Bob Arrington
Founder, President, Funeral Director/Embalmer
Bob Arrington
Founder, President, Funeral Director/Embalmer
Bob is a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator, and a licensed Advance Funeral Planner. He began his funeral service career at the age of seven years old at Bodkin Funeral Home in Milan, TN. He became intrigued and interested in funeral service when his grandfather died in 1963. His neighbor owned the funeral home, and Bob would leave school every afternoon and go to the funeral home and ride home with the neighbor. Weekends were spent at the funeral home.
Bob’s family moved to Jackson in 1970, and he immediately went to work at a local funeral home. In 1979, he graduated from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville.
He founded Arrington Funeral Directors in 1995. In 1996, he created Corporate Funeral Providers in conjunction with Homesteaders Life Company, the only payroll deduction funeral funding product on the market. In 1997, an on-site crematory was added and still exists as the only crematory in Jackson. Always striving for excellence, Arrington Funeral Directors & Crematory has received the NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence Award for 12 consecutive years, including other awards as Best of the Best and the Pinnacle, the highest award presented.
On the state level, Bob was elected to the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association in 2000 and was elected President in 2008. He was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers in 2002, a position that oversees licensing and complaints within funeral service. He served as the State Board President in 2005. In 2025, he was added to the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association Wall of Fame for his significant contributions to the funeral service profession. He is currently Chairman of the Advisory Board of Tennessee Donor Services.
Nationally, Bob was elected to the National Funeral Directors Association’s Board of Directors (NFDA) in 2010 and was elected President of the Association in 2015-16 and is the only Tennessean to hold that honor. He also served on a number of NFDA committees including the Operations Committee, Governance Work Group,
Audit Committee, Budget Committee, Headquarters Operations Committee, and Spokesperson Team, which he remains on. He represented the NFDA in the televised documentary “Death, It’s A Living,” shown on CNBC.
He is a member of the Heritage Club, a supporter of the NFDA PAC, and a loyal supporter of the Funeral Service Foundation. He served as a Foundation Trustee for 10 years, serving as Board Chair for two terms. Bob continues to serve on the Foundation’s Fund Development Committee and is a board member for the National Museum of Funeral Service History.
Bob served as secretary of the Jackson Country Club for over 20 years. Currently, he is a member of the Old Hickory Rotary Club, serves as Vice-Chairman for the Board of Directors of the Greater Jackson Chamber, Co-Chair of Friends of Heart, a local not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve cardiac care in West Tennessee, and is on the Ethics Committee for the Jackson-Madison County School System.
Bob is married to Judy Leathers Arrington of Jackson and is the dad to Gracie, the company’s Certified Therapy Dog. They attend Englewood Baptist Church.
Charles Rahm
General Manager, Funeral Director/Embalmer/Certified Crematory Operator
Charles Rahm
General Manager, Funeral Director/Embalmer/Certified Crematory Operator
Charles is a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator, and a licensed Advance Funeral Planner, having served families in and around West Tennessee for over 40 years. Growing up in Jackson, Charles graduated from North Side High School and John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville. He also studied business/management at Union University in Jackson. Charles serves as general manager of Arrington Funeral Directors.
On the state level, he served on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association from 2009-2015 and is Past President of the Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, a position that is appointed by the Governor and oversees the licensing and complaints within funeral service. He remains a member of that board.
Locally, he was elected to the Jackson City Council for the Eighth District and served for a total of 16 years.
Charles is married to Laura Johnston Rahm and has two children: Charles Rahm, Jr., Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, who lives in Memphis with his wife, Kimber, and Elizabeth Rahm, Pharmacist in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a proud "Pop" to his grandchildren, Brenna, Callan, and Henry.
A member of Skyline Church of Christ, Charles enjoys local politics and community affairs, family time, golf, hunting, and water sports.
Sarah-Ashley Medling
Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator
Sarah-Ashley Medling
Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator
Sarah-Ashley is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, as well as a Certified Crematory Operator. With over a decade of experience in the funeral business, she is deeply committed to supporting families during their most challenging times.
She graduated from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in 2013 and completed her apprenticeship with Williamson and Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Homes in 2014. Sarah-Ashley is a member of both the Tennessee and National Funeral Directors Associations. In 2023, she was one of thirty people selected by the National Funeral Directors Association to participate in their Meet the Mentors Program.
Outside of work, Sarah-Ashley is a devoted family person. She and her husband, Colin, live in Medina with their two children, Corbin and Sloan. They attend Main Street Church of Christ in Milan. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family. Whether exploring Discovery Park or enjoying a cozy night of video games, she enjoys any time with them.
Roger Bates
Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator
Roger Bates
Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator
Roger is a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator, and our Military Veterans' Liaison with over 20 years of experience. Born in Ripley, TN, he recently relocated back here from Middle Tennessee to be closer to his family.
Roger graduated from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in 1991, and from Middle Tennessee State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He also graduated from the Tennessee 117th Regional Training Institute's Officer Candidate School.
Roger served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years and the Tennessee Army National Guard for over four years.
He is married to Linda, owner of Yarbrough Mortuary Services. In his personal time, he enjoys boating, fishing, and most outdoor activities.
Judy Arrington
Community Relations
Judy Arrington
Community Relations
Judy was born and raised in Jackson, graduating from Jackson-Central Merry High School and Union University. Her degrees are in psychology/sociology and nursing, and she worked as a registered nurse for 36 years.
Judy is passionate about women and children’s health issues, spending 12 years at the Women’s Clinic and 20 years with the Women & Children’s Center at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital as an RN Community Educator.
She was instrumental in starting the Perinatal Bereavement Program at the JMCGH and continues to work closely with Heaven’s Cradle, a local non-profit that provides financial assistance, comfort and counseling to families suffering from pregnancy and newborn loss.
After retiring from the nursing field, Judy found another passion alongside her husband Bob at their family business, where she now serves as Community Relations Coordinator/Family Services. She is a Certified Perinatal and Adult Bereavement Counselor through Resolve Through Sharing and a Certified Aftercare Specialist through the International Grief Institute.
She served on the board for Heaven's Cradle for 11 years and is currently on the Greater Jackson Chamber Women in Business Committee, the Community Action Committee of the West Tennessee Heart of the South Girl Scouts and is a member of the National Alliance of Grieving Children, the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and Maggie & Friends Therapy Group. In 2023, in celebration of International Women's Month, Judy was named by the city mayor as one of the Influential Women of Jackson.
Judy is married to Bob and the mom of Gracie, the company’s Certified Therapy Dog. Judy and Bob are members of Englewood Baptist Church.
Gracie Arrington
Certified Therapy Dog/Grief Counselor
Gracie Arrington
Certified Therapy Dog/Grief Counselor
Gracie, an Australian Labradoodle was born at Meadow Park Labradoodles and Labradors near Indianapolis, Indiana, on June 21, 2018. She works at Arrington Funeral Directors as a Certified Therapy Dog/Grief Counselor. Gracie is certified through the American Kennel Club’s Alliance of Therapy Dogs and has her Canine Good Citizenship and her Rally Novice titles.
As a newborn, Gracie was exposed to noises (sirens, thunder, whistles, etc.), so as not to be afraid when she got older. At eight weeks old, she passed a full evaluation of 20 behavioral characteristics to become a certified therapy dog. Two weeks later, she went to live with her trainer from Ultimate Canine Dog Trainers in Indiana for three months.
The week after Thanksgiving in 2018, she and her trainer came to Jackson, already knowing 30 commands, house trained, and had visited more than 200 people, many at children’s hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
Gracie is hypoallergenic and does not shed, so she is perfect for working with Arrington Funeral Directors. When families and visitors of any age come to plan a funeral or to visit their friends and might be scared or sad, she helps bring smiles and comfort to everyone. She can visit with families when they come to plan arrangements, during the visitation, and during the funeral at churches or the funeral home. When working, she likes to give out her coloring books and her “mini Gracie dogs” to her new friends. Many people stop by during the week to see her and bring a treat!
All balls, blueberries, and her mom’s flip-flops are a few of Gracie’s favorite things! She LOVES going to school and playing with her friends at Wagging Tail Pet Resort two days a week. And you might see her riding around town with her head out the window.
She is a volunteer therapy dog at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, Kirkland Cancer Center and Union University and is a member of the Maggie & Friends Therapy Group.
The community loves Gracie and her very own themed calendar every year! And she would love you to follow her adventures on her Facebook page, “Gracie Arrington the Therapy Dog!”
Brandon Bennett
Funeral Apprentice/IT & Media Specialist
Brandon Bennett
Funeral Apprentice/IT & Media Specialist
Brandon joined Arrington Funeral Directors in May 2024 as a Funeral Assistant, bringing with him a strong background in media, information technology, and a wide range of technical skills. His passion for integrating technology with meaningful service has quickly made him a valued member of the team. Committed to advancing his career and serving families in a deeper capacity, Brandon is currently pursuing his Funeral Apprenticeship with the state of Tennessee.
A native of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Brandon graduated from Dyer County High School in Newbern in May 2007. He is a licensed cosmetologist with over ten years of professional experience in the beauty industry. Prior to entering the funeral service profession, he spent 15 years living in Union City, Tennessee, where he focused primarily on retail management, sharpening his customer service and leadership skills.
In 2023, Brandon relocated to Milan, where he quickly became involved with Inspire Church. There, he faithfully served as the church’s Sound, Media, and Social Media Specialist, utilizing his technical expertise to support ministry operations and digital outreach over several years. Brandon is currently attending Soul Quest Church in Jackson.
Outside of his professional and church commitments, Brandon enjoys a variety of creative and relaxing hobbies. He is the proud dog dad of a very dashing chocolate lab named Brody St. James.
When he’s not behind a soundboard or a computer screen, you’ll likely find him singing with the Jackson Choral Society and the Dyersburg Choral Society, playing his baby grand piano, exploring antique shops for hidden gems, or crafting hand-poured candles with care and creativity.
Todd Brady
Licensed Advance Funeral Planner
Todd Brady
Licensed Advance Funeral Planner
Todd was born and raised in Jackson and is now raising his family here. He attended Jackson-Central Merry High School and Union University. He also attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX where he serves on the Board of Reference. Todd received his Doctor of Ministry from The Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY, and has served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Paducah, KY, and interim pastor in several regional churches.
After 23 years of ministering at Union University, lastly serving as Vice President of University Ministries and Assistant Professor of Ministry, Theology, and Missions, where he led students to raise over $2.5 million for missions to go to more than 30 states and 40 countries on missions. Todd joined the Arrington Funeral Directors team to minister to the West Tennessee Community as a Minister, Licensed Pre-Need Counselor, and Funeral Director Apprentice.
Todd and his wife, Amy, have five boys. Jack is studying political science at Union University, William and Isaac are in High School, Benjamin is in Middle School, and Miller is in Elementary School at Augustine School. The Bradys are members of Cornerstone Community Church in Jackson.
Michael Martin
Building Maintenance/Fleet Supervisor
Michael Martin
Building Maintenance/Fleet Supervisor
Mike was born in California and moved to Benton County, TN when he was 12 years old, graduating from Camden High School in 1978. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Operations Specialist, serving for 7 years; he was stationed in Pearl Harbor and deployed overseas several times aboard the USS Joseph Strauss.
Mike returned to Tennessee after his service was needed, working in several fields, including a five-year position as cemetery maintenance superintendent. During this time, he worked with many local funeral directors on a daily basis, and in 2021, Mike joined Arrington Funeral Directors as Building Maintenance and Fleet Supervisor.
Mike has two daughters and one son and is "Pappy" to his grandchildren. He currently resides in Milan, TN and is a member at Calvary Baptist Church of Humboldt.
Dick Arrington
Licensed Advance Funeral Planner
Dick Arrington
Licensed Advance Funeral Planner
Dick joined Arrington Funeral Directors in 2010 as a licensed Advance Funeral Planner. Raised in Milan, he graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a degree in music education. He was the band director at Jackson-Central Merry High School from 1970-1972.
Spending most of his career in sales, Dick was Vice President for FenceMaster, National Accounts Manager for Master Halco, and National Accounts Manager for Stephens Pipe and Steel. He is married to Jan Arrington, a 30-year teacher at North Side High School, has four children and twelve grandchildren.
Dick is an active member at Northside Church, having served on various committees. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, listening to music, and reading about historical events.
Doug Walker
After Care Minister/Funeral Assistant
Doug Walker
After Care Minister/Funeral Assistant
Doug was born in Texas and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in 1980, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1983, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky in 1986.
After graduating from seminary he served as pastor of a church just outside Atlanta, Georgia as well as a church in Birmingham, Alabama.
Doug then moved into Christian Higher Education at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Union University, Trinity International University, and Williams Baptist University where he worked in a variety of leadership and teaching positions. He joined Arrington Funeral Directors as a Funeral Assistant.
Doug and his wife, Virginia, have two grown children and 3 fantastic grandchildren. They are members of Englewood Baptist Church.
Grace Sarver
Administrative Assistant
Grace Sarver
Administrative Assistant
Raised on the prairies of north central Kansas, Grace moved to Jackson TN to receive her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Union University. She then decided to stay in Jackson after falling in love with the congregation at All saints Anglican Church.
Grace lives on a small farm in south Jackson, where she helps care for the animals, including a donkey named Eli, Cali the calico cat, and a host of other colorful characters.
Outside of work, you can find her painting, research interesting topics, or experimenting in the kitchen.
