The Gilley family is a real Polk County family - just like yours. You can trust our family to serve your family with the same commitment to professionalism and integrity that you would expect from a local, family-owned business. Brian Gilley has been providing Polk County cremation services for nearly 30 years, and has helped many families and made many friends over the years.
More and more American families have dispelled the antiquated notion that death and funerals are taboo by taking control of their arrangements. They have accepted that life follows a natural cycle and have decided that it is simply good sense to be ready for the end. Social Security has provided financial protection for our nation's people for over 80 years.
More and more American families have dispelled the antiquated notion that death and funerals are taboo by taking control of their arrangements. They have accepted that life follows a natural cycle and have decided that it is simply good sense to be ready for the end. Social Security has provided financial protection for our nation's people for over 80 years.
Services
Today, many Polk County area funeral homes are part of a large chain or owned by out-of-state for-profit corporations. Gilley's Family Cremation is proud to be family-owned and operated, with an office located in downtown Winter Haven. Over 30 years, he worked at a number of funeral homes while earning his degree in Mortuary Science from St. Petersburg College.
Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular end-of-life option, favored by nearly 48% of the nation's population. The cremation process itself is highly regulated and straightforward. Gilley's Family Cremation provides caring, respectful cremation services in Polk County for local residents. Our family-owned cremation service includes an in-home consultation, the cremation itself, and filing of all paperwork for a simple flat fee.
Many who have undergone the emotional strain of arranging a cremation within hours of losing a loved one have made the choice to talk to their loved one prior to death. Doing so lifts the burden from their loved ones by relieving decision making pressure at a time of grief and emotional stress. We can advise you of the total cost involved.
Answers to your most commonly asked questions, along with planning resources for you and your family. Cremation is the process of reducing the body to ashes and bone fragments through the use of intense heat. The process usually takes from two to four hours. The cremated remains are then pulverized to break up larger bone fragments to a granular texture.
Scholars today quite generally agree that the history of cremation probably began in any real sense during the early Stone Age - around 3000 B.C. - and most likely in Europe and the Near East. During the late Stone Age cremation began to spread across northern Europe, as evidenced by particularly informative finds of decorative pottery urns in western Russia among the Slavic peoples.
Reviews (10)
Gabrielle Haynes
Oct 05, 2021
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My Mother-in-Law lived in Highlands County Florida and passed away unexpectedly. My husband and I live in TN and due to unforseen circumstances we could not leave the state. We were awoken to a Sheriff knocking on our door in the middle of the night to tell us she had passed and the detective handling her death case in Florida told us we needed to contact a Funeral Home. At midnight I called Gillies and they missed my call but called back immediately. Diana was so wonderful dealing with us and explaining the process. Brian even talked to me on a Sunday afternoon and Mrs. Susan has been a blessing
Donald Hulten
Jul 25, 2021
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What a fantastic group of outstanding professionals. From our early conversation with Ms. Susan (who walked us through all the necessary paperwork and options available), to the members of the Gilley family (who professionally handled our Dad following his passing), and lastly to Mr Brian (who we conducted the final business affairs with) - all were extremely warm and comforting. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this business to tackle departure needs.
Hilda Miller
May 04, 2021
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I highly recommend Gilley's Family Cremation. Losing a loved one is difficult. Brian and Diana made the process of making arrangements for my brother, effortless and genuinely heartfelt.
I know that the customer service and care that Gilley's offer, could never be available at a corporately owned business.
Thank You,
Hilda
I know that the customer service and care that Gilley's offer, could never be available at a corporately owned business.
Thank You,
Hilda
Leona Engel
May 03, 2021
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Debra Harper
Apr 30, 2021
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Gilley’s was a lifesaver for me and my family ! (No pun intended ) Brian worked with me. He took the reins for me for I hadn’t gone through this before . I didn’t know where to start . He went over everything with me and let me do the deciding on everything . No pressure from him at all . He even helped me with getting all the arrangements for my husband to be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Bushnel. I will always remember his kindness shown to us. I would recommend them to all of the veterans families out there that this is the place to go. They truly care about people as a whole
Todd Pretzie
Apr 29, 2021
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When my Mother passed away last year I was totally lost on what to do, who to contact and what the next step was. I called Gulley's Family Cremation and Susan was the first person I spoke to and she couldn't have been more courteous and helpful. She very calmly answered all my questions, expressed her concern for the loss of my mother and made me feel so much better about handling this delicate situation. I set an appointment to sit down and talk to Brian and he was very professional, caring and comforting. He answered all of my questions, walked me through the entire process and gave me a list
Marjie Rader
Apr 26, 2021
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My brother recently died unexpectedly and the wonderful people at Gilley's were very easy to work with. As all his family lives all the way across the country, we spent a lot of time on the phone and emailing with Gilley's. They were tremendously helpful in patiently pointing me in right directions and answering my questions through the whole process. I would highly recommend them. Personable and Professional.
Joseph Isaac
Apr 25, 2021
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My father passed away in late December during Covid epidemic. Gilley's was very helpful and accommodating. They worked with me on what I needed and were very reasonably priced. Far more reasonable than my mother's passing in NJ. Not that I want to ever do this again, but I wouldn't hesitate to use Gilley's again.
Freddie Freeman
Apr 17, 2021
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My experience with Gilley’s was excellent ! They were so kind and gentle when transporting my mom, it really meant a lot to me . Brian (the owner), was just like a family member. He was down to earth , easy to talk to and really cared . We will definitely use his services in the future as needed for other family members.
Scott Bowman
Mar 29, 2021
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My family and I cannot thank you enough. The courtesy and professionalism is second to none. Thank you for making this trying time in our family as easy as possible. I came from out of town and as I was driving to Winter Haven I called and spoke to Susan. She was so informative and compassionate and made sure we had all of the information needed. When we got there Brian was amazing. He was patient and explained everything. The level of care and professionalism cannot be beat. They also shipped the remains to me back home in South Carolina and kept in contact with me throughout to inform me when
