Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc.

Veteran services at Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc.

Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc., located in Ellijay, GA, assists those who served and their families. In their own words: "Bernhardt Funeral Home highlights a resource that provides a peaceful resting place for veterans and their spouses free of charge, including options for burials and columbarium niches for cremated remains." On-site amenities include chapel and parking, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $4,335 for basic burial and $1,695 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.

Veteran-related services offered include cremation and green burials. Each service is coordinated with the family and, where applicable, with the deceased's last unit or branch honor detail.

On-site facilities of note include chapel. These spaces accommodate full military honors details, family gatherings before and after the service, and the placement of the United States flag during the visitation period.

Published pricing at Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc.: direct cremation from $1,695. That places direct cremation roughly 11% below the Georgia median ($1,895). Veterans who served on active duty for at least 24 months may qualify for VA burial allowance to offset funeral costs — this home accepts assignment of those benefits where eligible.

The nearest VA national cemetery is Georgia National Cemetery in GA, approximately 32 miles from Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc.. Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.

Georgia has approximately 780 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. is among them.

Frequently asked questions

What does a funeral at Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. cost for veteran families?

From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $1,695. Eligible veterans can offset these costs with a VA burial allowance, and burial in a VA national cemetery is provided at no charge.

Where is Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?

Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. is located at 163 River St. in Ellijay, GA. You can reach the home at (706) 635-4325. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.

What services does Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. offer veteran families?

Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. provides traditional funerals, cremation, worldwide shipping, green burials, pre-planning options, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.

Does Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. help veterans with VA burial benefits?

Bernhardt Funeral Home highlights a resource that provides a peaceful resting place for veterans and their spouses free of charge, including options for burials and columbarium niches for cremated remains.

Which faith traditions does Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. accommodate?

Staff coordinate services for Baptist, Independent Christian, United Methodist, Church of Christ, Catholic families, among others.

What sets Bernhardt Funeral Home, Inc. apart

Owner Billy Bernhardt's extensive public service as former Gilmer County Coroner (22 years) and Sheriff (14 years).
Billy Bernhardt's recognition as Gilmer County Citizen of the Year in 2009.
Operation of Yukon Cemetery, founded by Billy Bernhardt in 1996.
On-site flower shop where Billy Bernhardt personally crafts funeral arrangements.
Independently owned and operated, not part of a corporate chain, focusing on personalized service.
Staff composed entirely of North Georgia residents, fostering local connections.

Burial & cremation services

Burial

· Green Burials

Cremation

· Cremation

On-site facilities

· Chapel

· Private Reposing Rooms

· Lounge

· Lobby

· Conference Room

· Picnic Area

· Parking

· Casket Showroom

· Modern Sound System

· Organ

· Piano

· High-Definition Televisions

· Video Equipment

· Live Streaming Services

· Recording Services

· Video Services

Affiliations & specializations

Industry affiliations

· Georgia Funeral Directors Association
· Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia
· National Funeral Directors Association

Religious traditions & languages

Religious traditions accommodated: Baptist, Independent Christian, United Methodist, Church of Christ, Catholic, Lutheran.

EverSettled · After the Veteran Funeral

The veteran's spouse may qualify for VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.

DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents of veterans whose death is service-connected. EverSettled walks veteran families through DIC eligibility, survivor pension, life-insurance claims, probate, and the federal-account paperwork that follows.

Begin Veteran Estate Settlement

How honors are coordinated

Military funeral honors are guaranteed at no cost for any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The funeral home arranges the honors detail by contacting the deceased's last unit or the nearest active-duty installation of the appropriate branch and submitting the DD-214 to verify eligibility.

For requests less than 72 hours from service time, families can call the Department of Defense's expedited honors line at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667). See the full honors protocol.