Royal Funeral Home, Inc.

The story of Huntsville’s oldest black business began in 1918. Its first operator and owner was Mr. Charles King Binford, a prominent native and product of Huntsville. He named the business Royal Undertaking Company. Royal’s rich history is a point of pride for Karen Jones Smith and David W. Smith. The wife and husband team, president and vice president respectively of Royal Funeral Home, Incorporated are the third generation to purchase, own and operate the business. The owners and workers are very much aware of the business’ historic significance. It is evident as they talk about the firm’s mission statement. It was James A. Jones who came up with the company’s motto, “When only memories remain, let them be beautiful.”