Our Legacy: Generations of Compassion and Commitment

In the early 1950s, Charlie Gallant's journey led him from being a manager at Protective Life Insurance Company in Tennessee to discovering Fayetteville during a business trip. Captivated by the town's essence, Charlie and his family moved to Lincoln County, acquiring the Raby-Galloway-Wilson Funeral Home. With roots in funeral services through his father's work and his own tenure at Squire-Gentry Funeral Home in Louisiana, Charlie, alongside his wife Lee, established Gallant Funeral Home on North Main Avenue in 1952.

Lee Gallant, a pioneer of compassion, became the first female licensed funeral director in Fayetteville, embodying an unwavering devotion to the community. The Gallants extended their caring touch, managing an ambulance business from the funeral home for years. In 1962, they acquired Riverview Cemetery, enveloping it with a memorial garden, Riverview Memorial Gardens. Their commitment to expansion led to the construction of a new facility on West College Street in 1964.

Charlie's community involvement included leadership roles in the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and Tennessee Vault Company, as well as memberships in Masonic and civic organizations. In 1987, they extended their reach to Hazel Green, Alabama, establishing a second funeral home location. Upon Charlie's passing in 1991, Lee and their son Brad continued their legacy in both Fayetteville and Hazel Green.

Despite challenges, including Lee's declining health, the Gallants persevered, acquiring McCauley Funeral Home in 2005 and upholding their standard of exceptional service. Lee's steadfast commitment endured until her passing in 2008, leaving Brad Gallant to carry the torch forward. Today, Brad, aided by his daughter Brooke Fanning, represents the third generation of the Gallant family, ensuring that Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home and Riverview Memorial Gardens remain a beacon of support for the people of Fayetteville and beyond.