McAlister-Smith Opens First Funeral Home on James Island

With the opening of McAlister-Smith Funeral Home's newest location on Folly Road, James Island residents finally have the option of making funeral arrangements without having to cross a bridge.

"With the opening of our newest chapel, McAlister-Smith is excited to be the first funeral home located on James Island," Mark M. Smith, co-owner of McAlister-Smith said. "We've received a warm reception as both residents and business neighbors have dropped by to welcome us to the Island. People are enthusiastic about having a 'hometown' funeral home staffed by their friends and neighbors."

The funeral home will be holding an open house from 1-5 p.m., Sunday, May 19, with an official dedication ceremony beginning at 2. Tours of the facility will be available throughout the event.

The building, renovated from the former James Island Medical Center, features two staterooms that can transform into a 150-seat chapel, a reception room and a well-appointed gathering room. It also has state-of-the-art audio-visual systems with web-casting ability, allowing family members unable to attend  a funeral or memorial in person to participate through a secure website.

"We have gone the extra mile to try to anticipate and accommodate the needs of everyone in this community," Smith expressed. "No matter what faith someone is, no matter how traditional or contemporary their ideas are, regardless of cremation or burial choice, public or private, large or small, extravagant or simple -- we have the staff, facility and options to meet their needs."