Board approves Horizon Cremations Chattanooga LLC establishment license

The Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers approved an establishment license Jan. 14 for Horizon Cremations Chattanooga LLC, a storefront funeral office proposed for 1509 South Smith Street, Suite A, East Ridge.

Applicant Josh Ann Long introduced himself to the board as a third-generation funeral director and embalmer, saying he was licensed in Tennessee in December. The board confirmed the proposed establishment had passed inspection and that arrangements for embalming, preparation and viewings would be conducted at MD Dodson and Sons in Cleveland, Tennessee, under a hosting arrangement submitted with the application.

Why it matters: the approval allows the applicant to operate a storefront office for client meetings, administrative functions and identification viewings while using an existing licensed funeral home's preparation facilities for embalming and restoration.

Details: the application listed MD Dodson and Sons as the preparation location and a Georgia crematory for disposition; the applicant stated that families could choose funerals at the hosting funeral home's chapel or at off-site locations such as church venues. Board members asked for (and confirmed) a file copy of the hosting agreement with Dodson. After questions about visitation and where decedents would be prepared, Mr. Long clarified that there would be no physical decedents kept at the storefront location and that all preparation and restoration would occur at the licensed facility.

The board approved the establishment application by motion (mover Mr. Naylor, second Mr. Haines). The board wished the applicant well and reminded him to contact staff with any procedural questions.

Ending: With the approval, Horizon Cremations Chattanooga LLC will be licensed to operate as an establishment; the board noted ongoing inspection and compliance obligations.