By Zach Manges
Zionsville funeral services provider Flanner and Buchanan has hired a new director.
“I’ve always had the drive to serve others. It’s a passion to help with anything a person needs,” said the new director Raymond Smalley Jr. “I’m dedicated to serving all the residents of Zionsville and all in the county and surrounding counties.”
Having suffered a very personal tragedy with the loss of his mother, Smalley was ultimately guided toward his professional track through the service providers he met at the time.
“The funeral directors I worked then with truly showed me what it is to serve, and to show compassionate care,” Smalley said. “It really opened my eyes and led me to know that this was my calling and where I belonged for my career. In a nutshell, my personal loss showed me that this was the correct path for my life.”
Beginning as a relational staff member in the company two years ago while completing Mortuary College at Ivy Tech, Smalley was selected to complete an internship that allowed him to continue his training. Last September, he became a licensed funeral director and served as the intern manager until March of this year when he was appointed as director.
Smalley is guided in both life and his work by the three core principles of the United States Air Force: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. He reassures the public that despite the change in leadership, the funeral home has its same commitment to excellent service. Above all, Smalley hopes that residents will see him in his leadership role as an approachable community servant.
“I’m a father. I have two sons who I love dearly. I’m a family man,” Smalley said. “I’m just like anybody else. I’m an open book.”
Flanner and Buchanan is at 105 W. Pine St. in Zionsville.
