Hargett Funeral Service 

Providing Compassion Since 1871

Hargett Funeral Service, the oldest African American funeral service provider in North Carolina, has provided dignified funeral services and compassionate care since its inception in 1871. The family-owned service was originally established by Joseph C. Hargett in Kinston, North Carolina, and the Greensboro location opened in the 1920s. 

After four generations, the family continues their ancestor’s legacy of providing inclusive care tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families. The elder Hargett and his son, Nathaniel Everett Hargett, not only provided funeral services, but they also became the first licensed casket makers in North Carolina. 

Now, the funeral service that Joseph established is under the leadership of Nathaniel Everett “Nate” Hargett III,and his cousin, Brian Hargett Greene.  Nate serves as president and CEO of the company, while Brian serves as vice president. “We have a strong family presence,” says Brian. 

Brian and Nate continue the tradition of providing professional care to the bereaved, with a full range of services that includes funeral processions led by a horse-drawn carriage, Nate owns a fleet of horses, and he provides this service for other funeral homes, sometimes travelling with his horses to Virginia, Washington D.C., or South Carolina if clients request it.They offer traditional funeral services as well as cremation services, and they also honor veterans by providing the full veteran funeral, complete with military honors. Grief support and pre-planning services are also offered.  

Brian Hargett Greene and Nate Hargett III (l. to r.) are continuing the long tradition of Hargett Funeral Service. Founded in 1861, it is the oldest African American funeral service in North Carolina.

Dove release and horse-drawn carriages are two of the services Hargett Funeral Services provides. 

Diversity is also valued, and Hargett’s Funeral Services provides an inclusive range of services.  The family has worked with Buddhists, Muslims, and people of other faiths and cultures as well as with Christians. “There’s not a religion or creed that we haven’t worked with,” says Brian.  “We are not a cookie-cutter business. We try to mold ourselves to every family. My mother always taught me to treat others as you would want to be treated.” 

Brian and Nate enjoy their relationship with TowneBank, where they began banking last year. They look forward to the friendly, prompt service they receive. “Jon Fulton, branch manager, is particularly nice,” Brian says. “If he’s in his office when I walk in the branch, he comes out and shakes my hand.” 

Jon notes that he enjoys his working relationship with the funeral service and feels that, with their emphasis on tradition, they share a similar culture with the bank. “Brian still wears a suit every day,” says Jon. “Like TowneBank, they recognize that an added touch of professionalism goes a long way. I am grateful for the rich relationship we have built with the company.” 

Jon is also impressed by the compassion and professionalism that Hargett Funeral Service offers.  “They focus on service and taking care of the family during a difficult time.  Having that comfort in a time of grief is so important.”  

For more information, visit HargettFuneralServiceInc.com.