GENTRY GRIFFEY FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORY - Key Persons
Anna Parrish, a native of Johnson City, Tennessee, embarked on a transformative journey to Knoxville to pursue her passion for Forensic Anthropology at the University of Tennessee. Beyond the academic realm, Anna's life unfolds as a harmonious blend of academia and personal pursuits. Outside the confines of her studies and work, she discovers joy in the simple pleasures of life. Playing with her canine companion brings a playful spark to her days, creating cherished moments of laughter and companionship. In the tapestry of her life, family and friends weave threads of love and connection, providing a source of strength and support.
Chris was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since he was a child it has always been his passion to be in Funeral Service. He is finally living his dream working with Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory.
He lives in Farragut with his wife, Jamie, of three years. They have four children, Ashlynn, Katerina, Izaak, and Caysen.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Certified Crematory Operator
In October of 2018 Dylan came to Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel with a deep desire to serve. His passion for the care and needs of the deceased was a perfect fit to our firm. Dylan holds an Associates Degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science and a Certified Crematory Operator Certificate from the National Funeral Directors Association. he is also a Notary Public.
Dylan is married to his wonderful wife, Ana. The two first met in an 8th grade math class and have been nearly inseparable since then. They do have plans to start a family in the future but in the meantime they continue to strengthen their relationship.
In his spare time Dylan attends church regularly and is an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Job Titles:
- Preneed Specialist / Minister
Franklin is a licensed and ordained minister and has served as a hospice chaplain and a bi-vocational pastor. He is able to help with your preneed funeral plans or can officiate funerals or graveside services.
Gary was born and raised in the Halls Community of Knoxville, TN. He graduated from Halls High School in 1972. He is now retired but spent over 20 years of his life as a long-haul truck driver. Gary was married 42 years to the love of his life, Patricia Gibson, who passed away in 2019.
Gary is a life-long member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Powell, TN. He has always felt a calling to serve in funeral service but never got a chance to until recently. He came to Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel in January of 2020. In his spare time, Gary enjoys attending car shows and spending time with his family and his beloved pets.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Manager, Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Certified Crematory Operator
Kirk Bivens is the Manager as well as a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Certified Crematory Operator with Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Cremations. He has a passion for serving families and providing meaningful and highly personalized services. Kirk studied Mortuary Sciences at Holmes Community College in Mississippi and is licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi. He lives in Maryville with his wife of over 32 years, Kathleen. They have three children: Brooke (David), Brianna (David) and Brett (Alyssa) and one grandson, Bo. He is a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville.
I grew up in Rhode Island. I graduated high school in1969, then I moved to California in 1971, worked as a Shipping and Receiving Director for a large carpet manufacturer until 1983 moved back home to help take care of my Dad that had Alzheimer's, he passed in 1986. I worked for a fabric textile manufacturer as a set up mechanic. I then moved to Florida in 1989. I worked at 7-11 as a Store Manager got promoted to a loss prevention specialist went to the University of 7-11 and then the University of Louisville to get my degree in Criminal Behavior and background investigations. I retired in 2006 and moved to Tennessee. Worked at Weigel's as District Manager and the Loss Prevention Director. I retired in 2019 and took some time off then went to work at Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel in 2021 as a Funeral Assistant and I got my Crematory Operator Certificate. This has been the most rewarding job I have ever had, Being able to fulfill a person's last wish and help their family face a very difficult time, losing a loved one.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Office Administrator
Megan Fritts is our Office Administrator here at Gentry Griffey and has been an asset to our team since October of 2018. Megan's personal experiences of loss have made her an invaluable member of our team as she is able to help families navigate their grief with kindness and understanding. She was born and raised in Knoxville before moving to Maryville, TN, in 2008 where she now lives with her two children, Ella and Koen. Megan has a deep passion for serving families in the funeral industry and looks forward to continuing to help them through their most difficult time for years to come.
Job Titles:
- Partner & Licensed Funeral Director
Mr. Jerry Griffey, along with his wife Joan, assumed ownership of Gentry Griffey in May 1970. Jerry and Joan purchased the funeral business and continued the tradition of personal and caring service for grieving families. The staff with Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory project that same dignity and respect for each and every family that is served. Gentry Griffey was selected as the only firm introduced into the National Selected Morticians that was already in the NFDA and the TFDA organizations. Jerry was president of the Greater Knoxville Funeral Directors Association for 3 years in a row.