Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently, with honesty,compassion and integrity. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.

We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without intimidation or creating over spending. And how to meet the needs of many caring families. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond with kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a memorable service and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy.
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service was founded in 1998 by Harris High and Carolyn Williams with a vision to provide our local communities with an independently managed funeral and cremation service with dignity, respect, compassion and personal care, all at a sensible price.
In 2002, the Weddington Chapel became the second chapel for Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service. This chapel is conveniently located directly across the street from Forest Lawn East Cemetery. From a vision of peace and serenity, combined with the knowledge that cemeteries are for the living, Forest Lawn East was designed and developed in 1971 by the late Jack W. Williams. His vision for a one-of-a-kind place of beauty continues.
Our third location opened in early 2008 and is located in the Ballantyne/Sun City area of Charlotte at Hunter's Crossing. This location, while a full service funeral home, is a non-intimidating alternative funeral arrangement center that's perfect for arranging your loved one's services at your place of worship or using our intimate chapel.
In early 2015, realizing our need to offer expanded cremation options, we moved our crematory into a much larger facility in the Matthews area and Simply Cremations of Charlotte became a reality. Simply Cremations of Charlotte is a state-of-the-art cremation facility with a private family viewing room. At Simply Cremations our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to families desiring direct cremation. Our staff will meet families, process necessary paperwork, and offer options such as urns, stationery and jewelry.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.

Harris High, CFSP
Founder - Funeral Director - Certified Crematory Operator
Harris is co-founder of Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service, which was started in 1998 with the first of the three locations opening in Indian Trail. Harris has been in funeral service since 1987, and is a native of Union County and a life long resident of Union and Mecklenburg Counties. He is a 1985 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is active in Union West Rotary where he serves as Treasurer, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Union County Council on Aging, is active in supporting his profession by his prior service on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association as well as the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, and proudly supports local Hospice organizations in bringing end of life care to families in the area. He and his family reside in Charlotte and he serves his church faithfully.

Robert Murphy
Managing Partner / Funeral Director
Robert Murphy joined Heritage Funeral & Cremation Service in 2001 as a Funeral Apprentice, and today serves as the Managing Partner / Funeral Director at Heritage Funeral Homes and Forest Lawn East Cemetery.
“It’s an honor to guide and accompany families through their loss,” Robert says, “for each has a unique and remarkable way of commemorating their lasting memory.”
A graduate of Fayetteville Technical Community College, Robert received a Funeral Service Education Diploma in 2004, and the designation of CFSP: Certified Funeral Service Practitioner. He was appointed District Director with the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association in 2013.
Born and raised in Monroe, North Carolina, Robert attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and is currently a parishioner at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Ballantyne. “There are many different types of families and faiths,” Robert says, “but each is a masterpiece.”
Over his years in the funeral business, Robert has achieved the trust of families, clergy and fellow staff members. Robert has a keen sense of interpersonal relationship dynamics both when meeting families and dealing with co-workers and is able to draw them into his trust.

Karen Reardon, CFSP
Funeral Director, Crematory Operator
Karen has been in the funeral industry for over 30 years and joined Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service in 2006. She became a Certified Crematory Operator in 2003. In 2010 she received the designation of CFSP (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner) becoming one of only about 25 in the state of North Carolina at that time. She graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College with a diploma in Funeral Directing. Prior to entering the Death Care industry Karen was in sports marketing for 7 years where she travelled as marketing rep on the PGA circuit handling player relations. She is a past President of the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association, and sat on the board of Hospice of Union County for 12 years where she served in many capacities including Vice Chairman where she was instrumental in working with the Capital Campaign to build a 3rd house at Hospice of Union County - the McWhorter House. She was aggressive in working towards Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service - Weddington Chapel winning the award of Pursuit of Excellence presented by the National Funeral Directors Association two years running. Karen is a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars. She lives in Matthews and is the proud mother of two grown children, Kevin and his wife Christie and their daughters Natalie, Olivia and Bradleigh and Kimberly and her husband Brian and their son Tyler and daughter Avery. In her spare time, Karen is a Fairy Godmother with Make A Wish for her philanthropy work in raising funds to grant wishes, for which she finds great satisfaction in making dreams come true. In early 2018 she was nominated to the Charlotte W.I.S.H. Society - Women Inspiring Strength and Hope, a select group of Women who raise money for Make A Wish to help fund the wishes. In late 2021, her 9 year old granddaughter was diagnosed with Rhybomysarcoma a rare pediatric cancer which inspired her to become active in the mission of St. Jude's in raising money for research and cures for childhood cancer. In addition to St. Jude's she is the Secretary of the OliviaStrongFoundation, where she brings awareness to the public about the need for raising funds to fight childhood cancer. The foundation recently made a commitment to Hemby Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC of $500,000, made a sizeable donation to Make A Wish and another one to St. Jude's. She is also an avid quilter and loves the game of golf. Her passion is giving to others and as a funeral director she takes great pride in ensuring every family puts together just the right memorial/funeral to honor their loved one.

Robin Barron-Golobish, CFSP
Funeral Director/Embalmer, Certified Crematory Operator , Location Manager Ballantyne Chapel
Robin Barron-Golobish has been in the funeral industry since 2002. She graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with an Associates Science and Technology Degree in Funeral Service, Embalming, and Restoration Art. Robin is also a certified crematory operator. She enjoys hosting educational events such as “Cremation, Removing the Mystery” which explains the process of cremation and “Have the talk of a lifetime” which encourages one to preplan their funeral. Robin can prearrange funded and unfunded funerals. She is licensed to practice funeral service in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. For those who wish to have their loved ones buried outside of the United States, Robin can facilitate International burials or transferring of cremated remains.
In 2013, she received the designation of CFSP (Certified Funeral Service Practitioner) which shows that she is committed to exceptional service and life-long learning. Robin is an active member with Indian Trail United Methodist Church, (Past President) Indian Trail Lions Club, Union West Rotary Community Service Chair, Auxiliary VFW Post 2423, and APFSP (Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice). She believes that being involved in the community is the best way for new friends to get to know their future funeral service provider.
She also moonlights as Mrs. Claus in December- hosting events at Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point giving away to junior Marines and Sailors filled stockings for those who cannot go home or don't want to go home for Christmas. This is a partnership with local churches, civic organizations and the VFW Post 2423.
Robin, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, moved to Falls Church, VA to obtain her training in Funeral Service, and as of 2005, an Indian Trail resident along with her best friend & husband Samuel and their four-legged child, Bruno.

Abi Kellum Ayres
Funeral Director/Embalmer/Cremation Specialist - Location Manager - Indian Trail
Abi Kellum Ayres
Location Manager, Indian Trail
Heritage Funeral Home
Born and raised in Wilmington, NC, Abi has always been passionate about connecting with her community. A Duke University enthusiast, Abi enjoys painting, and is an avid player of piano, basketball and volleyball.
In 2020, Abi earned her funeral service license and has been dedicated to serving families ever since. Her compassion, commitment, and work ethic led to her promotion to Location Manager at Heritage Funeral Home's Indian Trail location in March 2022. Abi is excited to continue making a positive impact in her role, supporting families during their most challenging times.

Greg Leonard
Funeral Director
Greg received his Funeral Directors license in August 1998 after completing his studies at Fayetteville Technical Community College and began training in his hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina. In 2001, Greg moved to Winston Salem to begin working in the field of cremation and in July of 2010 made the move to Charlotte, NC to assist in opening and operating a cremation only facility. In July 2018 Greg started with Heritage Funeral Home as staff Funeral Director and cremationist. Through experiencing death and loss in his own family Greg strives to ease the burden and stress of funeral and cremation arrangements for the families he serves. In his free time he enjoys the camping life and spending time with his four smallest family members, grandchildren; Lincoln, Remi, Jack and Oliver "Ollie".

Meghan Slagle
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Meghan was born in Victorville, CA, and her journey has taken her across the country, with significant time spent in Denver, CO, Stafford Springs, CT, and Orlando, FL. She embarked on her professional journey with SCI, where she dedicated nearly a decade to her career before relocating to Matthews, NC.
In 2020, Meghan achieved her goal of obtaining a degree in mortuary science from St. Petersburg College, further solidifying her commitment to serving her community with compassion and care. Meghan believes that every life is unique, and she is dedicated to honoring that individuality in the services we provide here at Heritage.
Outside of her professional life, Meghan enjoys a variety of passions. She loves to immerse herself in books, experience the magic of theater, explore new destinations through travel, and dotes on her pets. She also has a green thumb and takes great joy in caring for her plants.
With her blend of professional dedication and personal interests, Meghan continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.

Amanda Rorie
Apprentice Funeral Director
Amanda Rae Rorie was born and raised in Monroe, NC. She graduated from Parkwood High School in 1999; King’s College with a Degree in Business Administration and obtained her Master Degree in Biblical Counseling in 2022 from Trinity Bible Institute. She is currently enrolled at Fayetteville Tech in the Funeral Directing Program. Amanda enjoys crocheting, singing in her church choir, volunteering in several ministries, spending time with her niece and nephew, and traveling to the South Carolina Coast. Since joining Heritage in 2021 as an Administrative Assistant, Amanda’s compassion and care for families has led her to embark on the journey of becoming a Funeral Director Apprentice with Heritage.

Chloe Small
Apprentice Funeral Director/ Cremation Specialist
Chloe Small was raised in Union County. She graduated from Union Academy Charter School in 2021. After high school, she earned a certificate in Funeral Directing from Piedmont Technical College. Currently, she is on the path to become a licensed funeral director. Chloe looks forward to serving her community in a meaningful way and making a positive impact.

Sean Henderson
Apprentice Funeral Director

Phil Gray
Crematory Specialist

Fernando Baquero
Spanish Funeral Assistant
Fernando Baquero, a native of Colombia, S.A. and became a United States citizen upon moving here in 1979. He is on the staff at Heritage Funeral Home, assisting with initial arrangements, visitations, church or chapel services and graveside services. From the time a death occurs, Fernando is available to coordinate the initial pick up of the deceased, to meeting with the family and interpreting all details to ensure that every Spanish speaking family’s wishes are carried out.

Jake Forwerck
Funeral Assistant/ Death Certificate Specialist
Jake Forwerck, was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and has worked for Heritage Funeral Home since 2013. He is an active local musician with a variety of performance experience including funeral services. Jake is a long time member and worship leader at Stallings United Methodist Church and is passionate about religious philosophy and spreading the word of God through music.

Lisa McCray
Administrative Funeral Assistant
Lisa is a native of Union County North Carolina, until recently moving just over the state line to Fort Mill, SC. She has seen much change and exponential growth in Charlotte and it’s surrounding areas through her lifetime. She is proud of her southern roots.
Lisa left a career in the Property and Casualty insurance industry to join Heritage Funeral Home and serve the community.

Paige Record
Administrative Funeral Assistant

Charles Turner
Funeral Assistant
Charles L. Turner is a native of Union County. He is the longest standing employee having started in 1999. He is a proud and active member of Benton's Crossroads Baptist Church in Monroe, and CrimeStoppers of Union County.

Tommy Stilwell
Funeral Assistant
Tommy Stilwell a native of Matthews, NC has been married for 53 years and has two daughters and 5 grandchildren. He served 2 years in the Army as a Military Policeman, 14 months in Bangkok, Thailand. Tommy owned a masonry business for 38 years, has been a member of Stallings United Methodist Church for 46 years, is a certified Lay Speaker, past district Lay Leader of the Albemarle District of the United Methodist Church. He enjoys speaking at churches in the area, and is available to speak at funerals and graveside services. Tommy has been employed at Heritage since 2010, and enjoys assisting families in their time of need.

Frank LaForgia
Funeral Assistant
Frank joined Heritage Funeral Home in 2011 assisting on services. He served in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966 and is a member of American Legion Post 235. Frank moved here from New Jersey in 1986 with Royal Insurance where he worked for 36 years. He loves spending time with his family and wife of 50 years. He also enjoys gardening, and is a parishioner of Saint John Neumann Catholic Church.

Don Helms
Funeral Assistant

Myra Helms
Funeral Assistant

Barbara Duke
Funeral Assistant
I was born and raised right here in Indian Trail. Before retiring, worked in Indian Trail as a Banker for 39 years. I continue to be active in Union West Rotary, member on ATRIM Healthcare Advisory Council in Monroe, NC, and an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church. In the past three years, I have learned my work serving others at Heritage Funeral during this most difficult time in their life is a blessing in my life. Thanks to Heritage for their love, integrity and compassion serving others. John 15:12

Gordon Leonard
Funeral Assistant
Gordon grew up in southwest Virginia, north of Mt. Airy, NC. He moved to Charlotte in 2010 and assisted at a crematory and local funeral home. He retired in 2012 but felt he still needed to help families so he worked part time for a transport. Gordon started at Heritage Funeral and Cremations in 2020 assisting on funerals. He gets comfort knowing he is helping families at their time of loss.
Gordon has 8 grandchildren. He enjoys yard work, the beach, mountains and spending time with his family and friends.

Tom Stackenwalt
Funeral Assistant

Joe Lane
Funeral Assistant

Rev. Ed Butler
Funeral Assistant - Pastor

Butch White
Funeral Assistant
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