Chicago, Illinois — The Funeral Service Foundation celebrated a milestone week during the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention & Expo, held in Chicago, Illinois. From welcoming new trustees and raising record-breaking funds to honoring outstanding donors and scholarship recipients, the Foundation’s impact was felt throughout the event.
Foundation Welcomes New Trustees and Elects 2025–26 Executive Committee
The Funeral Service Foundation’s Board of Trustees welcomed two new trustees and elected its 2025-26 executive committee at its meeting during the NFDA Convention.
The Foundation’s volunteer board consists of dedicated funeral directors and allied professionals who serve together to advance the Foundation’s mission of lifting up grieving communities by investing in people and programs that strengthen funeral service.
Michael Soper of Legacy Funeral Group was voted onto the board in July and officially began the first of two three-year terms at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting on October 25, 2025. Ellen Wynn McBrayer, NFDA Secretary, also joined the board at the meeting as the NFDA Liaison.
During the meeting, the board elected its executive committee:
- Jeff Smith, President of Smith Family Funeral Homes in Arkansas, will serve as Board Chair.
- Bryant Hightower, Funeral Director at Hightower Family Funeral Homes in Georgia, will serve as Chair-elect.
- John Faulk, Senior Vice President, COO at Service Corporation International, will serve as Treasurer.
- John Heald, Chief Growth Officer at Legacy.com, will serve as Immediate Past Chair.
- Ellen Wynn McBrayer, of Jones Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory in Georgia assumes the role of NFDA Liaison.
The Foundation extends sincere thanks to Trustees Emeriti David Falconer and Daniel Ford for their years of dedicated service and leadership and congratulates Ford on his installation as the new NFDA President.
“It is with gratitude and appreciation that I step into the role of Chair,” said Jeff Smith. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of those who helped shape this Foundation into what it is today and whose leadership has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead.”
25th Annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic Tees Off at Topgolf Schaumburg
On October 26, 2025, more than 160 golfers and spectators gathered at Topgolf Schaumburg for the 25th annual Funeral Service Foundation Golf Classic. Held alongside the NFDA Convention, the event combines friendly competition, networking, and fun – all while supporting the Foundation’s mission to strengthen funeral service and the communities it serves.
“Events like the Golf Classic remind us how special this profession is,” said Will Bischoff, Chair of the Fund Development Committee. “It’s a chance to connect, celebrate and give back, knowing that every dollar raised supports the Foundation’s work to strengthen funeral service and the communities we serve.”
The event featured Topgolf’s Top Contender game with contests such as closest to the pin and longest drive. Winners included:
- Golf Classic Tournament Champions: 1st Place – LPI; 2nd Place – Matthews Aurora
- Closest to the Pin: Men – Steve Feliciano; Women – Candace Aramburu
- Longest Drive: Men – Jake Appleby; Women – Allie McBrayer
Sponsors played a key role in supporting the event, including:
- Major Co-Benefactors ($12,500): Service Corporation International (SCI) and The Foresight Companies
- Premier Sponsors ($5,000): Batesville, Homesteaders Life Company, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions, National Guardian Life Insurance Company, Precoa, Regions Funeral and Cemetery Trust and Ring Ring Marketing
Members of Team Foresight and SCI, the Classic’s Major Co-Benefactors, huddle for their team pictures.
Foundation Highlights Impact and Celebrates 2025’s Major Donors
On Monday, October 27 at the Opening Session of the NFDA Convention, newly inducted Funeral Service Foundation Board Chair Jeff Smith highlighted the Foundation’s expanding impact through scholarships, professional development opportunities and community resources that strengthen the profession and support grieving families.
Joining Smith on stage, Fund Development Committee Chair Will Bischoff recognized the Foundation’s major donors for 2025 who pledged or contributed $100,000 or more:
- John Faulk of Service Corporation International presented a check for $217,500, bringing SCI’s incredible cumulative support to over $2.6 million dollars.
- Alfred “A.J.” White presented a check for $100,000 on behalf of Carriage Services.
- Curtis Funk presented a check presented a check for $108,500 on behalf of Tukios.
Each representative expressed their organization’s commitment to advancing funeral service and shared why supporting the Foundation’s mission remains central to their values.
Adding to the moment of celebration, Foundation Trustee David Hernandez presented a check for $460,000 on behalf of the 82 IMPACT 1000 Founding Members and Homesteaders Life Company. IMPACT 1000, launched in April, now includes over 100 individual members who have pledged or donated $5,000, demonstrating the extraordinary dedication of the Foundation’s supporters.
Together, these major donations ensure that those who serve grieving families have the education, resources and support they need to thrive today and for generations to come.
Bob Arrington Honored with Foundation’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award; Record Scholarship Funds Raised
On the evening of October 27, more than 350 of the Foundation’s donors, trustees and volunteers attended the invitation-only Donor Reception, underwritten by Global Atlantic Financial Group for the twelfth consecutive year.
Hosted by Immediate Past Chair John Heald, more than 25 major donors were recognized, including Service Corporation International, Carriage Services, Tukios, and the collective Founding Members of IMPACT 1000. Landmark Funeral Group was also honored for their pledge of $50,000 this past year. Donors contributing $10,000 or more were recognized with ceremonial checks displayed throughout the room.
The 2025 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Bob Arrington for his longstanding leadership and dedication to funeral service. Former Chairs John Heald and Mark Krause playfully donned “Dumb and Dumber” attire while leading the paddle raise in loving tribute to Arrington, honoring his longtime tradition of emceeing the paddle raise with humor and heart.
Guests responded generously, pledging more than $225,000, fully endowing the newly established Bob Arrington Scholarship, which will be awarded to students in accredited mortuary science programs beginning in 2026.
“Watching the room rise in support of the Bob Arrington Scholarship was one of those moments you don’t forget,” said John Heald, Immediate Past Chair of the Funeral Service Foundation. “Bob’s leadership has touched so many of us over the years – his generosity, humor and heart have shaped the Foundation’s spirit. That night was a perfect reflection of his legacy and the difference one person can make.”
Fundraising for this special scholarship continues. To make a donation to the Bob Arrington Scholarship, visit: FuneralServiceFoundation.org/Donate-Now-Bob-Arrington.
Foundation Recognizes 2025 Scholarship Recipients
The Funeral Service Foundation’s investment in funeral service education and professional development was highlighted at the 2025 NFDA All-Star Recognition Ceremony. This year, the Foundation awarded 22 student scholarships covering registration and accommodations to attend the NFDA International Convention & Expo.
Through its academic and professional development scholarships including the David C. Baue NFDA Professional Women’s Conference scholarships, Certified Celebrant Training, Arranger Training, the Embalming & Restorative Arts Seminar, and the national conventions hosted by NFDA, CANA, and NFDMA, the Foundation supports hundreds of individuals each year in advancing their careers and skills in funeral service.
