Beautiful funeral home location

Our Chapel in the Oaks is a welcoming location for your funeral or memorial service, providing an elegant setting for families and friends to gather. Located in historic Charlotte, our funeral home is one of the oldest properties in the Myers Park neighborhood. McEwen Funeral Service & Cremation operates as a full-service facility and lends itself well to funeral and memorial services, visitations and catered receptions.

We honor veterans

McEwen Funeral Service & Cremation understands the unique needs of America’s veterans and their families. As a Level One Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans, our staff is knowledgeable in the benefits available to veterans and their families. With respect, integrity and dignity, we will walk you through the steps of creating a veteran's memorial service that truly honors the life and sacrifice of your loved one.

Services tailored for you

In addition to a beautiful location, our staff will help you create a memorable tribute for yourself or a loved one. Whether you are planning ahead for a funeral service or requiring immediate assistance, all of our services are tailor-made to fulfill your wishes both in style and price. As we sit with you, we'll listen to stories and get to know your family. We take those details and incorporate them into a funeral or memorial service that reflects your loved one with dignity. Everyone at McEwen Funeral Service & Cremation has the experience to design a service to your family’s needs, including a full range of religious services.

Local funerals and cremations

As the oldest operating funeral home in Mecklenburg County, we pride ourselves on delivering full-service care with a local touch. We are proud to serve the funeral and cremation needs of the Charlotte community.  We invite you and your loved ones to stop by and meet with our funeral directors, or to tour our spacious funeral home.

History

McEwen Funeral Service & Cremation has been serving the residents of Charlotte since 1883. It is the city’s oldest funeral service. As the oldest continuously operating funeral home in Mecklenburg County, we are committed to providing care and respect during your most difficult times.

Establishing roots

J.M. Harry Company began in the 1st block of West Trade Street as a division of Andrews Music Company. At that time, John M. Harry was a young man and head of the Undertaking Division of Andrews Music Company. In 1924, James R. Bryant, Sr. came to work for Harry. In 1929, the company moved to 406 North Tryon Street into a home that was converted from a private residence. The space, now empty of its original building, is located diagonally across Tryon Street from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Renovations, additions 

The present building that houses our funeral home was built as a private residence just after the turn of the century. Our 1st addition was the Chapel in the Oaks. The chandeliers, originally equipped for both gas and electricity, were brought to the new location and still provide lighting and beauty today. Shortly after adding the chapel, a wing with a library and staterooms was added on the east side of the building.

A tradition in Charlotte

James’ sons joined him in the business—James R. Bryant Jr. in 1945 and Donald G. Bryant in 1950. James and Donald not only continued the exemplary funeral service established by their father and Harry, but were also church leaders and little league baseball sponsors, as well as promoters of other worthwhile civic organizations. The Bryant family transferred ownership of the business in 1986 to the current owners, but maintained ownership of the property. Their property ownership ceased in February of 2021 and the Harry & Bryant Co. name was changed to McEwen Funeral Home & Cremation @ Myers Park. 

Although we have broadened our focus to make every service tailor-made and personal, McEwen Funeral Service & Cremation continues to uphold a tradition of funeral service in Charlotte. After more than 130 years, we welcome the opportunity to serve the families in the dignified manner established by our founders.