ABOUT US

Brian Poole was only a senior in high school when he began working at Byrd Funeral Home in his hometown of Dothan, Alabama. Finding working hours that fit his school and sports schedule was important to him, not knowing at the time he had also found his future career. During his internship he aided with funeral visitations that occurred on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, working until 10 pm in the evenings.

Along his career path Brian would work in a variety of other capacities and businesses, but always came back to the funeral industry. As a student, it had made a lasting impression on him, and he found it meaningful. He felt it important to be there for families during stressful and sad times of their lives, a time when they needed sincerity and compassion most. Brian relates he had realized his “life’s calling,” with a capacity to minister and help families during heartbreaking times. He received his licensing (Alabama and Georgia) from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services and joined Byrd Funeral Home full time.

When Byrd was purchased by Service Corporation International (SCI) in 1995, it became one of 2,000 funeral homes acquired by the company, including one in Woodstock, which Brian was asked to manage. Having spent most of his life in the flat ‘wiregrass section’ of South Alabama, Brian and family made the move to the Appalachian foothills of North Georgia. The Poole family found what they have called ‘home,’ a place to live and grow. They not only discovered the beauty and convenience of the area where the ‘metro meets the mountains,’ but also the graciousness of the people. It would become the permanent home for Brian, his wife Amy and two daughters, Olivia, 15 and Ava, 12.

Brian Poole is a ‘people person.’ He enjoys getting involved in the community, serving as he can. He ran for county commissioner after only one year of living in Cherokee County, knocking on many doors and meeting many people, which he appreciated. He received a majority of the vote. “Because I was the new guy in town I never dreamed I would be elected, but it happened,” he said. “I am grateful for every minute I had to serve, and I am proud of the progress we made.”

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Please meet Margie Scroggs. Margie oversees completing all the death certificates for us at Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services and our sister location, Thomas L. Scroggs Funeral Directors. Within the next few days please expect a phone call from Margie. She will ask you to proofread the death certificate and approve it to ensure there are no errors before it is sent to the doctor to be signed. This is an extra step we are taking to make sure we are providing you with the best service possible. Please ask your funeral director if you have any questions regarding this process.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Hanna Smith developed a passion for the funeral service industry at a young age. From the moment she was 17, she aspired to become a funeral director and began her journey by enrolling in Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in 2020. Hanna successfully graduated in 2021 and earned her license in 2024

Hanna is dedicated to serving families with the utmost compassion and empathy during their times of need. Her goal is to offer an all-inclusive service that prioritizes the needs of grieving families, ensuring they receive the care and support necessary for healing.

In her free time, Hanna enjoys a range of creative and relaxing activities, including crafting candles and stuffed animals, exploring fashion and makeup, and spending cherished moments with her beloved cat, Mr. Petunia. She also values quality time with friends, reflecting her warm and personable nature.

Cody began his funeral profession in March of 2000. In 2005, he received his degree in Funeral Service Education from Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA while serving as the class president.

He is a Georgia Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, a Certified Crematory Operator and GA & TN Life Insurance Agent.  Cody resides in Chatsworth, GA with his family. He is a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church in Chatsworth; enjoys spending time with his family, playing the occasional round of golf and watching sports. 

Email: ctefuneral@gmail.com  

Phone: 706-889-8202