History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Our History
In 1948, a dream of Wade H. Cumby and his wife, Edith, was fulfilled when the Cumby Family Funeral Service was established. The location would be at 610 West Broad Street in High Point. Mr. Cumby served as President and Mrs. Cumby as Secretary and Treasurer. Despite their differing roles, their combined desire to provide attention and service to families during a devastating time in their lives provides us with a foundation of excellence and professionalism that serves us well today.
"Our funeral director was exceptionally kind. He made several suggestions and offered many options without trying to persuade us towards any particular one."
~ Marguerite Lee, High Point
Our Valued Staff
"In my opinion, the staff at Cumby's is the very best. My family has been well cared for by Cumby's. I would never use anyone else."
~ Sally Edmonds, High Point
James Cumby, President
James Cumby was born into the funeral business. He worked part time with his parents while in high school and after graduation, he attended the Cincinnati school of mortuary science. James later went on to receive his degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama. He has been a licensed funeral service professional since 1962. On May 12, 2011, James celebrated 50 years of working with Cumby Family Funeral Service.
What families are saying about James Cumby:
"James Cumby is a kind, caring individual who is very understanding during the difficult time of a funeral" - George, Trinity, NC
"Courteous, kind, compassionate, sensitive to our needs, and professionally knowledgeable. There are many things about Mr. James Cumby that are exceptional!" - Montine, Sophia, NC
"James Cumby was a very kind man and helped me get the cost more affordable for my family" - Anonymous , Trinity, NC
"Excellent, James Cumby is outstanding, compassionate, kind, and professional" - Sandy, Thomasville, NC
"Compassionate, experienced, loving, and spirited" - Pat, Thomasville, NC
"James Cumby is like a part of our extended family" - Judith, Archdale NC
"A great funeral director!" - Clara, High Point, NC
Andrew Cumby, Vice President of Funeral Operations
Andrew Cumby received his Funeral Service Degree in 2000, from Fayetteville Technical Community College. After graduating, he moved back to High Point, and joined Cumby Family Funeral Service on a full time basis. Andrew spent a year in Atlanta, GA working for Wages and Sons Funeral Service, where he learned about crematory operations and crematory management. He is a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and crematory operator.
What families are saying about Andrew Cumby:
"Anderw was absolutely amazing!" - Penny, High Point, NC
"The funeral director treated us with respect and kindness" - Margaret, High Point, NC
"Met all of our needs with GREAT professionalism" - Brenda, Wilmington, NC
"James Cumby and Andrew Cumby are professionals as well as GOOD friends. Thank you so much!" - William, Thomasville, NC
"Andrew was very nice, efficient, and compassionate." - Rida, High Point, NC
William Michael Cumby, Vice President of Financial Operations
Michael Cumby joined the business in 2005, after graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Financial Management and Economics. He received his NC Funeral Directors degree in 2007 and his Funeral Directors license in 2009. Michael is also a licensed crematory operator, and is currently a board member with the Cremation Association of North Carolina.
What families are saying about Michael Cumby:
"Michael Cumby is a family friend, he did a wonderful job as expected." - David, High Point, NC
"We were very pleased. Michael was so good!" - Joyce, High Point, NC
"Michael was so helpful, things couldn't have gone any better." - Anne, Trinity, NC
"Most professional and helpful" - Judy, High Point, NC
"Everything was done in such a professional level" - Dee, High Point, NC
"We could have not ask for a more professional care and detailed staff. It made the entire process much easier on the family." - Vicki, High Point, NC
Patsy Ridge, Treasurer, Office Manager
Patsy joined Cumby Family Funeral Service in 1973 and currently serves as the company treasurer. She started out working with the company’s founder, Edith Cumby, and ultimately grew into the role of office manager.
What families are saying about Patsy Ridge:
"A special thanks to Patsy Ridge for helping me with all of my mother's paperwork. She was so patient and kind." - Kim, High Point, NC
Cy Brooks, General Manager
Cy Books also grew up in the funeral business. He received his license in 1985 and his degree from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta. Prior to joining Cumby Family Funeral Service, Cy lived in the Charlotte area where he managed a funeral home.
What families are saying about Cy Brooks:
"Cy was great! He explained everything in detail and covered all questions completely. He took total control of the ceremony so that family members were free to be together. We didn't have to do anything." - Leslie, Thomasville, NC
"Very pleased with Mr. Brooks. He was very patient and understanding. I had a lot of questions and he very clearly and concisely answered every one." - Amy, Kernersville, NC
"I was greatly impressed by the time and patience of the funeral director" - Amy, Kernersville, NC
"He took care, in total perfection, of our needs and concerns." - Jim, High Point, NC
"Cy Brooks was very professional, friendly, and most efficient. This was the third ceremony he has supervised for our family and I am highly satisfied." - Michael, Jamestown, NC
"Mr. Brooks was very professional, but also caring and helpful during this difficult time" - Donna, High Point, NC
"He was always polished and professional. We appreciated his intelligence and guidance." - Peggy, High Point, NC
"Cy Brooks was perfect. He personally made the experience so easy for all. He felt like part of the family!" - Linde, Thomasville, NC
"His compassion and attenton to detail was superior." - Charles, High Point, NC
Jerry Hawks, Care Center Coordinator and Crematory Manager
Jerry Hawks has been with the company is 1993. He received his license in 1973, and has managed various funeral homes across North Carolina. Jerry is a 1973 graduate of Gupton- Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA.
What families are saying about Jerry Hawks:
"Mr. Jerry Hawks was extremely kind and professional." - Betty, Archdale, NC
"We could have not had anyone any better or more helpful than Jerry Hawks" - Yolanda, High Point, NC
"Our director Jerry could not have been any more helpful. My family and friends really liked him." - Ella, High Point, NC
"Jerry Hawks is an exceptional human, and without his support, I would not have been able to attend my husband's funeral." - Donna, High Point, NC
David Emery, Aftercare Director
Rev. David Emery is our After-Care Director, and part of his ministry is to direct the services that we provide for our families following the funeral. He comes to us with a wealth of experience in pastoral ministry, having served congregations in Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina during his 38 years of pastoral ministry. Having lived in the High Point area for 30 years, he has walked through the "valley of death" with hundreds of local families.
Ryan Bumgarner, Director of Operations
Ryan joined the company in 2007, while attending High Point University. He began working on a full-time basis in 2010, after graduating from High Point University with a degree in Entrepreneurship. Ryan, a licensed funeral director, is the third generation in his family to work in the funeral profession. He is also a licensed crematory operator.
What families are saying about Ryan Bumgarner:
"The assistant, Ryan Bumgarner, was a very nice young man." - Linda, High Point, NC
Mickey Peeler, Funeral Director
A native of High Point, Mickey joined our company in 2002, as a licensed funeral director.
What families are saying about Mickey Peeler:
"Mickey Peeler was very compassionate and kind. I have worked with him in services at my church prior to this service, and he is wonderful." - Hazel, Sophia, NC
"Great job! Very thorough." - John, Jamestown, NC
"Mickey has taken care of our family for years, and will continue to do so in the future." - Charles, Archdale, NC
"Mickey Peeler is wonderful to work with. He planned a ceremony that suited our family perfectly." - Janice, High Point, NC
"Mickey Peeler was most attentive to our needs and request. He did a super job on all aspects of the service." - Stevens, Archdale, NC
"He could not have been more wonderful and tended to our every need." - Marion, High Point, NC
Ken McDowell, Funeral Service Professional
After graduating from the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science in 1958, Ken worked in numerous areas of the funeral industry, including the casket and vault business. At one time, he was a funeral home owner and operator, but chose to join our company in 2005. He’s a licensed funeral director and embalmer.
What families are saying about Ken McDowell:
"Ken was wonderful! He felt like part of our family at the end." - Tim, Trinity, NC
"I am so thankful for the time Ken took to help my daughter and I do what we needed to do" - Josephine, Archdale, NC
"The funeral director and all of the staff were very professional and couterious" - Meredith, High Point, NC
"Ken McDowell was absolutely the most patient, kind, and caring person we could have had. We had a lot of questions, and he very patiently took all of the time we needed to answer them. He made us feel very safe and secure with our decisions." - Vickie, High Point, NC
John Hernandez, Funeral Service Professional
John joined our company in 2008, as a licensed funeral director. He is a 1999 graduate of San Antonio College, where he earned his Funeral Service degree. He received his funeral director's license in 2003 and later received his embalmer's license in 2010. He’s fluent in Spanish, and takes great pride in serving our Spanish-speaking families.
What families are saying about John Hernandez:
"John was excellent! Great attention to detail & very caring!" - Joseph, Trinity, NC
"John Hernandez was very helpful with many of the decisions that needed to be made. He was very nice and helped my daughters and I with every detail." - Donna, Trinity, NC
"I can not put into words how kind and thoughtful John was. He has a very caring way and he helped my husband and me so much. He made sure everything was carried out per our request." - Barbara, Asheboro, NC
"Very attentive to our family's needs. Very patient and kind and very caring. John made us feel like we were the most important people." - Betty, High Point, NC
"The ceremony was beautiful thanks to the great attention to detail of John and the other Cumby staff." - Jerri, Thomasville, NC
"This funeral director was new to our family, but we bonded quickly. He is a very capable and nice young man. We felt honored to have him." - Elaine, Tirinty, NC
"Very attentive to our needs and desires." - Lisa, Kernersville, NC
"John was superb. He was dignified, caring, and respectful." - Carol Lee, High Point, NC
"Very professional yet warm and kind. He did an awesome job!" - Amanda, NC
Amanda Kaluzny, Funeral Service Professional
Amanda joined our company in 2011 after moving to this area from Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of the Pittsburg Institute of Mortuary Science and has years of experience in assisting families through the loss of a loved one. She is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, as well as a Certified Celebrant.
Cameron Thames, Funeral Service Professional
Cameron joined our company in 2011.
Michael Coffer, Funeral Service Resident Trainee
Michael joined our company in 2011 after receiving his Funeral Service degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College. He is a resident trainee and a licensed crematory operator.
Marsha Ellison, Administration
Marsha has been with the company since 2001, and works in the office, assisting funeral directors and families with paperwork. She also serves as our photographer.
Lisa Carter, Administration
Lisa is native of Archdale, and has been with the company since 1990. She is in charge of the administrative operations in our Archdale office.
What families are saying about Lisa Carter:
"Lisa Carter was very compassionate and helpful" - Donna, Trinity, NC
"Very efficient and compassionate" - Hazel, Sophia, NC
"All of the staff have always been exceptional, especially Lisa Carter in the Archdale location. She was very caring, and eager to help above and beyond the expected." - Vickie, High Point, NC
Bobbie K. Finch, Administration
With us since 1980, Bobbie has worked in our business office in both High Point and Archdale. She is married to Donnie, who works with us as well.
Linda Brady, Advanced Planning Consultant
Linda Brady serves as our Advanced Planning Consultant. She graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 2001 with her degree in funeral service. Although she is a licensed funeral director and embalmer, her primary position is helping families prepare for the future with advanced funeral planning.
E. Ray Cecil, Funeral Director
Ray has been with Cumby Family Funeral Service since 1955, longer than any other employee. He has been active in the Archdale community his entire life and is a licensed funeral director.
Robert G. Hyde, Funeral Service Assistant
Bob has been with us since 1999 but also worked part time for us in the 1950's. He is greeter during visitations in Archdale and is also a funeral director's assistant.
Eddie Oakley, Funeral Service Assistant
Eddie is a funeral director's assistant at our funeral home in High Point. He's very active in the Jamestown, High Point and Archdale area and is an avid Duke fan.
JC Alley, Funeral Service Assistant
Rev. Alley is a greeter at our Archdale facility and is also Associate Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church. He has been with us for 2 years.
Vernon Chandler, Funeral Service Assistant
Vernon is Minister of Music at Lexington Ave. Baptist Church. He also tours the surrounding area ministering through music. He is a greeter at our High Point location and a funeral director's assistant.
Donnie Finch, Funeral Service Assistant
Donnie is married to our secretary, Bobbie and has been working part time for several years. He currently is a greeter and funeral director's assistant at our Archdale facility.
Dale Hall, Funeral Service Assistant
Dale is a greeter and funeral director's assistant at our High Point facility. He and his wife Edith are members of Community Bible Church in High Point.
Barney Heath, Funeral Service Assistant
Barney has been an active member of the Archdale community most of his life, mostly working in sales. He is a greeter at our Archdale facility and a funeral director's assitant. He and his wife Janice are members of Colonial Baptist Church in Trinity.
Mark Hyde, Funeral Service Assistant
Mark is the son of Bob, and also a greeter and funeral director's assitant at our Archdale facility. He is a teacher at Wheatmore High School in Trinity.
Ted Isaacs, Funeral Service Assistant
Ted Isaacs joined our company in 2011. He serves as a greeter and funeral service assistant. He and his wife Audrey are members of Green Street Baptist Church.
Paul Fincher, Funeral Service Assistant
Paul is a retired police officer with the High Point Police Department. He has been with us several years as a greeter and funeral director's assistant at our High Point facility.