Dialogues About Death | E17: Free For All Friday
Faith, Funerals, and Facing the Unknown: A Conversation with Chris Miller
The Dialogues About Death series exists to shed light on some of the most important, yet often unspoken, aspects of life: grief, loss, and how we honor our loved ones. In Episode 17, titled Free-for-All Friday, funeral director Chris Miller answered rapid-fire questions from viewers, tackled misconceptions about funerals, and shared insights from his recent panel discussion at the Connecting Faith in Business event.
If you’ve ever wondered about the history of funeral homes, what actually happens behind the scenes at a mortuary, or whether a Viking funeral is legal in the U.S., this episode covered it all.
Faith, Business, and Serving the Community
Chris recently spoke at the Connecting Faith in Business event, where he shared how his faith shapes the way he runs his family-owned funeral home. As he described, his business isn’t just about logistics—it’s a ministry of service.
“Everything we have is the Lord’s,” Chris shared. “We are simply stewards of what He provides, and the more He blesses us, the more we can give back to our community.”
His journey has been deeply personal—losing both his father and wife has tested and strengthened his faith, reinforcing his belief that every person has a purpose. For Chris, that purpose is helping families through one of the most difficult times of their lives.
Are Funeral Homes Spooky? A Peek Behind the Scenes
With Halloween approaching, some viewers were curious—do eerie things ever happen at a funeral home? Chris’s answer was surprising:
“Halloween is actually one of the quietest days at the funeral home. People tend to avoid the building altogether,” he said with a laugh. “Honestly, over the years, I have felt things around the funeral home, but after losing my dad and wife, I feel like any lingering spirits have been carried away with them. These days, I believe our funeral home is completely peaceful—no spooky business here.”
Chris also shared an interesting perspective—because his business is faith-based, he believes that God’s presence creates a hedge of protection around the space, ensuring it remains a place of peace rather than fear.
A Brief History of Funeral Homes in America
Where did the concept of funeral homes originate? Chris provided an insightful history lesson:
- Early American funerals took place in private homes or churches, with bodies laid out in parlors for viewing.
- The term “funeral home” originated from houses that were converted into spaces for public visitations.
- The rise of “mortuaries” occurred when dedicated buildings were constructed specifically for funeral services. Unlike traditional homes, mortuaries were built with wide hallways, large gathering spaces, and preparation rooms designed to accommodate families and ceremonies.
Interestingly, Chris grew up inside the very funeral home he now runs. His childhood bedroom has since been converted into his office—a full-circle moment that reminds him daily of the legacy he continues.
Common Funeral Questions Answered
1. Can You Have a Viewing Before Cremation?
Yes! Families often assume that cremation means they can’t have a final viewing, but that’s not true. There are several options:
- Basic ID Viewing: A short, private moment for immediate family to say goodbye. The body is gently prepared but not embalmed.
- Full Viewing: With embalming, families can have an extended viewing, often with a ceremony before cremation.
The choice ultimately depends on what brings the most comfort to the family.
2. Are Viking Funerals Legal in the U.S.?
Unfortunately, no. A Viking-style funeral, where a body is placed on a burning ship and sent into the water, is not permitted under U.S. laws. However, some alternatives exist:
- Families can legally scatter ashes at sea (with regulations requiring dispersal at least 500 yards offshore).
- The Navy and Coast Guard offer burial at sea for eligible service members. This process involves a weighted casket sinking to the ocean floor rather than cremation on open waters.
While these aren’t quite as dramatic as a true Viking sendoff, they provide meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s final wishes.
3. Why Do People Have Open Casket Funerals?
Chris strongly believes that open caskets help with closure. Seeing a loved one one last time allows family members to process the reality of their passing and say a proper goodbye.
“I always feel for families who never get that final moment—whether it’s due to a missing person case, a sudden tragedy, or not being present when their loved one passed. It leaves a wound that’s harder to heal,” he explained.
For parents wondering if children should attend funerals, Chris encourages allowing kids to make the choice for themselves. Experiencing loss in a supported environment can help children develop a healthy understanding of grief.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Fun to Funeral Service
Despite the heavy nature of the funeral business, Chris and his team believe in bringing light and compassion to everything they do.
“We like to say we put the fun in funeral,” Chris joked, highlighting the importance of celebrating life rather than focusing solely on loss.
For those interested in pre-planning their funeral arrangements or simply learning more, Thomas Miller Mortuary provides resources to help families make informed decisions.
📞 Thomas Miller Mortuary – Corona: (951) 737-3244
📞 La Sierra Memorial Chapel – Riverside: (951) 687-0551
🌐 Visit the website for more information.
🎥 Catch the Next Episode
The next Dialogues About Death episode airs November 15th, covering more essential topics around loss, grief, and funeral planning. Tune in for more insights and candid conversations!