Our History
Akard Funeral Home is a fourth generation family-owned and operated funeral home. Melinda, David Jr., David III, and Bambi are all owners and work together to serve you.
J.B. Akard started around the turn of the century in the funeral business, working out of a furniture store. He had a vision of one day owning his own funeral home. His son, David Weaver Akard, Sr., expanded on his vision to what is now the funeral home on State State. His great grandchildren can often be seen on a service or helping out on the premises. Our business is full of important history and family is our top priority.
Pictured in the front row: Palmer*; David Akard, Jr.; Melinda Akard; Alex Akard*
Back row: Bambi Akard; David W. Akard, III; Rae Akard* and Davis Akard*
*Non licensed
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David and Melinda Akard
As a third generation owner of Akard Funeral Home, David was born into the funeral business. He has been a licensed funeral director for 50 years. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and holds a Masters of Business from Appalachian State University. Here he met his wife, Melinda. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a Business Education degree. She has been a licensed funeral director for 41 years. Their goals include serving families with discretion and compassion. They wish to guide families towards a meaningful funeral or cremation service to benefit their needs. They have both been active members of the community and served on the board of the Wellmont Foundation. They are currently members of First Presbyterian Church. David, Jr. passed away on January 5, 2021. He is greatly missed by the community and his family who are still working at the funeral home honoring his memory.
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Bambi B. Akard Licensed Funeral Director
As a fourth generation of Akard's, I am proud to be serving the Bristol area in the funeral service business. I am a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Horticulture degree. I began my career with Akard Funeral Home in 1995. I hold a license to work with pre-planning funerals and acquired my Funeral Director License in July of 2008. I am a sustaining member of the Junior League of Bristol, former board member of Girls Inc. of Bristol, and a former member of the Bristol Morning Rotary Club. I am also a member of First Presbyterian Church. I volunteer at Girls Inc. of Bristol.
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David W. Akard III Licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer
As a fourth generation owner of Akard Funeral Home, I grew up in the family business. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, where I met my wife Rae, we moved to Nashville. I attended John A. Gupton Mortuary College and became a licensed embalmer, funeral director, and preneed counselor. Upon having three children, I decided to move back to Bristol to help with the family business. I love my community and am involved in Rotary, United Way, Bristol TN Parks and Recreation, and also a BTES board member. I am a member of First Presbyterian Church. I'm also serving as County Commissioner of Sullivan County.
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Rae Akard Pre-Need Sales Agent, Non Licensed Support Staff
I am still not sure how I ended up in the funeral business. I started out doing community outreach with my husband, David. I learned I really enjoyed the business and became licensed in preneed funeral planning. Before this, I graduated from the University of Tennessee then moved back to Nashville. I operated several small businesses before having three children and moving to Bristol. I am a member of the Bristol Tennessee School's Foundation. I believe in putting family first and your family will take top priority with us.
