Our Services

We understand that it is not always possible to pay respects in person, & hope that this small token will help.

Current Services
Past Services

Loading Services ...

Cremation Process

LONGLEAF CREMATORY

All cremations are performed on premises by our own company, Longleaf Crematory. Your loved one never leaves the care of our staff to have their cremation performed by an outside firm.

The Longleaf Crematory provides a state of the art facility for the cremation process and a meditation & viewing room. The meditation room was built with a viewing window so that the initiation of the cremation process could be witnessed whether for religious, peace of mind, or other reasons. It is becoming common practice, and we encourage you to do so. This room allows for privacy and a place for quiet reflection.


425 W. Pennsylvania Ave Southern Pines, NC 28387	At the entrance to Meditation Room	Inside the crematory’s Meditation Room

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone particles and ash through the application of direct flame and intense heat.

The choice of cremation in no way means you cannot have a funeral service if you wish. Any type of service can be held if you choose cremation. A funeral service followed by cremation need not be different than a funeral service followed by ground burial.

You can still have a traditional ceremony followed by cremation and then burial. You can also have a memorial service after or before the cremation has occurred. Furthermore, since we are not restricted by operating hours of the cemetery, you have the flexibility to schedule your ceremonies for day or night.

Is embalming required? No. North Carolina law does not require that the body be embalmed for cremation. However, the funeral home does require that the body be embalmed if you choose a public ceremony with an open casket. This is for the safety of the public and our personnel.

Can I be cremated if I am Catholic? Yes, we encourage you to talk with your church to obtain the Diocese’s guidelines for cremation.

What are the legal requirements for cremation in North Carolina? There are three basic legal requirements which must be met before a cremation can be performed in North Carolina. First, at least 24 hours must elapse between the time of death and the time of cremation. Second, a legally authorized individual(s) must give permission for the cremation in writing. Third, the attending physician must provide a signed death certificate.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE CREMATED?

Longleaf Crematory has two Matthews Cremation state of the art crematory units. Matthews has over 100 years experience in the design and manufacture of cremation systems and are recognized as the leader in the industry. Their designs have been adopted as the industry standard and we are proud to provide equipment that is of the greatest integrity.

Each unit has individual computerized programmable controls where all cremations are recorded in compliance with North Carolina laws.Our crematories are regulated by and comply with all North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service laws.

The crematory has a primary burner and after burner that aid in the cremation process. The cremation process requires heat that reaches 1400 – 1800 degrees. All cremations are performed individually.

This is the cremation casket (container) as it enters into the cremation chamber to begin the actual cremation process. North Carolina law does require that the body be held in a rigid, leak-proof container for dignified storage, transfer and handling. There are a variety of cremation containers and caskets that are very economical and manufactured specifically for cremation.Typically, the actual cremation process will take 3-4 hours at the normal operating temperature of 1600 – 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Size of the individual and the type of cremation container or casket are factors that affect the amount of time for the cremation.

What Happens Following The Cremation Process?

All cremated remains consist primarily of bone fragments which are then swept or raked from the cremation chamber and processed to permit their placement in an urn or other suitable container.

The cremated remains will weigh approximately 4 – 8 pounds, are usually white in color and typically take up 200 cubic inches in volume or less.

What can be done with the cremated remains after the cremation?

Your options are many. The cremated remains can be buried in a cemetery, placed in a columbarium niche, kept at home, scattered on private property. The funeral home staff can assist you in exploring your many and unique funeral service options.