Williamson and the address shown in the materials as 8911 Dallas Hallett Road, Suite 105, (transcriptized as "Saudi Daisy"), Tennessee. The applicant/owner (recorded in the meeting as Miss Williamson) said the operation would be a lower-cost branch for families that cannot afford full-price services and that it is located in the same building as an existing funeral home but on another floor with a separate entrance and suite number. The applicant said families could be offered identification in the upstairs facility or by a brief photographic screening displayed on a monitor; the applicant also stated the crematory/retort is on the property.

Board members asked about the reinspection and whether earlier deficiencies had been addressed; Gribble and staff confirmed the reinspection occurred and the issues were addressed. Board member Nash moved to approve the establishment; Naylor seconded the motion, and the board voted to approve Comfort Cremation Center.

Under new business, the board approved the 2026 meeting dates as circulated in the meeting packet. The motion to adopt the 2026 schedule was made by Tim Wheeler and seconded by Don Haines; the board carried the motion.

Why it matters: approval of a cremation-focused establishment expands available low-cost options for families and requires the board to ensure continued compliance with licensure, inspection and disclosure rules. The executive director’s complaint tally provides a snapshot of the board’s caseload heading into the next regulatory year.

What’s next: staff will complete licensing paperwork for the newly approved establishment, continue enforcement actions authorized earlier in the meeting, and calendar the adopted 2026 meeting dates.