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, Kim Haston,  Debra Sutphin, Joan Stapler, and Roy Robertson.  At Grant Memorial Chapel, we believe in treating each family like our own family. 
  • Gene East

    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 (Carr Funeral Home), 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.

  • Cody Gore, CFSP, CCO

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

    As a licensed funeral director (Alabama and Tennessee), cremationist, and registered preneed sales agent, Cody has been serving families of Marshall County, Jackson County, DeKalb County, and the surrounding areas since 2008. 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 serves his community as a Deputy Coroner for Marshall County and also serves with the Family Assistance Center of the State Mortuary Operation Response Team. He is also a board member of the Grant Chamber of Commerce, where he currently serves as Vice-President. After graduating from Geraldine High School, he attended Northeast Alabama Community College, Jacksonville State University, and Jefferson State Community College. Cody lives in the Swearengin community with his wife, Kelsy and two sons, Greyson and Tripp. They are members of Oak Grove Holiness Church.

    If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact him directly at [email protected]

  • Kim Haston

    Kim Haston, Funeral Assistant

    Kim became a valuable member of our staff in 2015. She is currently an apprentice Funeral Director and apprentice Embalmer. Kim is also a registered preneed sales agent. Besides helping with services, Kim can also be found assisting in the business office. She is married to Robert Haston and they have two daughters, Leigh Ann and Mackenzie.

  • Michele Willmon

    Michele Willmon, Office Administrator