History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.  

Our History

Our History

In the fall of 1990, Grant Memorial Chapel was opened to meet the needs of the families of North Marshall County and the surrounding area. Since opening, Grant Memorial Chapel has offered a wide range of funeral services, both traditional and non-traditional, including cremations at the on-site crematory at our sister funeral home, Guntersville Memorial Chapel. Many things are the same from funeral home to funeral home, but we our services set us apart.  Our personal attention and professional service have been our foundation.  Our services and support do not end at the graveside. We continue to assist the family in whatever their particular situation requires.  

Our Valued Staff

Our caring and experienced staff members are always available to provide you with any assistance you may need.  Our staff is made up of Gene East, Cody Gore, Debra Sutphin, Joan Stapler, Roy Robertson, and Keith Randles.  At Grant Memorial Chapel, we believe in treating each family like our own family. 
  • Mr. Gene East

    Mr. Gene East, Area Manager

    Gene has more than 30 years of experience as a funeral director and embalmer, including 20-plus years of experience managing funeral homes and cemeteries. He graduated from Jefferson State in Birmingham with a degree in mortuary science.He is currently an area manager for Gamble Holding Company, serving as manager of their Guntersville (Guntersville Memorial Chapel), Grant (Grant Memorial Chapel) and Scottsboro (Scottsboro Funeral Home) locations.Gene, his wife Shana and their son, Jackson, reside in Arab. The East family attends Desperation Church of Arab. Gene is also an active member of the Guntersville Civitan Club, and he serves as the president of Arab Youth Football League.

  • Mr. Cody Gore, CFSP, CCO

    Mr. Cody Gore, CFSP, CCO, Funeral Director/Preneed Counselor

    Cody has been serving families of this area full time since 2008 and worked part time while in high school and college beginning in 2005. He is a licensed funeral director, registered preneed sales agent, and licensed cremationist in Alabama, as well as a licensed funeral director in Tennessee. He also holds the designations of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and Certified Crematory Operator from the National Funeral Director’s Association. Cody has served with the Family Assistance Center of the State Mortuary Operation Response Team, as well as having previously served as a Deputy Coroner with the Marshall County Coroner's Office and DeKalb County Coroner’s Office. After graduating from Geraldine High School, he attended Northeast Alabama Community College, Jefferson State Community College, and Athens State University. Cody lives in the Swearengin Community with his wife, Kelsy and two sons, Greyson and Tripp. They are members of Oak Grove Holiness Church.