View our valued Staff members

In May of 1993, Heritage Funeral Home was opened to serve the Chattanooga and North Georgia areas. Heritage was founded by the late Ross C. Lane and Russell Friberg continuing a tradition where your families traditions become our own. We have two locations to serve the Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia area.

We pride ourselves on the service we provide each family we serve. Our funeral home provides a full range of funeral service options, from the traditional religious service to simple cremation. Each family is provided with the opportunity to learn about and discuss the wide variety of funeral service options available to them.

A funeral can and should be as unique as the life that is being celebrated. Don't feel that you have to have a cookie cutter type of service or that your ideas for a special ceremony are foolish. You shouldn't feel pressured or rushed into making a decision. We want to help you make the arrangements that you want.

Ross C. Lane, Founder Ross Lane is one of the biggest contributors to the funeral profession in Chattanooga and North Georgia. He began his career as a young man with Coulter Funeral Home and Bryan Funeral Home. In November 1958 he started Lane-McCormick Funeral Home on Chickamauga Avenue. As the business grew, it changed to Lane-Routh then Lane Funeral Home, South Crest Chapel. Thru the successful years that followed Ross built and purchased several other locations such as Valley View Chapel, Summerville Chapel, RJ Coulter Chapel, Tennessee- Georgia Memorial Park and other ventures. The funeral business flourished under the leadership of Ross after which time he decided to retire in 1986. He wanted to travel a bit and enjoy his farm in Burning Bush while tending to his prize possessions, his beautiful Belgian and Clydesdale horses and cattle. In 1993 he decided to re-enter the funeral profession as a partner with Russell Friberg and launch Heritage Funeral Home on East Brainerd Road. In 1996 the construction of our Battlefield Parkway Chapel began. It was during this time we faced the untimely death of Ross. Although his presence is greatly missed, the work of Ross Lane continues yet today.

Thelma Lane, Owner Mrs. Lane is the backbone of Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway Chapel. She pulls on her years of experience that date back to 1958 at Lane Funeral Home. She has served as a licensed funeral director for over 50 years. She remains active in her church activities at Burning Bush Baptist and enjoys time with her daughter, Diane and two grandchildren, Holly and Bill. She lives on the family farm in Burning Bush.

Russel Friberg, Owner Russell started working for Lane Funeral Home in 1970 while a college student. He served the company in management and eventually ownership. He, along with Ross Lane , founded Heritage Funeral Home in 1993. He received his degree in mortuary science from Gupton Jones College . Russell is active in church and civic affairs throughout the Chattanooga and North Georgia area. He serves on the board at Capital Bank, trustee of the University of Chattanooga Foundation , member and director of Rotary Club of Chattanooga, National Funeral Directors Association, has served on the board of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association, Hospice of Chattanooga and Hutcheson Hospice. He has had leadership roles with both the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and the Independent Funeral Group. He and his wife Linda have two children , son, Ben works in the family business and daughter Roxie who attends GPS.

Curtis Ottinger, General Manager Curtis is the general manager of Heritage Funeral Home. He has served with Heritage since its beginning in 1991. Curtis has 25 years of service in the funeral profession serving as a key player in laying a solid foundation to the business. He is known for his personal touch and innovative ideas surrounding the funeral professional. He received his degree in mortuary science from Gupton Jones College in 1981 and is a licensed funeral director, embalmer and insurance agent in Tennessee and Georgia . Curtis is a gifted singer and musician having led music in several area churches for many years as well as traveled professionally with a quartet. He is a member of East Chattanooga Church of God, National Funeral Directors Association, National Republican Leadership Committee, serves on the advisory board of the Chattanooga National Cemetery , a member of the East Lake Masonic Lodge #698 and the Alhambra Shrine Temple . Curtis is active in the Belleau Woods Community in East Brainerd and has two daughters, Brittany,a freshman at Lee University and Maeghan,a senior at Central High School .

Steve Smith, Manager Steve joined the Heritage team in 2003 and serves as assistant manager for the Battlefield Parkway Chapel. He has 15 years in the funeral industry and is licensed funeral director and embalmer in Tennessee , Georgia and Alabama . He received his degree in Mortuary Science from Jefferson State . He is active with the Conasauga Masonic Lodge #396. He along with his wife, Sheila live in Ringgold. They have two sons and three grandsons.

David Cummings, Director/Embalmer David is a familiar face to the funeral industry having started with Lane Funeral Home in 1984. He has served with Heritage Funeral Home since the Battlefield Chapel opened in 1997. He is a graduate of Dalton Junior College and received his degree in mortuary science from Gupton Jones Mortuary College and is a member of the Cremation Association of North America. David is past president of North Georgia Civitan Club, member of the Quitman Lodge #106, Ringgold Kiwanis Club, Georgia Academy of Graduate Embalmers and co-chairman of the Down Homes Christmas Committee in Ringgold for the past 7 years. He has been a coordinator in the 1890's Day Jamboree for more than 20 years having been instrumental in starting the family gospel night. David, along with his wife Marlene are member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and reside in Ringgold , GA.

Steve Dietz, Director/Embalmer Steve has been with Heritage since 2000 after spending 26 years of funeral service in Knoxville , TN. He received his Mortuary Science degree from Commonwealth College in Houston , Texas . Steve has two daughters and resides in Chattanooga .

Waymon Brown, Director Waymon has been with the Lane/Friberg family since 1980 having served at Heritage since April, 2000. His compassion for others affords him well to those families he serves. He is a member of Mountain View Church of Christ and the National Funeral Directors Association. He has served on the board for Red Bank Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of Red Bank Lions Club. He is a deputy registrar for the Hamilton County Health Dept. and serves on the advisory board for the Chattanooga National Cemetery

Les McGee, Director/Embalmer Les has been with Heritage since October, 2000 after spending several years in funeral service in the Nashville area. He is a primary director with Heritage and earned his degree in Mortuary Science from John A. Gupton College in 1995. He is a member of Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and is a veteran of the US Air Force.

John Lifsey, Director/Embalmer John is a graduate of John A. Gupton College and Middle Tennessee State University. He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1968 having 10 years teaching and administrative experience in an American Board of Funeral Service Education accredited Mortuary College. John served as representative to the Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and served as Secretary of the University Mortuary Science Education Association. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Georgia Academy of Graduate Embalmers. He is Past Master of the East Ridge Masonic Lodge, Past Sovereign of Knights of Red Cross of Constantine, Thirty Third Degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of the Alhambra Shrine Temple, The Royal Order of Scotland and the Royal Order of Jesters. He and his wife Ellen reside in Flintstone, GA and have a son, Griffin and grandson, Max. They are members of First Centenary United Methodist Church and the Chattanooga/LaFayette Emmaus Community.

Colin Hamrick, Director/Embalmer Collin has been in Chattanooga all of his life and joined the Heritage family in 2002. He is an Ooltewah High School graduate and also received an Associate of Arts in Mortuary Science from John A. Gupton College.

Ben Friberg, Director/Embalmer Ben is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville as well as Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science. Ben began working with Heritage in 2000. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast in the mountains and plateaus surrounding the region.

Lynda Cooper, Secretary Lynda is no stranger to the funeral industry. She worked for Ross Lane for over 20 years at the South Crest Chapel before coming to the Battlefield Chapel of Heritage in 1997. She serves as secretary at the Battlefield Parkway Chapel. She is very active at Burning Bush Baptist Church and has lived in that same community all of her life. She is a past member of the Rossville BPW and a member of the Rossville Kiwanis Club. Lynda enjoys spending time camping as well as time with her daughters, Bridget McKee and Yvette Floyd and her five grandchildren.

Buddy Byrd, Director's Assistant Buddy is an area businessman, having retired from Byrd’s Front End Alignment after more than 30 years. After retirement in 1985, Buddy joined with Lane Funeral Home after which he came to Heritage its beginning on May 21, 1993. Buddy is a veteran of the US Army / Air Force. He and his wife, Christine attend Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle. They have two sons, a daughter and one granddaughter.

Harold Reed, Director's Assistant Rev. Harold Reed has been a pastor in the Chattanooga and North Georgia area for more than 20 years. Harold began working in the funeral profession in 1986 with Lane Funeral Home. He also came to Heritage when it opened in 1993 and works at the Battlefield Parkway Chapel. Harold serves as chairman of the Ft. Oglethorpe Housing Board. He along with his wife, Ruby Jean are member of Rossville Church of God of Prophecy and live in Ft. Oglethorpe.

Bill Ottinger, Visitation Staff Bill has been a part of the Heritage staff for at least 19 years, answering the telephones throughout the night, and helping with evening visitations. Bill also shares a major role in the New Haven Baptist church as deacon; conducting bible teachings and sharing his talents in musical tributes. After working for 35 years for Combustion Engineering, he remains active in the area, belonging to the Whitwell Masonic Lodge, and the Alhambra Shrine Temple. Bill has also enjoyed membership in the East Lake OES #238 for the past half-century.

Ann Ottinger, Visitation Staff Ann has been with Heritage Funeral Home with her husband for 19 years, answering the telephones throughout the night, and helping with evening visitations. Ann retired from Olan Mills after 25 years of service to that company. During those same years she raised four sons: Marty, Del, Curtis, and Tim. Her talents in music and knowledge of the Bible have been a mainstay of The New Haven Baptist Church for many years. She has been an active member in the East Lake OES #238 for the past 50 years.

After retiring from Combustion and TVA, Bill joined our Heritage family in 1996. Bill can also be found most evenings greeting you at the front door as well as working funeral services. He is a US Air Force veteran of Vietnam and is an active member of Harmony Baptist Church. His wife, Virginia is a familiar face at WallyÂ’s Restaurant for over 40 years. They have one daughter and live in East Brainerd community. Bill Coker, Visitation Staff

Sharon Brooks, Visitation Staff Sharon has been with the Lane- Friberg family for 16 years. A most talented musician, Sharon also can be found most evenings greeting at the front door with her warm smile. She and her husband, Gordon live in the Tyner Community . Sharon has two children and two grandchildren.

Louise Fleming, Organist Louise is certainly no stranger to the funeral profession. She has been playing piano and organ for the Lane Family for over 47 years. Louise is known for her special gift of music having taught piano since the age of 12. She serves as the organist at our Battlefield Parkway Chapel and has played the piano at Lakeview First Baptist Church for the past 23 years. Prior to Lakeview, Louise played at First Baptist of Rossville for over 20 years. Louise has been active with the Rossville Exchange Club and the BPW of Rossville where she was named Woman of the year. She is the widow of Roy Fleming and has three sons , 6 grandchildren and 10 great-children.

Pat Boatman, Organist Pat is also not a stranger to the industry. Pat has been with the Lane and Friberg Family for over 20 years. She serves as the music co-ordinator at the East Brainerd Chapel. Pat enjoys teaching music and time with the family, husband Jim, two children, Darwin and Darla and her four grandchildren. She is a member of Morris Hill Baptist Church and also serves as pianist at Boynton Baptist Church in Ringgold. She and her husband Jim reside in the East Brainerd community.

Connye Moore, Secretary Connye is a vital part of the Heritage team serving as office manager at the East Brainerd Location. Connye has been with Heritage since its beginning in 1993. She is a member of Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church. She and husband, David live in the Ooltewah area and enjoy time with the two children, Jeff and Katie and their three grandchildren.

Karen Goforth, Secretary Karen works as bookkeeper and secretary at the East Brainerd Chapel. She has a tremendous gift of music and has traveled with her family, The Blevins Trio for a number of years. She is a gifted pianist and organist and is a member of Olivia Baptist Church in Dalton, GA. Karen and her husband, James live in Ringgold. She has two children, Ami and Justin.

Bill Hollis, Director's Assistant After retiring from Prudential Life Insurance Co. after 37 years of service, Bill joined the Heritage team in 1993. He is busy with assisting on funeral service as well as making evening removals. Bill and his wife, Jean are member of Brainerd Presbyterian Church. They live in the East Ridge area and have one daughter.

Liz Wright, Visitation Staff Liz is a greeter at our Battlefield Chapel as well as our hair dresser for the East Brainerd Chapel. Liz has been working in the funeral profession for some 30 years. She is a member of New Haven Baptist Church. She and her husband Bill live in Ringgold, GA and have a son and daughter, and two grandsons.

Marlene is a greeter at our Battlefield Chapel and has been with the Heritage family since 1998 after retiring from Olan Mills. They are members of New Haven Baptist Church and live in Ft. Oglethorpe. Marlene and Hershel have two daughters, Kim and Tracy and four grandchildren Marlene Green, Visitation Staff

Joe Swaney, Director's Assistant After retiring from his own business at the East Ridge Upholstery Co., Joe began working for Heritage. He can be found assisting funeral services and well as the many road trips he makes for the funeral home. Joe is a Past Master of East Lake Masonic Lodge and a member of the Alhambra Shrine. He is a member of Brainerd Baptist Church where he has served on the Deacon Board. Joe and his wife, Pat live in East Brainerd and have two children and three grandchildren.

Harold McClure, Visitation Staff Harold has been with Heritage since 2001 making evening removals and assisting on funeral services. Harold has a heart for those in need, making him such a vital part of the Heritage family. Harold is a licensed minister and he serves as a deacon at Spring Creek Road Baptist Church and has been active in church work teaching Sunday School for many years. He and his wife, Pat live in Harrison and have two children and four grandchildren.

Roy Lucas, Visitation Staff Roy is a very familiar face to North Georgia and Chattanooga. He traveled for over 18 years as a traveling rep. for Black Stone Mills, Cleveland Products, Frizzell Fabric Co. and Bunch-Kelley Co. Roy has been around the funeral home for many years because of his gifted musical talents. Roy lead music in several area churches including Hughes Avenue Baptist, Fellowship Baptist, Kingspoint Baptist, Unity Baptist and Temple Baptist Church in Rossville where he served for some 30 years. Roy is a mason and serves at Heritage as a greeter during evening visitation at the Battlefield Chapel. He and his wife Tommye of 58 years, have lived in East Ridge for over 40 years. They have two daughters,Mrs Jerry(Debby) Weaver and Renee Lucas and two grandchildren. Shane and Ashley Burnette.

Ron Starns, Visitation Staff Ron is a lifelong resident of Chattanooga. He retired after 35 years from the Chattanooga Public School System as Superintendent of Fine Arts and came to be a part of Heritage Funeral Home serving an evening attendant, funeral assisting and removals. He served the school system as a teacher, principal and supervisor. Ron retired in 2003 as Director of the Chattanooga Boys Choir where he had been actively involved for 26 years. He is a member of the Music Educators National Conference and the American Coral Directors Association. He along with his wife, Ethel are member of the Brainerd United Methodist Church and live in East Ridge. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Bill Hendrix, Visitation Staff Bill has been a part of the Heritage team since 1999 after his years of work at Barwick, Crystal Springs and US Pipe. BillÂ’s dynamic voice has been heard by thousands for 38 years over the PA System at the football and basketball games for Gordon Lee High School. He is a member of First Baptist Church of Chickamauga. He has lived in Chickamauga since 1947 and has two children and two grandchildren.

Andrew Stone, Apprentice Andrew has been with Heritage since May of 2006. A native of Ringgold, GA, he is a graduate of Ringgold High School. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and Theatre from LaGrange College, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Georgia State University, and a Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He is married to Amy and has two sons and five stepchildren.