
This month I would like to introduce you to Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA. After meeting the home’s manager, Brendan Burkhead, at an Expo, I was so excited about his enthusiasm of Fleurenasci. He loved the concept so much, that he actually had an order placed before our partnership had become official! Wow, no wonder they have been in business as long as they have!
No stranger to the funeral home business, Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville was originally established in 1950, as Akins Funeral Home, owned by Pat Akins. In 1967, Raymond Nix bought in to the business, and it became known as Akins-Nix Funeral Home. The original funeral home was located on Highway 129 south and re-located to Kimsey Street in Blairsville. Due to the retiring of Mr. Akins and the failing health of Mr. Nix, they sold the funeral home and Union Memory Gardens Cemetery to Steve and Max Cochran in 1981. After purchasing the funeral home, a larger office was added, along with another layout room, a selection room, and other minor remodeling was done.
In 1993, a new building was built, the current funeral home, located on Highway 129 and corner of Hunt-Martin Street. Steve and Max felt this building could better accommodate the growing community, and they could serve family’s needs better in the new location.
The funeral home now has locations in Blue Ridge, Hiawassee, McCaysville, and Murphy, NC. The Cochran family takes great pride in the fact they have helped families from all over the area and from all walks of life. They are known for their industry leadership, their high integrity and their dedication to excellence. These are the exact same qualities I see with Cochran when working with them on a professional level. I am thrilled to have them on board as a partner and look forward to a long lasting working relationship.