Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral Services in Newport News, VA
WJ Smith & Son Funeral Home has served families in Newport News, Virginia since 1854, making us the oldest family-owned funeral home in the Tidewater Peninsula. Our six-generation legacy reflects a deep commitment to compassionate care during times of loss, rooted in the values passed down from Robert T. Smith to the current seventh-generation caretakers. We specialize in traditional and contemporary funeral services, cremation, military honors, and pre-need planning, ensuring every family receives personalized attention aligned with their unique traditions.Our team of licensed funeral directors prioritizes accessibility and dignity, operating a fully handicapped-accessible facility while maintaining active involvement in local civic organizations and professional associations like the National Funeral Directors Association. Through 170+ years of service, we've preserved the founding principle of providing 'sympathetic and knowledgeable help to troubled families,' combining historical expertise with modern service standards to honor lives and create meaningful memorials.
Services
Pre-Need Planning
Traditional Funerals
Cremation Services
Memorial Services
Military Honors
Monument Sales
Grief Support
Obituary Assistance
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1854 with six generations of funeral service experience
- 24/7 availability for immediate assistance during times of need
- Specialized military funeral honors and veteran service coordination
- Pre-need planning options to alleviate future family decision-making
- Active community involvement through local civic organizations and churches
Associations and certifications
- National Funeral Directors Association
- Cremation Association of North America
- Virginia Funeral Directors Association
- Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia
- Tidewater Funeral Directors Association
- Better Business Bureau
Services
Pre-Need Planning
Our pre-need planning service allows individuals to make funeral arrangements in advance, reducing emotional and financial burdens on families. We guide clients through personalized options for services, casket selection, and payment plans while maintaining strict compliance with state regulations. This proactive approach ensures your final wishes are clearly documented and legally protected through formal contracts.
Cremation Services
We offer comprehensive cremation services including direct cremation, memorial services with urn presentation, and scattering ceremonies. Our staff handles all necessary permits and documentation while providing options for urn selection, keepsake jewelry, and memorialization through personalized tributes and online obituaries.
Military Honors
Specialized military funeral honors include flag presentation, rifle salutes, and coordination with local VA offices for benefits. Our team ensures proper execution of Taps, honor guard participation, and documentation for veteran's burial allowances while maintaining strict adherence to protocol for all branches of service.
People
Walter L. Cecil
Funeral Director
Sixth-generation funeral director with 30+ years of experience, Walter leads daily operations while maintaining family traditions of compassionate care and community service.
Doral Cecil
Funeral Director
Actively involved in state funeral associations, Doral provides expert guidance on pre-need planning and memorial arrangements as part of the sixth-generation leadership team.
Questions
What pre-need planning options are available?
We offer customizable pre-need plans with payment options, including trust-funded arrangements and insurance products to secure your final wishes.
Do you handle out-of-town arrangements?
Yes, we coordinate transfers and provide guidance for families needing services outside our local area through our network of trusted partners.
What military honors do you provide?
We arrange full military honors including flag presentation, rifle salutes, and coordination with local VA offices for benefits documentation.
How can I submit an obituary?
Contact our staff directly via phone or email to provide details for online obituary publication and memorial tribute creation.
Are virtual funeral services available?
Yes, we offer live-streaming options for memorial services to accommodate remote attendance while maintaining traditional service elements.
