The Croley name is synonymous with Williamsburg and Whitley County, and rightfully so. Just over 70 years ago, Croley’s parents established Croley Funeral Home on the site where it is still located to this day.
“My mother and father started the funeral home here in 1954,” Croley said. “We moved in when I was 5-years-old, so this is all I’ve ever known. I have been in the funeral business my whole life.”
Croley explained that his father was a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Clinton, Tenn. before the family moved to Whitley County. He worked in Corbin for a period of time before going to work at Ellison Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Soon after, he made the decision to establish his own business in town.
Croley himself began getting more directly involved with the funeral home’s operations at about the age of 12. Since that time, he said that he has seen a lot of things change, especially when it comes to how modern technology has helped to expedite many processes that used to require a more “hands on” approach.
Now, after spending 50 years as a licensed funeral home director and embalmer like his father was before him, Croley is still maintaining an active role in the day-to-day operations of the funeral home. Even though his son, Andy, is the one in charge these days, he is still happy to serve as a guiding light when it comes to lending his expertise whenever it is needed.
“I’m old school,” Croley said. “I believe in doing things that have been learned down through the years. We are still dealing with the same families, just 2-3 generations later. In this business you make a lot of friends, and what I enjoy the most is being able to help those people.”
“We’re dealing with people who are experiencing some of the worst times in their life,” Croley continued. “If we can do something to make it a little easier or better for them, it gives me a special, warm feeling in my heart.”
Another part of Croley’s life that has brought him great joy over the years has been coaching youth athletics. “I have coached for over 42 years,” he said, explaining that he started when his two sons, Andy and Paul, were very young.
“They were very active, and I first started coaching them in tee ball. It sort of progressed as my children grew older, and I just moved up to the next level with them. I have coached everywhere from tee ball to high school.”
Croley said that he has enjoyed his many years of coaching, including baseball, football and basketball, adding that he believes the overall success of local varsity sports programs has been, in part, due to the efforts of youth coaches like himself.
“We had some kids that I helped coach in Little League that were a part of the Whitley County High School state championship team,” Croley said. “That really makes you feel good to see them come from tee ball to becoming a state champion. It’s like a dream.”
Regardless of win-loss records, Croley said the biggest reward of coaching youth sports has always been the many good friends that have been made along the way.
As for the future of the funeral home, Croley said that he hopes to see things remain personal when it comes to helping people in their time of need. He also said that it is very important for young people to show an interest in the business, and he welcomes any who would like to know more about the profession to come by and see if it might be a good fit for them.
“It is a passion, and you have to enjoy it because it requires a lot of long hours,” Croley advised, also adding that the hard work is worth it when you are able to experience the satisfaction that comes as a result of helping people.
“I have created a lot of friendships, and bonded with a lot of families,” Croley said when reflecting back on his long career. “I appreciate everyone who has had confidence in us through the years. We try to maintain a high level of integrity while offering our services. This is our hometown, and we are proud to be a part of it.”
To find out more about Croley Funeral Home, visit them at 103 S 2nd Street in downtown Williamsburg or give them a call at (606) 549-1234.
