Veteran services at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley
For veterans in Charleston, SC, McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley coordinates military honors and burial benefits. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors and VA benefits paperwork. On-site amenities include chapel and reception hall, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $7,880 for basic burial and $2,350 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: cremation services, veterans services, graveside service, and memorial service. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include chapel.
Published pricing at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley: direct cremation from $4,590. That places direct cremation roughly 156% above the South Carolina median ($1,795). If the veteran qualifies for a VA burial allowance, the family claims it with VA Form 21P-530EZ. Ask whether the home will help you file it.
The nearest veterans cemetery that isn't listed as closed is Beaufort National Cemetery in SC, about 45 miles from McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley. For a burial in a VA national cemetery, the funeral home or the family calls the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
We list about 460 funeral homes in South Carolina. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $4,590. 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 McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley is located at 2501 Bees Ferry Rd. in Charleston, SC. You can reach the home at (843) 722-8371. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley offer veteran families?
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley provides traditional services, cremation services, veterans services, personalization, pet loss services, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley mentions military funeral honors and VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic families, among others.
What sets McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley apart
- Historic facility, originally built as a funeral home in 1935, with a legacy of family ownership (Thompson family partnership).
- On-site crematory for direct oversight of cremation services.
- Comprehensive Concierge Services for travel, catering, lodging, and personal arrangements.
- Specialization in Pet Loss Services, including cremation and memorialization.
- Active participation in a non-profit grant program supporting children's charities through a supplier.
- Extensive network of community partners for grief support, senior care, and veteran assistance.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Service
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
- · Ash Scattering
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Cremation Association of North America
- · National Funeral Directors Association
- · International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association
- · South Carolina Funeral Directors Association
- · Green Burial Council
- · Get Care SC
Specialties
- · Pet Loss Services
- · Concierge Services
- · Green Burial
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic.
How to request military funeral honors
By law (10 U.S.C. § 1491), an eligible veteran's funeral can include, on request, an honors detail of at least two service members who fold and present the U.S. flag to the family and play Taps. The funeral director usually makes the request and will need the veteran's DD214 or other discharge papers.
VA suggests asking at least 48 to 72 hours before the service. More on what honors include and how to request them.