Meet Our Staff

Barry W. Miller

Managing Partner

Barry W. Miller is a native of Signal Mountain, Tennessee.  He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Tennessee and Georgia. Barry began his career 41 years ago washing cars and doing lawn care. He attended Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia.   Upon graduation he was recruited by a large corporation, working through the ranks to managing funeral homes and cemeteries in Tennessee and Georgia, ultimately stepping out and acquiring firms. 

When the business opportunity came available at Lane Funeral Home, Coulter Chapel he was excited to be able to return home.   This opportunity allows him to serve the community he calls home.

Barry is married to Stephanie Winkle-Miller who is a licensed funeral director and embalmer at Lane South Crest Chapel.  They have one daughter, Ali Miller and five furry children.  Barry is active in the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and the ICCFA.

Telephone: 1-423-877-3524

Email: 

Gene Land

Funeral Director / Embalmer

Gene, a 45 year employee, is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Tennessee and Georgia.  He was married to Lynda Patton Land before she passed away in 2016.  They have a daughter, Ginny (Adam) Smith and grandson, Xander and granddaughter, Stella.  He is a member of Red Bank Baptist Church, where he serves as Associate Director of his Median Life Group and is an inactive ordained deacon.   He is a member of Tennessee Funeral Directors Association, Red Bank Area Chamber, Hixson Chamber and Red Bank Lion's Club.  Gene is past president of the North River Kiwanis Club, Board of Directors of Red Bank Junior Miss.

Telephone: 1-423-877-3524

Monica Adkins

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Monica began her career in funeral service in 2002 in Burnsville, NC.  Graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, Decatur, GA in 2004.  She is excited to be in Chattanooga area and looking forward to helping families in their time of need.

Monica is a member of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and the Red Bank Lions Club.

Telephone: 1-423-877-3524

Email: 

Tammy Walker

Administrative Assistant

Tammy has been an Administrative Assistant at Lane Funeral Home since May 1999. She has been with Carriage since August 1997, beginning at the monument company. As an etching artist, she personally designed many markers and urns for families. Because of her artistic talents, she has been involved in many special projects at the funeral home. Tammy works with the families to personally create and design the memorial folders and other tributes to their loved ones. She is a member of Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. Tammy and Robert, her husband of 40 years, have a son, Jacob; daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Rob; and granddaughter, Alena and grandson,  Walker. They are members of Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church.

(non-licensed employee)

Telephone: 1-423-877-3524

Email: 

April Prestwood

Pre-Arrangement & After Care Specialist

April Prestwood is the Pre-Arrangement and After Care Specialist with Lane Funeral Home. She hails from Chattanooga and has a deep love of her hometown. As a member of the Lane Funeral Home family, she aspires to help her community members by relieving both emotional and financial burdens through funeral pre arrangement and honor the lives of their loved ones. Some of her passions include dance, historical fashion, classic films, being an Auntie, and spending time with her dog, Willoughby.  She is also a long time instructor at Karen Horton School of Dance. 

Email: 

Ken Chambers

Funeral Assistant/Ambassador

Ken joined us in June 2011 as Funeral Assistant and Ambassador. He has been a minister for over 43 years. Ken and his wife, Jewell, are members of Mountain Creek Church of Christ, where he is Involvement Minister and Elder. He has a Master of Divinity Degree and specializes in Grief Counseling. Ken and Jewell have two sons and four grandchildren.

(non-licensed employee)

Donna Smith

Funeral Assistant/Ambassador

Donna began working with us in May 2014. She retired from Cigna Healthcare after 43 years of service. She is a member of Signal Mountain Church of God where she sang and taught Sunday School for many years. Donna and her husband of over 42 years, Steve, have two wonderful grandchildren, Alex and Kelsie Smith.

(non-licensed employee)

Ed Harding

Director of Public Relations/Ambassador

A native of Chattanooga, Ed has devoted his career to fire and safety education for over 30 years. He is the founder of what is known to fire and building officials as the Life Safety Training Expo. Ed has also contributed to the Chattanooga Crime Stoppers board of directors and is past president and board member of the Chattanooga Citizens Police Academy Alumni.  He has been recognized multiple times by the city and county for his achievements for providing multiple services to the Chattanooga area business community as well as its residents. He has always enjoyed helping others, including his parents and the elderly in the community and church. Ed enjoys camping and being with friends and family and is very devoted Christian to his church. Ed is the founder of the Saturday Morning Giddy UP's Breakfast Club and enjoys their fellowship monthly. (non-licensed employee)

Telephone: 1-423-877-3524

Email: 

James Samples

Funeral Assistant/Ambassadoe

Jim just celebrated 50 years in Chattanooga.  He is happy to be a new member of Lane Funeral Home and has a passion for helping people.  Jim joined our team in March of 2019.  He is one of the founders of the Chattanooga Community Kitchen and Chattanooga CARES.  Jim has served on the board as executive director of Fort Wood Historical Association, Land Marks Chattanooga, president/board member of Southern Country and as vice president of Primetimers. Also he is a board member and fundraising chairman of 4Paws Pantry. He has volunteered for the LUNG Association, Kidney Foundation, Chattanooga Heart Association, Chattanooga Theater Association, Chattanooga Symphony and Opra. Jim is a member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church where he serves on the volunteer desk and as an usher.  He was appointed by Governor Ned McWherter in 1988 as member of TN Council on AIDS.  Awarded TN Citizen of the Year, chosen as one of 100, in 50 states, as a person who cares.  Jim was recently honored by Mayor Burke for 45 years of volunteer work with a Proclamation setting aside October 14th as Jim Samples Day.

Email: 

Tom Dill

Funeral Assistant/Ambassador

Tom moved to Chattanooga 3 years ago after retiring from AT&T in Nashville TN and he immediately fell in love with the Scenic City. He currently volunteers 3 days a week at the Humane Education Society. He has served on the board of Four Paws Pantry and spends most of his free time taking care of his two rescue dogs, hiking the many trails of East Tennessee and exploring his new home town.

(non-licensed employee)

George Gulas

Family Service Counselor

George lived in Chattanooga since 1950 and is the former owner of Gulas Restaurant. He started in the funeral industry in 1997 as Family Service Counselor and Licensed Insurance Agent, preplanning funerals. George and his wife, Cindy Turner Gulas, have two children, Elana and George Jr. They are members of Christ United Methodist Church in East Brainerd. George is a cancer survivor.

Telephone: 1-423-877-3524

Email: