Funeral Service: A True Labor of Love
The funeral profession isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. It’s a labor of love that requires compassion, patience, and a deep desire to serve others during some of their hardest moments.
In a recent episode of Dialogues About Death, funeral director Chris Miller shared his personal journey into the funeral service industry, why so many professionals feel “called” to this work, and what it takes to serve grieving families with excellence and care.
A Calling, Not Just a Career
Funeral service isn’t something most people dream about as kids. Unlike high-profile careers like medicine or law, few people actively pursue the funeral industry unless they feel a deep pull toward it.
For Chris, growing up in his family’s funeral home meant he was always around the business. But even though he helped as a teenager, it wasn’t his original plan. He pursued a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management, enjoying the fast-paced world of hospitality.
But something changed.
Despite years in the industry, he found himself feeling unfulfilled. That’s when he realized he could still serve people—but in a way that truly mattered.
That decision led him back to his roots. Over 30 years later, Chris continues to help families navigate grief and loss, finding purpose in the relationships he builds and the comfort he provides.
As he puts it: “It just gives me the warm fuzzies helping people during the hardest times in their lives.”
What Draws People to the Funeral Profession?
Chris isn’t alone. Many funeral professionals describe their work as a calling rather than a job.
During his time as President of the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), an association of family-owned funeral homes, he met funeral directors across the country who shared similar stories:
- ✅ Some, like Chris, grew up in family businesses and eventually felt drawn back.
- ✅ Others found the profession after a life-changing experience with loss and wanted to help others through their grief.
- ✅ Many describe feeling like God led them to this work, allowing them to serve people in a unique and powerful way.
Kesha, a member of Chris’s team, put it beautifully: “I did not decide—I feel God called me to this profession. It’s service on another level, where I can assist people through the toughest time to help them reach a better place.”
The funeral profession is not for everyone. It requires:
- ✔️ Deep empathy – Families are grieving, and every person copes differently.
- ✔️ Emotional strength – You must be a calming presence even in heartbreaking situations.
- ✔️ Attention to detail – Every service involves coordinating multiple moving parts.
- ✔️ Dedication – Funeral homes operate 24/7, meaning late nights, early mornings, and no “off days.”
Chris’s team agrees—despite the challenges, the ability to bring comfort and peace to families makes it all worth it.
The Many Hats of a Funeral Professional
1. Grief Counselor
A good funeral director doesn’t just handle logistics; they guide families through grief. This means listening, offering emotional support, and ensuring that families feel heard and understood.
2. Event Coordinator
Planning a funeral service is a lot like planning a wedding—except instead of months of preparation, funeral teams often have just a few days to organize everything. This includes:
- Booking venues (churches, chapels, or private locations)
- Coordinating music, flowers, programs, and photo tributes
- Arranging catering or receptions
- Handling special requests, such as military honors
As Kathy, one of Chris’s funeral directors, pointed out: “I was a special event coordinator before switching to funeral service. It’s fulfilling in a different way, but the attention to detail is just as important.”
3. Logistics Manager
Funeral professionals also handle legal paperwork, transportation, and coordination with cemeteries, clergy, and families.
This means:
- 📑 Filing death certificates
- 🚘 Organizing funeral processions
- 📦 Managing cremation or burial logistics
It’s a 24/7 commitment—funeral professionals are always on call to assist families whenever loss occurs.
The Importance of Family-Owned Funeral Homes
Chris’s commitment to family-owned funeral homes is a big part of his mission.
Unlike large corporate funeral chains, independent funeral homes can:
- ✔️ Offer personalized service tailored to each family.
- ✔️ Make decisions quickly without corporate restrictions.
- ✔️ Focus on serving families, not just making profits.
Through OGR, Chris is working to help more independent funeral homes stay family-owned, ensuring that future generations continue this important work.
“Keeping funeral service privately owned means we can focus on what truly matters—helping families, not answering to shareholders.”
How to Know If Funeral Service Is Your Calling
Are you considering a career in the funeral industry? Here are a few signs that it may be the right path for you:
- ✅ You feel deep compassion for people experiencing grief.
- ✅ You find purpose in serving others and making a difference.
- ✅ You are detail-oriented and organized under pressure.
- ✅ You don’t mind working odd hours or being on call.
- ✅ You have a strong emotional foundation and can remain calm in difficult situations.
It’s not an easy job—but for those who feel called to it, it’s one of the most fulfilling careers imaginable.
Final Thoughts: A Labor of Love
Funeral service is more than a business—it’s a ministry of care and compassion.
As Chris and his team continue to serve families across Corona and Riverside, they remain committed to making each service personal, meaningful, and filled with love.
If you or someone you know is interested in pre-planning a funeral or learning more about the profession, reach out:
📞 Thomas Miller Mortuary – Corona: (951) 737-3244
📞 La Sierra Memorial Chapel – Riverside: (951) 687-0551
🌐 Visit the website
💬 Do you know someone who would be a great fit for the funeral profession? Share this post with them—it may be the calling they’ve been searching for!
📺 Join Us for the Next Episode! 🎥 The next Dialogues About Death episode airs October 18th, with a special theme leading up to Halloween!