We have years of experience caring for families from all walks of life, cultures and faiths. Our unsurpassed staff and our family provide kind, caring, professional service. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession who are dedicated to excellence in service, adhere to the highest funeral industry standards, and have exceptional integrity. We consistently earn phenomenally high customer satisfaction survey results.
Our licensed, professional staff is here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call 850-244-5163 anytime. We will even come to you to make arrangements in the comfort of your home.
Prompt, compassionate service is always just a phone call away, where and when you need it.
Managing Partner, Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer. Crematory Certified.
Originally from McAllen, Texas and bilingual, James always knew he wanted to be a funeral director and embalmer. He is a graduate of Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science, Houston, Texas and has been a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1975. Schooled in staff management, leadership, human resources and civic leadership, James is a 32nd Degree Mason, is a member of the Scottish Rite and the Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club International, sits on the Board of Directors of the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers. He is a member of First Baptist Church.Funeral Director/Embalmer
A Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer and a 1994 graduate of Bishop State College in Mobile, Alabama, Dwight has been serving the community since graduating at the following locations: McLaughlin Mortuary, the former Little Chapel, Twin Cities, Niceville, and Emerald Coast. He served a Church Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is retired from the United States Air Force for 24 years of active duty.Location Manager - FDIC/Embalmer
Jeffrey was born and raised in Carrollton, Georgia. He graduated from Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, Alabama with his Associate’s degree in Funeral Science. Jeffrey started in the funeral business in 1997 in Carrollton, Georgia and moved to Milton, Florida in 2007. Jeffrey enjoys the outdoors including camping and long walks on the beach. His favorite pastime activity is playing the piano. Jeffrey has been in the business for over 20 years and looks forward to another 20 years with McLaughlin Mortuary.
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Born in neighboring Santa Rosa County, Phillip possesses the
hospitable nature characteristic of people in the South. He has a passion for
helping people after the passing of their loved ones. Phillip earned his
Bachelor’s Degree from Troy University and went on to earn his Applied Science
Degree in Funeral Science Education at Georgia’s Ogeechee Technical
College. Prior to joining the professional staff at Emerald Coast Funeral
Home, he served as a funeral director at Atlanta’s historic H.M. Patterson
& Son Funeral Directors. Phillip currently
holds funeral director and embalmer licenses in both Florida and Georgia.
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Taylor is from Carterville, Illinois and a 2019 graduate of
Southern Illinois University where he received his Bachelors of Science degree
in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service. He obtained his funeral director and
embalmer licenses in the state of Kentucky following in the footsteps of his
late grandfather, Robert Earl Taylor, whose funeral home Taylor grew up in. Taylor
has lived in Mary Esther since August of 2021 and is currently reciprocating
his Kentucky licenses to Florida. When he is not serving families, Taylor
enjoys the gym, fishing, watching St. Louis Blues hockey, and spending time
with his dogs Gracie and Binnie.
Funeral Director
Max graduated from mortuary school in 2016 from Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After his enlistment with the United States Army, he re-entered the funeral service industry in 2021 out of Pensacola Florida. He joined the team with Emarald Coast Funeral Home in 2023. When not in the office you’ll find him dabbling in card magic, swimming, or painting.
Funeral Director
Erin is new to the Emerald Coast area and has been a Funeral Director for 7 years. She attended Arapahoe Community in Colorado where she earned her associate's degree in Mortuary Science in 2016.
After living in Colorado for 10 years, it was time to come home to Florida where she grew up. Erin now lives in Gulf Breeze with her partner, Austin, and their two daughters. When not working she loves to go to the beach and attending concerts.
Administrator
Pamela was born and raised in Connecticut, relocated to California, Alabama, and then finally landed in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She is a graduate of Troy University. Pam is a registered Notary for the State of Florida, holds an active Real Estate License with the State of Florida, and joins us from the legal field. Her spare time is spent with her family or with her extended family at Stage Crafters Community Theatre, Inc.
Funeral Assistant
Funeral Assistant
Gabe
is originally from Washington State where his family resides, before moving to
Niceville in July of 2022. Gabe has been in the funeral industry for almost two
years and plans on furthering his courier in the field. In his off time Gabe
enjoys trying craft beer and listening to metal music.
Celebrant/Funeral Assistant
Allan "Al" Stearns joined the staff in 2011. Al is a retired Air Force officer and has resided in the local area since 1978.Crematory Operator
Larry H. Rogers moved from his hometown in Birmingham, Alabama to the Fort Walton Beach area in 1996. After four years of working as an Ambassador assisting with funerals and visitations at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, he became the Crematory Operator at Okaloosa Crematory located at McLaughlin Mortuary. He attended class and was certified as a crematory operator in April 2008 through the Matthews Cremation program in Apopka, Florida. Larry lives in southwest Okaloosa County.Crematory Operator
Tyler was born in Adel, Georgia to a military family where
he spent several years before relocating to Michigan. Tyler joined the army
where he spent several years working investigations before leaving in 2014.
Tyler moved to Fort Walton Beach in 2014 where he spent his time assisting the
community in local events and operating as a behavioral therapist. Tyler
received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of West
Florida. When not working as the Cremation Technician Tyler enjoys spending
time with family, Cooking, and spending time at the beach.
Ambassador/Grief Support
Pat hosts two bereavement groups; this warm and caring service is open to anyone, and there is never any charge.You are welcome to call us any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience.