History & Staff
In 1879, J.M. Posey entered the funeral service in Aiken County with the goal of providing quality, professional funeral service to those in need. Over the course of 65 years, Posey revolutionized the funeral business in Aiken County through the implementation of modern embalming techniques learned at the hands of Dr. Joseph Clark, founder of the Cincinnati College of Embalming. In addition, Posey built the first modern funeral facility which included a chapel and was the first to provide modern funeral transportation through the use of a motorized hearse and family cars. J.M.'s innovation and true love of service led to five sons working in the family firm.
In 1940, Dudley Posey, J.M.'s youngest son, became a licensed funeral director and embalmer after graduating from the Cincinnati College of Embalming. Before coming to work for the family firm, Dudley worked as Day Supervisor for the prestigious Forest Lawn Mortuaries in Los Angeles, California. At Forest Lawn, Dudley gained vast experience in funeral service, overseeing as many as thirty funerals per day. In 1956 Dudley came back to Aiken County and joined his family, opening the North Augusta location. In 1963 Dudley built North Augusta 's first modern funeral facility on Georgia Avenue. The funeral home offered spacious visiting rooms for families and an on-site chapel. Dudley is still recognized as the only individual to twice serve as president of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association. He also served on the South Carolina Funeral Service Board, which governs funeral service in the state and was a member of various community and church organizations including the Jesse C. Lynch Memorial Post #71of the American Legion.
From the earliest of years, Stephen Posey followed his father Dudley's footsteps in funeral service. As a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Stephen became a licensed funeral director and embalmer in 1970. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, Georgia Funeral Directors Association, The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, the British Institute of Embalmers and the Georgia Academy of Graduate Embalmers. He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in South Carolina and Georgia. In addition, Stephen has also served as a member of the South Carolina Funeral Service Board and is currently an active volunteer in both civic and church organizations.
In 2004 Walker Posey joined the family firm as the fourth generation to enter the funeral service. Walker is a graduate of Brigham Young University and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and holds degrees in both Communications and Mortuary Science. Walker grew up working in the family business and has also been involved in a number of personal business ventures outside of the funeral business.
While time does bring change to both communities and industries, it is comforting to know that the values upon which they are built remain the same. Personal service, Integrity and Innovation are the tools that J.M Posey built his business upon in 1879; today these same values still guide the Posey family as we seek to provide the finest in funeral service to those in need.
Our Valued Staff
Stephen D. Posey, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Stephen D. Posey has been involved in funeral service his entire life. The son of a funeral director, and a third generation licensee and Owner, Stephen grew up in a funeral home and has dedicated his career to funeral service. His knowledge and experience is extensive in both funeral directing and embalming.
Stephen is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in both South Carolina and Georgia and remains an active member of NFDA, SCFDA, GFDA, the Academy of Funeral Service Practice, the British Institute of Embalmers, and is a former member of the South Carolina Board of Funeral Service. He is the 2009 recipient of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year.
Nancy Ledbetter Posey
Nancy Posey grew up in North Augusta, the daughter of Robert and Katherine Ledbetter. She has been married to Stephen for 38 years and is an integral part of Posey Funeral Directors. She has a love for gardening, especially roses and is an active part of the North Augusta community.
Walker S. Posey, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Walker Posey is a fourth generation funeral director and embalmer with a family history dating back 130 years in funeral service. Walker is a graduate of Brigham Young University and The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Walker holds funeral director and embalmer licensure in South Carolina and Georgia, South Carolina pre-need funeral insurance licensure , and is a member of the Academy of Funeral Service Practitioners. He is active in both SCFDA and GFDA, having served a district chairperson for both associations and is a current member of the SDFDA executive board. In the community Walker currently serves as Chairman of the North Augusta Family YMCA and is president-elect of the North Augusta Rotary Club.
Melissa Posey Loose
Melissa Posey Loose continues her family’s service tradition as she assists in business operations. A 1992 graduate of North Augusta High School, Melissa holds both Bachelors and Masters of Arts degrees in English from Brigham Young University, where she taught composition and technical writing. She is married to Robert Loose, and they are the parents of two children.
William R. Anderson, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Rusty joined our firm in January 2008. A 1983 graduate of Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science, Rusty is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in both South Carolina and Georgia. He is married to Donna Anderson, an SRS/DOE employee, and they are the parents of Jesslyn, a USC Aiken student. The Andersons are members of First Baptist Church of North Augusta.
Stephanie Flanders, Administration
Stephanie Flanders first joined Posey Funeral Directors in 1997, bringing with her a kind, compassionate manner appreciated by each person who steps through our doors. A member of Sandy Acres Pine Needle Garden Club, Stephanie is married to Alan Flanders, an employee of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. The Flanders are members of First Baptist Church of Jackson
Ted Pennington, Director of Crematory Operations/Funeral Assistant
Ted joined Posey Funeral Directors in 2007, having retired from SRS as Deputy Operations Manager in Transportation. He has resided in North Augusta for 25 years. Ted and his wife Connie are the parents of Brandon Pennington. They are members of Grace United Methodist Church, where Ted serves on the Board of Stewards.
Frank McKnight, Funeral Assistant
Frank McKnight has been with Posey Funeral Directors for 10 years, having retired from Prudential Insurance. He and his wife Barbara, a retired teacher, are members of Curtis Baptist Church where Frank serves as a deacon. They are the parents of 2 sons and proud grandparents of three.
Paul Brucker, Funeral Assistant
Paul joined our firm in 2001, having retired from Medical College of Georgia. A former member of Evening Optimist Club of Augusta, Paul also served on the founding Board of Directors for The Ronald McDonald House of Augusta. He and his wife Deborah attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They are the proud grandparents of nine grandchildren
Bob Holman, Funeral Assistant
Bob Holman has been with Posey Funeral Directors since 1995, having previously retired with Prudential Insurance. He and his wife Betty are members of First Baptist Church of North Augusta, where they attend the Bobby Dodd Sunday school class.
Jane Grinstead
Jane Grinstead has been associated with Posey Funeral Directors for over 20 years, as she’s shared her musical talents and greeted visitors to our funeral home. A longtime resident of North Augusta, Mrs. Grinstead has enjoyed numerous years of piano teaching and contributing to her church and community. She is the mother of two daughters, Corliss Derrick and Cathy Harrington.