Losing someone is heavy. It's that quiet, ringing silence that follows a long illness or a sudden shock. When you're standing in that gap, trying to figure out where to send flowers or what time the visitation starts, you just want clear answers. In Pulaski, Tennessee, those answers usually lead to one place. Carr and Erwin obituaries have been the record of life for families in Giles County for decades.
It isn't just about a name and a date. It’s about who loved whom and where they’ll be laid to rest.
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Why the Search for Carr and Erwin Matters
The Carr & Erwin Funeral Home has sat at 1228 East College Street for a long time. Since 1967, to be exact. Before that, it was known as the Pulaski Funeral Home, but most locals today only know the current name. Honestly, if you grew up in this part of Tennessee, you’ve likely walked through those doors or at least driven past the porch more times than you can count.
People aren't just looking for "information" when they search for these records. They are looking for a connection. They want to see the face of a neighbor who used to wave from their porch or a teacher who retired years ago.
Where to Find the Most Recent Carr and Erwin Obituaries
If you need to know who passed away this week, you’ve got a few solid options. Most people start with the official Dignity Memorial site. It’s the modern hub for the funeral home. It’s clean, it’s updated quickly, and it usually has the "Guest Book" feature where you can leave a note.
But sometimes, those big corporate sites feel a little sterile.
Local Sources for Giles County Records
The Pulaski Citizen and the Quad Cities Daily are often the better bet for that "hometown" feel. They often carry the full text that the family wrote, including those tiny details—like how someone loved fishing at the creek or was a "firecracker" in their high school days.
- Dignity Memorial: Best for service times and directions.
- The Pulaski Citizen: Great for community context and long-form tributes.
- Legacy.com: Good for finding people from a year or two ago.
- Quad Cities Daily: Often has the most recent daily updates for the North Alabama/Middle Tennessee corridor.
A quick tip: if you’re looking for someone who passed away very recently—like in the last 48 hours—checking the funeral home’s direct Facebook page or calling them at (931) 363-1533 is usually faster than waiting for a Google update.
Digging into the Past: Archives and Genealogy
What if you’re looking for someone from 1974? Or 1982? That’s a different ballgame.
The Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) is the gold mine here. They actually have microfilm records for Carr-Erwin covering April 1967 through December 1995. It’s a bit of a trek or a specialized search request, but it’s there. These records aren't just "obits"—they include burial dates, birthplaces, and even the names of the parents.
It’s the kind of stuff that breaks through a brick wall in a family tree.
The Evolution of a Local Institution
When the home transitioned from the Pulaski Funeral Home to Carr & Erwin in the late sixties, it solidified its place in the community. Toby Powell and the team there, like Sharon Dickey and Dixie Holt, have become the faces of grief support for the region. You've got families who have used them for three generations. That kind of loyalty doesn't happen by accident; it happens because of how they handle the small things, like making sure the coffee is hot during a 5-to-9 p.m. visitation.
What to Do If You Can't Find an Obituary
Sometimes a name doesn't pop up. It’s frustrating.
You search and search, but the screen stays blank. Usually, this happens for a couple of reasons. Maybe the family opted for a private service with no public notice. Or, more commonly, the obituary was published under a maiden name or a nickname you didn't know.
Try these steps:
- Search by the last name only on the Dignity Memorial site.
- Check the "Past Services" tab rather than just the "Recent" one.
- Look for the spouse’s name in the search bar; obituaries are often linked.
- Try searching "Giles County obituaries" generally, as some families use different homes in Lawrenceburg or Columbia.
Making Sense of Service Details
When you finally find the listing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the logistics. Most Carr and Erwin obituaries follow a specific flow. You'll see the visitation first, then the funeral service, and finally the interment (the burial).
If it says "Graveside Service only," don't show up at the College Street building. You’ll want to head straight to the cemetery mentioned—likely Maplewood or one of the smaller family plots out in Minor Hill or Lynnville.
A Note on Flowers and Memorials
Often, at the bottom of the page, you'll see "In lieu of flowers..." This is important. If the family asks for donations to a specific church or a scholarship fund, it’s usually because that cause meant the world to the person they lost. While a lily is beautiful, a donation to the Giles County Public Library or a local animal shelter often speaks louder.
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Moving Forward
If you're currently searching for a friend or a family member, take a breath. The information is out there, and the staff at Carr & Erwin are generally very helpful if you just give them a call.
Next Steps for Your Search:
- Check the Dignity Memorial Pulaski page for the most up-to-date service times for this week.
- Search the Pulaski Citizen archives if you are looking for a more personal story or a resident who passed away more than a month ago.
- Contact the Tennessee State Library and Archives if you are conducting genealogical research for records prior to 1995.
- Verify the location before you drive, as many services are now held at local churches rather than the funeral home chapel itself.