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Board approves Horizon Cremations Chattanooga LLC establishment license in East Ridge
Summary
The board granted an establishment license to Horizon Cremations Chattanooga LLC and accepted Josh Ann Long as intended manager; the new storefront will use MD Dodson and Sons for preparation and a Georgia crematory for cremations.
The Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers on Jan. 14 voted to approve an establishment license for Horizon Cremations Chattanooga LLC, a proposed storefront location at 1509 South Smith Street, Suite A, East Ridge, Tenn.
Applicant Josh Ann Long introduced himself to the board; Long said he was a third‑generation funeral director and embalmer and had been licensed in Tennessee as of Dec. 24. Long told the board the East Ridge office will serve primarily as an intake, meeting and paperwork location; embalming, preparation and viewing will be conducted at MD Dodson and Sons in Cleveland, Tenn., under an agreement on file with the board. Long said families may choose an off‑site church or Dodson’s chapel for visitation and funeral ceremonies. He also told the board the firm intends to use a crematory across the Georgia line for cremations.
Board members asked whether the site had passed inspection, whether letters documenting the arrangement with Dodson were on file, and whether decedents would be maintained at the storefront. Staff and counsel confirmed the field inspection had been completed and that the required documentation — including a facility-use letter with Dodson — was in the application file. Mr. Long confirmed no decedents would be housed at the storefront; identification and viewings would occur at the licensed facility identified in the agreement.
A motion to accept the application passed by voice vote after a motion from Mr. Naylor and a second from Mr. Haynes. The board welcomed the new establishment and advised the manager to contact staff as needed with operational or regulatory questions.
