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 their own words: "The firm provides specialized Veterans Services, assisting families in obtaining benefits and arranging services that honor military personnel who have served the country." 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.
Veteran-related services offered include cremation services, veterans services, graveside service, and memorial service. 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 McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley: direct cremation from $4,590. That places direct cremation roughly 156% above the South Carolina median ($1,795). 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 Beaufort National Cemetery in SC, approximately 45 miles from McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley. McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
South Carolina has approximately 460 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley is among them.
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?
The firm provides specialized Veterans Services, assisting families in obtaining benefits and arranging services that honor military personnel who have served the country.
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 & veteran services offered
Burial & cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Service
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
- · Ash Scattering
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
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
Specializations
- · Pet Loss Services
- · Concierge Services
- · Green Burial
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic.
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 SettlementHow 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.