When families in Newport, Tennessee face the loss of a loved one, they turn to a funeral home that has been their trusted partner for more than 50 years. Manes Funeral Home opened its doors in September 1973 and has since become one of East Tennessee’s most respected funeral service providers.
Christopher Lee Austin serves as Manager/President/Funeral Director/Embalmer and co-founded the company in 1973 when he was just 20 years old. Today, this family-owned business continues to serve families with the same dedication and personal touch that made it a cornerstone of the community.
A Story That Started Young
Chris Austin was only 20 years old when he entered a partnership with Charlie Manes and Dr. David McConnell in August 1973 to open the funeral home. The young entrepreneur wasn’t licensed initially, so they chose the name Manes Funeral Home after Charlie Manes, who was the only licensed funeral director among the three partners.
Austin’s journey in funeral service began even earlier. He graduated from Cocke County High in 1970 and then graduated from Kentucky College of Mortuary Science, Louisville, Kentucky in 1975. His commitment to the profession shows in his credentials today. He currently holds license as Funeral Director and Embalmer in both Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as the National Board Certificate.
The funeral home has grown from its humble beginnings to employ 14 full and part-time staff members who work together to serve families during their most difficult moments.
Professional Team With Deep Roots
The staff at Manes Funeral Home brings more than just professional qualifications to their work. This staff has a combined total of more than 100 years experience in funeral service, creating a depth of knowledge that benefits every family they serve.
Matthew Lewis Woody has been employed full and part time with the funeral home since December 2006. A Cocke County native, he graduated from Cosby High School, Class of 2005, and attended John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science graduating in 2006. Beyond his funeral service work, he is currently employed as a firefighter for the City of Newport and serves his community through multiple volunteer organizations.
Andy Christopher Austin has been with the Company since 2004 and now serves as Funeral Director/Embalmer. Like many of the staff members, he is a lifelong Newport resident who brings personal connections to his professional service.
The team also includes Nicole A. Brewer, a 2024 graduate of Ogeechee Technical College of Mortuary Science, Statesboro, GA, who has been employed with Manes Funeral Home since September 2022. She represents the next generation of funeral professionals, bringing fresh perspectives while maintaining the traditional values that define the business.
Full Service Approach
Manes Funeral Home Inc. is a full service funeral provider offering traditional funerals as well as cremation and pre-planning. This comprehensive approach means families can find everything they need in one location during an already challenging time.
The funeral home provides traditional burial services with all the ceremony and dignity families expect. Whether you choose burial or cremation; whether you select a formal funeral or a more relaxed memorial service, the need for acknowledgment of the loss with family and friends is ever present.
For families choosing cremation, the funeral home offers multiple options. Cremation does not preclude having a visitation period and a funeral service. Cremation is simply one option for final disposition of the body. The staff works with families to create meaningful ceremonies that honor their loved one’s life, regardless of the final disposition method chosen.
They offer caskets, vaults, urns, registry sets, videos, portraits, and numerous other services to help families create personalized tributes that reflect their loved one’s unique life and personality.
Round the Clock Availability
Death doesn’t follow business hours, and Manes Funeral Home understands this reality. Manes Funeral Home Inc. has a fully licensed staff on call 24 hours per day 7 days a week to attend to all your funeral needs.
Office hours Monday thru Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 p.m. provide families with scheduled consultation times, but emergency services remain available whenever needed. This commitment to accessibility reflects the funeral home’s understanding that grief doesn’t wait for convenient times.
Licensed Across State Lines
One unique feature of Manes Funeral Home is its ability to serve families beyond Tennessee’s borders. We offer both Tennessee and North Carolina licensed funeral directors as well as insurance licensed pre-need planners in Tennessee.
This dual-state licensing proves particularly valuable for families with connections to both states or those who need to coordinate services across state lines. The funeral home’s location in Newport, near the Tennessee-North Carolina border, makes this service especially relevant for area families.
Pre-Need Planning Services
Planning ahead for funeral services can spare families difficult decisions during emotionally challenging times. These fully licensed directors and planners are available to assist you and your family in time of need.
Pre-need planning allows individuals to make their wishes known and often helps manage costs by locking in current prices. Manes Funeral Home is a full service provider, offering traditional funerals as well as cremation services and preneed insurance.
The funeral home’s staff includes licensed insurance/pre-need agent in Tennessee, ensuring that families receive proper guidance on both service planning and financial arrangements.
Pricing and Value
Funerals can cost as little as $1000 for a direct disposition, which includes registering the death, a basic casket or container, and transporting the deceased to a cemetery or crematorium. For an adult, full-service funeral, consumers choose to spend an average of $5000, which includes all professional services, transfer of remains, embalming, and other preparation; use of viewing facilities and the facilities for the ceremony; hearse, limousine, and the purchase of a casket.
The funeral home staff takes time to explain options and costs clearly, helping families make informed decisions that fit both their emotional needs and financial circumstances.
Community Connection
As a pastor, I’ve worked with funeral homes all around the country. I will say that corporate funeral homes are the worst. I’m so glad that Manes is family owned, noted one community member in a review. This sentiment reflects the value many families place on working with a local, family-owned business.
Located on Main Street directly across from Food City East, the funeral home occupies a central location in Newport that makes it easily accessible to families throughout Cocke County and surrounding areas.
Celebrating 50 Years of Service
Manes Funeral Home is celebrating 50 years of serving the community as of 2023. This milestone reflects not just longevity but consistent service that has earned community trust across multiple generations.
Dedicated to Service since 1973, Manes Funeral Home Inc. plans to continue serving those in their time of sorrow with compassion, care and respect. The funeral home’s commitment extends beyond just providing services to actively supporting the community during times of need.
The staff’s local connections run deep, with many team members being lifelong Cocke County residents who understand the community’s values and traditions. This local knowledge helps them provide services that truly reflect the wishes and customs of the families they serve.
Looking Forward
Manes Funeral Home continues to adapt to changing needs while maintaining its core commitment to compassionate service. The addition of younger staff members like Nicole Brewer ensures that the funeral home will continue serving Newport families for years to come.
We understand that every life is unique, and so should be every farewell. This philosophy guides every service the funeral home provides, ensuring that each family receives personalized attention that honors their loved one’s memory appropriately.
For families facing loss in Newport, Tennessee, and surrounding areas, Manes Funeral Home offers the combination of experience, professionalism, and personal care that makes difficult times more manageable. Their five decades of service stand as proof of their commitment to the community they call home.
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