When you are standing in the middle of a crisis, the last thing you want to do is navigate a maze of confusing names and corporate-sounding websites. It’s heavy. It’s overwhelming. And honestly, if you're searching for "Boskin-Thompson Funeral Home," you’re probably looking for a specific level of care but might be tripping over a common name mix-up.
In the world of South Carolina and Alabama death care, names like Bostick-Tompkins and Thompson Funeral Home carry a massive amount of weight. They aren't just businesses; they are community anchors.
But here’s the thing: people often mash these names together. If you are looking for the premier service in Columbia or McCormick, you are likely looking for Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home. If you're looking for the legacy family in Cayce or Lexington, you're looking for Thompson. Getting the name right is the first step in getting the help you actually need.
Why the name Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home actually matters
Let’s be real. Most people don’t think about funeral homes until they absolutely have to. Then, suddenly, it’s the only thing that matters.
Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home, founded in 1988 by Robert Bostick and Willie A. Tompkins, Sr., didn't just show up to sell caskets. They built a reputation on what they call "Service by Professionals." It sounds like a slogan, but in the Midlands, it’s a standard. They’ve grown from a single spot to multiple locations in Columbia, Sumter, and McCormick.
Why does that growth matter to you? It means resources.
When a funeral home has multiple branches and its own cemetery—like Serenity Memorial Gardens on Buckner Road—the logistics get simpler for the family. You aren't dealing with five different vendors. You're dealing with one team that handles the transport, the viewing, the service, and the final resting place.
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The "Service by Professionals" philosophy
The staff here isn't just a rotating door of employees. We’re talking about people like David E. Tompkins, Sr. (the CEO) and Rodnick Shell, who have spent decades navigating the delicate balance between grief support and event planning.
They do the things you don't want to think about:
- Dealing with insurance companies (so you don't have to).
- Navigating Social Security notification.
- Getting the death certificates filed correctly the first time.
- Writing an obituary that actually sounds like the person you lost.
Is it Boskin, Bostick, or Thompson?
Names get tangled. It happens.
If you are looking for Thompson Funeral Home, you’re likely looking for the legacy started by J.R. "Buddy" Thompson back in 1928. They are the ones with the iconic building on State Street in West Columbia. They’ve been around since the Depression.
Then you have Bostick-Tompkins. They are the "modern" legacy, if you can call a 35-year-old institution modern. They serve a huge portion of the African American community in South Carolina and are known for their "Homegoing Celebrations" that are deeply personal and high-energy tributes.
The confusion usually stems from the "Tompkins" and "Thompson" overlap. While they are separate entities, they both represent a dying breed of family-owned service in an industry increasingly bought out by massive corporations.
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What to expect when you walk in the door in 2026
The funeral industry has changed a lot lately. In 2026, it’s not all heavy velvet curtains and organ music—unless that’s what you want.
Bostick-Tompkins has leaned heavily into personalization. We aren't just talking about a favorite photo on a program. We’re talking about full-service memorial suites that feel more like a living room than a chapel.
Cremation vs. Traditional Burial
Cremation rates in the US are hovering around 63% now. It’s the new normal.
Bostick-Tompkins offers "Direct Cremation," which is basically just the logistics without the ceremony, but they also do "Cremation with Service."
You can have a full viewing with a rental casket, then have the cremation afterward. It gives the family the "closure" of seeing their loved one one last time without the long-term cost of a burial plot and a vault.
But if you want the tradition? They still do it better than most. Their casket selection rooms are massive, and they have options that fit a "budget" (though no funeral is truly cheap) all the way up to high-end custom pieces.
Navigating the "Hidden" Costs
Nobody likes talking about money when they're crying. It feels gross. But the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has rules to protect you.
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When you call or visit Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home, or any home for that matter, you have rights:
- The GPL (General Price List): They have to give this to you. It’s a paper that lists every single charge. No "packages" that hide the individual costs.
- No Embalming Requirement: In South Carolina, embalming isn't usually required by law unless there’s a long delay or certain public health issues. If you’re doing a quick cremation or a closed-casket service, you can often skip this cost.
- Third-Party Caskets: You can buy a casket online and have it shipped there. They cannot charge you a "handling fee" to use it.
Honestly, most local families stick with the funeral home’s selection because of the convenience, but it's good to know you aren't locked in.
The McCormick and Sumter Connection
A lot of people don't realize how far the Bostick-Tompkins reach goes. The McCormick location on Highway 28 South is a lifeline for that rural community.
In smaller towns, the funeral home often doubles as a community center. It’s where people gather. The staff there, often led by David Tompkins himself, handles the local arrangements with a level of "neighborliness" you just don't get in the big city branches.
What you should do right now
If you are in the middle of making arrangements, take a breath. It feels like everything has to happen in the next ten minutes. It doesn't.
- Call and ask for the GPL. Don't just ask "how much is a funeral?" Ask for the itemized list.
- Check the insurance. If there’s a life insurance policy, the funeral home can often take an "assignment," meaning they get paid directly from the policy so you don't have to put $8,000 on a credit card.
- Think about the "after." Bostick-Tompkins is big on grief support. They don't just hand you an urn and a bill. Ask about their resources for the weeks after the service.
Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a parent or planning ahead for yourself (which, honestly, is the kindest thing you can do for your kids), knowing who is behind the name Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home makes the whole process feel a little less like a business transaction and a little more like a helping hand.
Practical Next Steps
- Verify the location: Ensure you are contacting the correct branch (Columbia, Sumter, or McCormick) to avoid logistical delays.
- Request a digital quote: In 2026, most reputable homes can email you a PDF of their General Price List immediately.
- Consult the family: Before committing to a traditional burial, discuss if cremation or a memorial service at a non-traditional venue (like a park or a family home) aligns better with the deceased's wishes.