NFDA At-large Representative Candidate

I’m proud to say I am a first-generation funeral director, beginning my path to becoming a licensee when I was 15. My ambition was to be the best funeral director I could be and own my own funeral home. I achieved my dream of ownership in January of 2022, acquiring the firm I had worked for 37 years. I’m still working daily to become the best funeral director I can be. I’m proud we are still family owned and operated as it began in 1935, with my wife and son working by my side to serve those in our community that request our help. I was humbled in 2014 when asked to serve on the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association Board. This provided me with an opportunity to meet funeral directors all around the state of South Carolina and make new friends in funeral services all over the United States. Funeral service is my passion, I truly believe it’s what God placed me on the earth to do. I pray he continues to bless me with the ability to serve families, serve my funeral service colleagues and help others that have the desire to be part of our beloved profession.

Homer E. Elwood, Jr.

My passion is to serve.

When I look at those that have served the leadership team of NFDA I began to question myself on what qualifications make me a fitting candidate for the At Large position. I can only say that my desire is strong to serve in a capacity in which I can give back to the industry that has given me so much. I believe that over 40 years of institutional knowledge will be my guiding force but my understanding is that changing traditions can be helpful for our industry, so merging experience and the willingness to accept change brings a greater opportunity to succeed. I am passionate about funeral service and hope you will allow me to serve you as an At Large Board Member.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Past Chairman of Laurens First United Methodist Church Council

  • Monthly Lay Speaker at Laurens First United Methodist Church

  • Adult Leader for Salkehatchie Summer Mission Camps

  • Past President of the Laurens Exchange Club

  • Past President of the Laurens County Fair Association

  • Southern Barbecue Network State Champions 2018 & 2019

  • Berkley Lions Club Invitational BBQ Champions 2022

  • Past President of South Carolina Funeral Directors Association

  • CFSP-CCO

  • Served on the S.C. Board of Funeral Service

  • Served on the S.C. Cremation Task Force

  • School Board Chairman of Laurens Academy

  • Member of the Laurens First United Methodist Church

IMG_4590.jpg
IMG_2881.jpg
IMG_1178.jpg
IMG_0767.jpg
3D7A9214_Original.jpg
IMG_3415.jpg
homer- church photo.jpg
IMG_3575.jpg
8C2E9BAE-CE67-4013-8104-D71A8B1CDC6E.jpg
83CF99D9-1A3F-4E4F-B89C-6119A66419C7.jpg
IMG_4633.jpg
IMG_5228.jpg
IMG_3015.jpg
IMG_4649.jpg

We all have been questioned as to why we choose the funeral profession as our career. My answer is always that I love the funeral service industry and what I do as a funeral director. I have also been asked why I would like to serve on the NFDA Board. Similarly, my answer is that I love the funeral service and wish to help those who serve in it with trust, honor, and respect, just as I serve my own families. I plan to serve you who are members of NFDA by listening to your concerns and by my willingness to accept the challenges of our profession as opportunities to improve our profession, while not allowing these challenges to define our industry. I don’t see a change in our profession as a negative, but rather as something we can embrace and mold into a positive for funeral service.

 More info.

  • NFDA Website

  • (864) 833-1720

    helwood@grayfuneralhome.com