Today we’d like to introduce you to Roderick D. Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was a young boy, I went to a service with my Dad, C.A. Webster, it was something about watching the funeral homework with the grieving family that sparked an interest, that night, I told my Dad that I wanted to work at a Funeral Home. He called his friend who owned Rev’s Funeral Parlor and they agreed to let me come shadow there and at that moment, I fell in love! 23 years later and I’m still in the industry that I love!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish it was, LOL, but to answer your question, no, it hasn’t, not due to the families I’ve served over the years but having to bury people close to you is the hardest. Three of the hardest years in the industry for me was burying my daughter Madison Chanel in 2014, burying my cousins Pam, Kelsey, and Marie in 2017, and burying my Uncle, Mentor, and Pastor Joe L. Washington Sr in 2018. In the midst of those bumps, God placed special people in my life to help make it smoother like my Wife, and Bestfriend Storme, my children, my parents Carlos and Karen Webster, my Aunts; Venora, Effie, and Margaret, my mentors Alicia Nash, Christopher Cooper, Mickey Curley, and Lucille Gilkey, my now business partner Shelia R. Hollaway, and my Pastor Joe L Washington Jr.
I want to give a special thanks to the countless number of families I have had the honor of serving in the DFW and surrounding areas!
Please tell us about Arlington Memorial Funeral Home.
God started birthing my company in me back in 2017, he put me in a position to be able to perfect my craft. In April of this year, God told me to step out of faith! I resigned from my employer, signed the contract on the building, and launched Arlington Memorial Funeral Home. We are known for the superior service we provide each family! We Celebrate the Life of the individual by incorporating many of the hobbies, passions, and interest the individual had. Many industry professionals are sympathetic to grieving families, unlike AMFH, we are empathetic. We are with the families every step of the way!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember when I was a young boy drawing my dream Funeral Home, I think the design is at my parent’s house somewhere, LOL! When I was in high school, my twin brother and sister made me promise them that I would always reach my goals, well, Shameka and Big Red, I can cross this one off the list!
Contact Info:
- Address: Arlington Memorial Funeral Home
2811 Galleria Dr Arlington, TX 76011 - Website: www.arlingtonmemorialfh.com
- Phone: 682-323-4989
- Email: rod@arlingtonmemorialfh.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Arlington-Memorial-Funeral-Home-2419771981438498/
Image Credit:
Enchanted Lens, KGNA, and Roilete Designs
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