When you’re driving down South Main Street in Lexington, it’s easy to miss the weight of what happens inside the brick walls at 714. Harrison Funeral Home Lexington VA has been a fixture in Rockbridge County for decades. Honestly, most of us don't think about funeral homes until we absolutely have to. Then, suddenly, it’s the only thing that matters.
There is a specific kind of quiet in a place that has seen over 50 years of local history. This isn't just a business; it’s a partnership between two guys, Wayne Nicely and Michael Lotts, who have basically seen it all. They’ve been running this place as a partnership since the late 60s. That’s a long time to be the people the community calls on their worst day.
The Reality of Costs in Rockbridge County
Let’s talk money. It’s the elephant in the room that nobody wants to acknowledge during a wake. People often assume that every funeral home charges the same flat rate. They don’t. At Harrison, the pricing structure is actually quite transparent, though "affordable" is a relative term when you're talking about end-of-life care.
For a traditional full-service burial here, you're looking at a starting point around $8,055. If that sounds high, consider the breakdown. The "Basic Services" fee—which covers the overhead, the licenses, and the professional staff—is roughly $2,285. This is the non-declinable part of the bill. It’s what pays for the expertise of people like Michael Lotts, who, back in 2021, was famously coordinating with local emergency services for refrigerated trucks during the height of the pandemic. They were slammed, but they kept the doors open.
If you’re leaning towards cremation, the "Direct Cremation" package at Harrison sits around $2,695. That’s significantly less than the $5,985 you’d pay for a full-service cremation that includes a viewing and ceremony.
What Makes Harrison Different?
It isn't just about the building. It’s about the fact that they operate as an independent entity in an era where massive corporations are buying up family-owned homes left and right. Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory has remained local.
👉 See also: Heather Bresch: What Really Happened with the Woman Who Ran Mylan
You’ve probably seen the phrase "There's no comparison to Harrison" floating around local circles. It’s a bit of a slogan, but it points to the way they handle specific customs. For instance, they’ve worked with Greek Cypriot families in the area to accommodate traditional burial arrangements that other homes might find "out of the norm."
- Viewing and Visitation: They charge about $250 for use of the facilities.
- Funeral Ceremony: This usually runs around $395.
- Embalming: Standard fee is $525.
- The Hearse: A trip in the funeral coach is $175.
The Pandemic Strain and the Staff
In early 2021, Michael Lotts gave an interview that really pulled back the curtain on the industry. He was 65 at the time, co-owning both Harrison in Lexington and Bolling, Grose & Lotts in Buena Vista. He talked about the strain. It wasn't just the sheer number of deaths; it was the emotional toll of trying to offer "comfort" when you can’t even let people hug each other.
The staff there includes people like Richard Sales, who manages the day-to-day as an embalmer, and Elizabeth Becerra, one of the primary funeral directors. They are the ones answering the phones at 3:00 AM.
Navigating the "Immediate Need"
Most people searching for Harrison Funeral Home Lexington VA are in a state of "immediate need." That’s the industry term for someone just died and I don't know what to do next. The first step is always the "First Call." This is when the funeral home transfers the remains from the place of death—whether that’s a home in Rockbridge or a hospital—to their facility on South Main. At Harrison, this transfer fee is $245.
One thing people often get wrong: you don't have to buy the casket from the funeral home. Federal law (the Funeral Rule) actually requires them to use a casket you bought elsewhere—like online or from a local woodworker—without charging you an extra fee for it. Harrison typically has caskets starting around $1,500, but the price can climb fast depending on the materials.
Beyond the Service: Flowers and Obituaries
They have a tight relationship with local florists, particularly America's Funeral Florist, which handles a lot of the casket sprays and easel arrangements. If you’re looking at obituaries, Harrison usually coordinates with The News-Gazette or the Rockbridge Report. Recent records from early 2026 show they’ve been handling services for long-time residents like Peggy Kaufmann and Jabe Mars III.
Actionable Steps for Families
If you find yourself responsible for arrangements at Harrison, here is how to handle the first 24 hours without losing your mind:
- Call (540) 463-2912 immediately. They are available 24/7. Don't worry about the hour.
- Locate the "Pre-need" paperwork. Check if the deceased already had a plan with Harrison. Many locals pre-pay to lock in those 1990s or 2000s prices.
- Ask for the General Price List (GPL). By law, they have to give you this. It’s your best tool for keeping the budget under control.
- Decide on Burial vs. Cremation before the first meeting. This is the biggest price fork in the road. Burial requires an "Outer Burial Container" (a vault) at most local cemeteries, which adds another $1,000 to the bill.
- Coordinate the Obituary. Provide the staff with a basic timeline of the person's life. They handle the submission to the local papers, but you'll want to double-check the draft for name spellings.
Planning a funeral is sort of like a crash course in a language you never wanted to learn. But knowing that the team at Harrison has been steady in Lexington since 1967 provides at least a little bit of solid ground. They know the local clergy, they know the local cemeteries, and they know how Rockbridge County says goodbye.
Next Steps:
If you are planning for the future, contact the office to discuss a Pre-Arrangement Plan. This allows you to select your preferences and potentially prepay, which protects your family from rising costs and difficult decisions during an emotional time. For those with an immediate need, ensure you have the deceased's Social Security number and discharge papers (if they were a veteran) ready for the initial intake meeting.