History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
Our History
Cryer Funeral Home opened in 1977 at 206 East Main Avenue in Obion, Tennessee, after several months of remodeling a former residence. Owners of the establishment at that time were Joe and Gwyneth Jo Cryer. Joe, having graduated from Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville, Ky in 1974, was a licensed funeral director and embalmer.His father A. J. Cryer was also a licensed funeral director, and together they operated the business. The family owned and operated business for over 30 years is now operated by Gwyneth Jo Cryer and Jay Cryer. We constantly strive to give personalized service to the families we serve.
Our Valued Staff
Gwyneth J. Cryer, Funeral Director / Owner
Gwyn is a native of Obion County. She graduated from Obion County Central High School and attended the former Memphis State University. Active in the funeral business since 1977, she is a licensed funeral director in both Tennessee and Kentucky.
Jay Cryer, Funeral Director / Embalmer
Jay has lived in the Obion area all his life. He graduated Dyersburg High School with Honors in 1994, then Northwest Mississippi College of Mortuary Science in Southaven MS in 1995. He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Tennessee since October 1996. Jay has been actively involved with Cryer Funeral Home since childhood. Jay has been employed by the Dyersburg Fire Department since 2000 serving as Operator / EMT. He is an avid outdoorsman, a member of the First United Methodist in Obion, a member of the Western Sun Masonic Lodge in Troy TN, and a member of Al Chymia Shrine Temple in Memphis TN. Jay resides in Obion with his wife Heather and their two daughters Katelyn Amy and Rylee Claire.
Jerry Carver, Funeral Assistant
Jerry Carver was raised in the Obion area. He served in the Navy for three years. After completion of his tour of duty with the Navy, he was employed by a major manufacturer of farm and construction equipment where he served as salesman/district manager. He was distribution manager, responsible for sales and market shares for the southern United States for 15 years. He was employed by the company for 32+ years, retiring in 1992. After retirement, he and his wife Janice Sanders Carver moved to Obion in 2002. In 2003, Mr. Carver became affiliated with Cryer Funeral Home as a funeral director assistant.
Travis McDonald, Funeral Assistant
Travis McDonald, who graduated from Obion County Central High School in 1992, has been a funeral assistant with Cryer Funeral Home since 2004. He is a life long resident of Obion and serves as organist for the Obion First United Methodist Church. He has been a sub-mail carrier for the Obion Post Office since 1989. In addition, he is co-owner of Obion Glass and Obion Closet Designs and is a 2004 graduate from the School of Interior Decorating in Atlanta, GA.
Danny McDonald, Funeral Assistant
Danny is a 1966 graduate of Obion County Central High School and a lifelong resident of Obion. Danny worked for Forcum Lannom Lumber Company for 23 years before starting his own business, Obion Glass and Obion Closet Designs. He is a member of the Obion First United Methodist Church. Danny, his wife Kathy, and their three children Dana, Travis and Leslie reside in Obion.
