When you drive down Donelson Pike, past the local diners and the humming traffic heading toward the airport, you pass a brick building that has been a quiet staple of the community since before the 1930s. Honestly, most people in Nashville don't think twice about Hibbett and Hailey Funeral Home Donelson until they absolutely have to. That’s the nature of the industry, right? But there is a lot more to this place than just a lobby and some chapel pews.
People often assume every funeral home is just a cookie-cutter corporate branch. While Hibbett and Hailey is part of the Dignity Memorial network—which is massive—it has roots in Donelson that go back over 85 years. That’s a long time. It’s seen the neighborhood change from a sleepy suburb into the bustling hub it is today.
The Reality of Planning at Hibbett and Hailey Funeral Home Donelson
Let’s be real: nobody wants to talk about funeral costs. It’s awkward. It's heavy. But if you’re looking at Hibbett and Hailey Funeral Home Donelson, you’re probably looking for specifics. In Nashville’s current market, a traditional full-service burial can run upwards of $10,000 to $13,000 depending on the bells and whistles. Direct cremation is usually the more "affordable" route, often starting around $1,600 to $4,000.
One thing that surprises people is the flexibility. They aren't just doing "grandma’s traditional service" anymore. Because they are located so close to the Grand Ole Opry and the heart of Music City, they’ve been known to handle some pretty unique requests. We’re talking about tribute services that feel more like a celebration than a mourning period.
- On-site Florist: They actually have a professional florist right there. It sounds like a small thing, but when you're dealing with a loss, not having to call three different shops for lilies is a win.
- The Coffee Lounge: It sounds trivial, but have you ever been to a three-hour visitation without caffeine? It’s rough. They have dedicated spaces for families to just... breathe.
- Remote Planning: This is a big one. Since 2020, they’ve leaned hard into digital consultations. You don’t have to sit in a somber office if you’d rather do it from your couch.
A History That Isn't Just Marketing
The home was originally established around 1932. Tom Earl Hailey, a veteran and a long-time operator, was a fixture there for decades. That’s the thing about "local" spots—they’re built on names of people who actually lived in the neighborhood. The facility moved to its current spot at 429 Donelson Pike back in 1971 and got a major face-lift in 2007.
When you walk in, it doesn't feel like a cold, clinical hospital wing. It has that "Old Nashville" vibe, but updated. They have a large-capacity chapel with an organ and a piano, which is pretty standard, but the way they handle the flow of people is what usually gets mentioned in the reviews.
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What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That you’re stuck with a "package."
Actually, the staff at Hibbett and Hailey Funeral Home Donelson—led by managers like Brad Raines—stress that everything is customizable. You can bring in hobbies, music, or even specific themes that represent the person. If the deceased was a massive Titans fan, you can usually work that in. It’s not just about black suits and hushed whispers anymore.
Another thing is the "Dignity" factor. Some folks get worried that because it’s part of a national network, it loses the personal touch. The upside, however, is the "Bereavement Travel Program." If you have family flying into BNA (which is literally five minutes away), the network can sometimes help with travel arrangements or discounts. It’s a weirdly practical benefit that most local-only shops can’t offer.
Practical Steps for Nashville Families
If you find yourself needing to contact them, here is the raw data you actually need.
Address: 429 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 615-883-2361 (They answer 24/7, and yes, it’s usually a real person.)
If you are just "pre-planning"—which, honestly, is the smartest move to lock in current prices—you should ask for their "Personal Planning Guide." It’s a free document that lets you write down the military history, estate info, and weirdly specific wishes so your kids don't have to guess later.
Also, check if they are still offering the 100% service guarantee. As part of their corporate backing, they usually promise that if something isn't right with the service, they’ll refund that portion of the cost. It’s a safety net most people forget to ask about.
Don’t just look at the price tag. Look at the staff's tenure. Some of the directors there have been in the industry for 20 or 30 years. That kind of experience matters when you're trying to navigate the paperwork of death certificates and insurance claims—tasks that are a total nightmare when you're grieving.
To get started with a plan that fits a specific budget, call their main line and request a General Price List (GPL) before you even head in. This is a federal requirement, and it helps you see the breakdown of the $4,695 basic service fee versus optional add-ons like limousines or specialized caskets. Having that list in hand prevents "decision fatigue" once you are physically in the building.