Coble-Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service

Coble-Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, a trusted name in Wilmington, North Carolina, has been serving families with compassion and excellence since 1936. Founded by Randolph Ladd Coble Sr. and his wife Iona at 416 Walnut Street, the business grew from a small funeral home into a cornerstone of the community. Over the decades, the family-operated enterprise expanded, opening a new facility on Oleander Drive in 1961 and later establishing Oleander Memorial Gardens cemetery in 1965. In 1985, the firm merged with the former Ward-Smith Funeral Home and Greenlawn Memorial Park, becoming Coble-Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service. Today, the legacy continues under the Dignity Memorial network, offering comprehensive funeral and cremation services at a modern facility located directly on the grounds of Greenlawn Memorial Park at 1155 Shipyard Boulevard, which opened in spring 2020. This state-of-the-art funeral home replaced the original Oleander Drive location, providing families with the unique convenience of making all funeral and burial arrangements in one beautiful, serene setting.

The funeral home is designed with today's families in mind, featuring soothing colors, ample parking, a covered carport, and a light-filled chapel with rustic exposed beams and high ceilings that can accommodate hundreds of guests. The space easily transforms from traditional seating to a reception hall with round tables, perfect for celebrations of life. The chapel's close proximity to the cemetery allows guests to walk directly from services to graveside, eliminating the need to drive. The facility also offers onsite services, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, and a prepayment plan option. The experienced team personalizes each tribute, whether traditional religious funerals or contemporary celebrations, incorporating elements that reflect the loved one's passions—from scrapbooking to sailboats. They assist with obituaries, tribute videos, music selection, and catered events, including breakfast buffets, coffee and cake, or full dinner receptions.

Coble-Ward-Smith provides a full range of cremation options, from direct cremation to witnessed cremation and full funeral services before or after cremation. They offer cremation jewelry and can deliver ashes in person or by mail. The funeral home also specializes in pre-planning, allowing families to lock in prices, ensure their wishes are met, and provide peace of mind. As part of the Dignity Memorial network, pre-paid plans include relocation protection, a purchase protection plan, and a 100% service guarantee. Greenlawn Memorial Park, established in 1948, is a premier nondenominational cemetery with biblical gardens, a Muslim section, a veterans section, and options for ground burial, mausoleum entombment, and cremation gardens. The cemetery's winding streets and manicured lawns create a peaceful final resting place. Coble-Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service remains dedicated to serving families from all walks of life with professionalism, respect, and personalized care, available 24/7 to guide families through every step of the journey.