Homer E. Elwood Jr., CFSP, CCO

Gray Funeral Home
504 E Carolina Ave
Clinton, SC 29325
helwood@grayfuneralhome.com
Phone: 864-833-1720

Campaign Statement

I’m proud to say I’m a first-generation funeral director, beginning my path to becoming a licensee when I was 15. My ambition was to be the best funeral director I could be and own my own funeral home. I achieved my dream of ownership in January of 2022, acquiring the firm I had worked for 37 years. I’m still working daily to become the best funeral director I can be. I’m proud we are still family owned and operated as it began in 1935, with my wife and son working by my side to serve those in our community that request our help. I was humbled in 2014 when asked to serve on the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association Board. This provided me with an opportunity to meet funeral directors all around the state of South Carolina and make new friends in funeral service all over the United States. Funeral service is my passion, I truly believe it’s what God placed me on the earth to do. I pray he continues to bless me with the ability to serve families, serve my funeral service colleagues and help others that have a desire to be part of our beloved profession.

Homer Elwood Video

Ellen Wynn McBrayer, CFSP, CPC, CCO

Jones-Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory
306 Westview Dr
Villa Rica, GA 30180
ellen-nfda@jones-wynn.net
Phone: 770-459-2346

Campaign Statement

I am a third-generation funeral director and embalmer, working alongside my husband, Scott McBrayer, to continue our family’s legacy of compassionate service. Growing up immersed in funeral service, I gained a deep understanding of its importance, but it wasn’t until college, when my father, Charles W. Wynn, passed away suddenly at age 49 from a massive heart attack, that I fully grasped the profound impact of loss. That experience solidified my calling to funeral service and shaped my approach to care. I came to understand that “a funeral isn’t just a day in a life, but a lifetime in a day.”

This calling became bigger than me—it was about honoring my family’s tradition while shaping a new path forward. We then faced another unexpected crossroads when we learned our second son had little chance of surviving childbirth due to severe complications, including heart defects and DiGeorge Syndrome. Planning a funeral for my unborn child profoundly changed how I view everything in life. It deepened my understanding of grief and shaped my mission to ensure no one feels that level of isolation and pain. My journey from navigating hospice care to witnessing the miracle of his survival strengthened my perspective and ability to serve families with empathy, compassion, and purpose.

As President and CFO of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory, I have built on my family’s legacy with forward-thinking leadership. From introducing innovative funeral services to enhancing community engagement, I have worked tirelessly to ensure our mission remains rooted in tradition and relevant to today’s needs. My experience spans from serving as a lead funeral director to overseeing financial and operational strategies, giving me a unique ability to support families, staff, and the community in meaningful ways.

My family’s connection to NFDA spans three generations, and I have proudly served through involvement on committees and boards since 2003. This has allowed me to collaborate with colleagues nationwide, working to advance funeral service, promote education, and share ideas that benefit both professionals and families.

If elected to the NFDA Board of Directors, I would bring not only my personal experiences but also my professional expertise in leadership, innovation, and compassionate care. I understand the importance of maintaining the balance between tradition and progress, and I am passionate about advancing our profession while staying true to its heart. I do believe, “Together we can achieve more…” and I am committed to supporting NFDA’s mission and its members. Together, we can continue to uphold the highest standards of care and leadership for the families and communities we serve.