by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Dealing with death isn’t easy, even for professionals in the funeral services business.
“Some days really are harder than others,” said Robin Giddens Sheppard, a third-generation funeral director at Hardage Giddens Funeral Home. “Sometimes you don’t always deal with it really well.”
Giddens Sheppard is following in the footsteps of her father, Ronald Giddens, who was recently honored by his family and peers for his 70 years of service in the industry.
Giddens Sheppard credits her grandfather, T.J. Giddens, with establishing the business in 1932 and her father for successfully growing the local business.
In 1972, the Giddens’ business merged with Hardage & Sons and became an affiliate of Service Corporation International in 1975. They continued to operate by their separate names until the mid- 1980s, then becoming known as Hardage-Giddens.
There are 12 locations across Northeast Florida and while each is different, the Beaches Chapel at 1701 Beach Blvd. offers the most contrast.
“The Beaches communities aren’t like some of the other ones out there, and it’s kind of reflected here,” said Jennifer Crews, a funeral director at the Beaches Chapel.
While traditional burials are more commonplace in other locations across the city, cremation is the preferred style of service by 80 percent of the customers at the Beaches Chapel. It’s almost the exact opposite at other locations, said both Giddens Sheppard and Crews.
The Beaches Chapel, which can seat more than 120 people, is often used but not always in the traditional funeral style. Sometimes the rooms are set up and arranged differently.
The volume of business hasn’t suffered with the downturn in the economy, said Giddens Sheppard, but the amount of what customers are spending for services has declined.
Hardage-Giddens offers a full range of services to make the process easier for customers, said Giddens Sheppard.
Everything from casket and urn package selections to electronic collages for services to available legal advice and grief counselors are available.
356-2466