Veteran services at Smith & Gaston Funeral Services
Smith & Gaston Funeral Services in Birmingham, AL supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. Staff help families secure VA burial benefits, request military honors, and coordinate with national or state veterans cemeteries. Published pricing lists a quoted rate for basic burial and $3,195 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: traditional burial and cremation. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Published pricing at Smith & Gaston Funeral Services: direct cremation from $1,690. That places direct cremation roughly 10% below the Alabama median ($1,870). 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 Alabama National Cemetery in AL, about 25 miles from Smith & Gaston Funeral Services. 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 479 funeral homes in Alabama. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Smith & Gaston Funeral Services cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $1,690. 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 Smith & Gaston Funeral Services located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Smith & Gaston Funeral Services is located at 102 6Th Avenue Southwest in Birmingham, AL. You can reach the home at (205) 322-3581. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Smith & Gaston Funeral Services offer veteran families?
Smith & Gaston Funeral Services provides traditional burial, cremation, pre-need packages, funeral planning, advance planning, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Smith & Gaston Funeral Services help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Smith & Gaston Funeral Services assists veteran families with VA burial benefits, military funeral honors, and coordination with national and state veterans cemeteries. Eligible veterans may receive a burial allowance and a free government headstone.
Which faith traditions does Smith & Gaston Funeral Services accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Baptist families, among others.
What sets Smith & Gaston Funeral Services apart
- Historical significance as one of Birmingham's oldest Black family-operated businesses, founded to assist Black families with funeral costs.
- Originating from the Burial Aid Society and expanding into the Booker T. Washington Insurance Company.
- Operates as a "one-stop shop" with the largest showroom of funeral materials in Birmingham, offering a wide selection of caskets and accessories.
- Specialized grief support resources for children and teenagers, providing articles and guidelines for different age groups.
- Long-standing family-operated business with deep community roots, currently run by the Gardner family since 1980.
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Traditional Burial
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Specialties
- · Serving Black Families
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Baptist. Languages spoken at the home: English.
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.