Our History
"A Legacy of Compassion, Service, and Family"
Holbrooks Funeral Home, founded by Mr. Floyd Holbrook, was the first funeral home to locate in Cornelia in 1936. From its earliest days, the firm was rooted in a simple but profound mission—to serve families with respect, compassion, and care during life’s most tender moments. George Sosebee later joined the staff, and in 1937, alongside Tom McGahee, purchased the funeral home, continuing a growing legacy of service to all of Habersham & the surrounding communities.
In 1947, Joseph G. McGahee and Thomas J. McGahee relocated both the funeral home and furniture business to the corner of Hodges and Wells Street. The funeral home, located on the second floor, was renamed Thomas J. McGahee Co., reflecting a commitment to progress while maintaining a personal, family-centered approach.
As the community grew, so did the firm. The Taylor-Brewer home on Clarkesville Street was purchased, and James Reed became a member of the firm. In 1957, Weyman Griffin joined the staff, bringing with him a devotion to service that would help shape the future of the funeral home. The firm remained at this location until 1959.
That year marked another meaningful chapter when McGahee Funeral Home moved into one of Cornelia’s oldest and most cherished residences—the A.B. Irvin Home at 538 North Main Street, owned by Mr. Hubert Ritchie. For generations of families, this home became a place of remembrance, comfort, and healing.
In 1978, J. Michael Shirley joined the firm as a partner, and in 1981, Thomas J. McGahee retired. The business was then purchased by Weyman and Claudette Griffin and renamed McGahee-Griffin Funeral Home. The Griffin family faithfully served the community for many years, becoming a trusted presence in countless lives until their retirement in 1996.
The Stewart family purchased the funeral home and proudly continued its tradition of excellence and care at the Main Street location. As the needs of the community evolved, growth led to the development of a more modern facility. In December 1999, the funeral home relocated to 175 VFW Post Road in Cornelia. This state-of-the-art facility offered spacious visitation rooms, a 250-seat chapel, offices, a family lounge, and ample parking—designed to provide comfort and convenience during times of loss.
In August of 2024, Kasey Charles McEntire, a lifelong Habersham County native and longtime Funeral Director and Embalmer, purchased the business and renamed it McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home. Kasey’s journey in funeral service began as a teenager in December 1999, when he felt a calling to serve families in their moments of greatest need. Following his honors graduation from Habersham Central High School, Class of 2001, he pursued funeral service full time. He is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia, earning his Associate of Science Degree in Funeral Service in 2003 and was fully licensed as a Funeral Director & Embalmer in 2005.
Kasey is the oldest son of the Rev. Kenneth and Kay Landers McEntire of Clarkesville and is supported by his loving wife of 20 years, Natasha House McEntire, along with their children—Payton, Paisley Kayte, and Keaton Charles. He is a devoted member of Line Baptist Church in Alto, where he serves as a deacon and church pianist, and he is honored to serve the community as an elected official in Habersham County.
As the legacy continues through the McEntire family and the dedicated staff of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, we remain deeply honored to serve families during life’s most difficult seasons. With hearts rooted in compassion and a commitment to excellence, we proudly carry forward a tradition of our family serving yours, celebrating 89 years of dedicated service to Habersham County and the surrounding communities.
