Coffman Funeral Home Pettit Chapel is nearing completion of a new crematory, marking a significant development for funeral services in Chattooga County. Responding to rising cremation rates and increasing funeral costs, the facility will offer local families the option of in-county cremation services, ensuring their loved ones remain under Coffman’s care from start to finish. Owner Jamey Coffman cites a surge in cremation requests since the COVID-19 pandemic, with cremation services now accounting for nearly half of his business. Beyond evolving cultural preferences, the escalating costs of traditional burials, including rising cemetery fees, are a major factor driving the shift. “Everything is just getting more and more expensive,” Coffman stated, highlighting the financial strain traditional burials place on families. The new crematory, constructed within an existing structure behind the funeral home, will house a state-of-the-art cremation machine powered by natural gas. This allows Coffman Funeral Home to provide comprehensive, in-house cremation services, keeping families local and ensuring loved ones never leave their care. The crematory is expected to be fully operational later this year.