History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Manes Funeral Home Inc. was established in August of 1973.  Our initial building consisted of less than 1500 square feet of operating space, we now have in excess of 28,000 square feet. Our first expansion took place in 1974 with the addition of our first chapel, and new selection room. In 1978 a new viewing room and office were added. This accommodated us until 1996 when we purchased a 25,000 square foot clothing store adjacent to our business. With this purchase we were able to expand with a new chapel and more spacious viewing areas as well as additional office space. In 2004 extensive renovations were done to our oldest chapel and we now offer two fully independent chapels with three additional viewing areas. In our 50th year of independent operation we now employ 15 full and part time staff who are on 24 hour call 7 days per week. We offer both Tennessee and North Carolina licensed funeral directors as well as insurance licensed pre-need planners in Tennessee. These fully licensed directors and planners are available to assist you and your family in time of need. Dedicated to Service since 1973, Manes Funeral Home Inc. plans to continue serving those in their time of sorrow with compassion, care and respect.

Our Valued Staff

  • Christopher Austin

    Christopher Austin President

    Christopher Lee Austin serves as Manager/President/Funeral Director/Embalmer.Co-Founded the Company in 1973. Married with one son and one granddaughter. Graduated from Cocke County High in 1970;graduated from Kentucky College of Mortuary Science, Louisville, Kentucky in 1975. Currently holds license as Funeral Director and Embalmer in both Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as the National Board Certificate. He is also a licensed insurance/pre-need agent in Tennessee. He is a life-long resident of Newport (Cocke County) Tennessee. Baptist by faith.He has over 50 years experience in funeral service.

  • Phillip Gregg

    Phillip Gregg Asst. Mgr./Funeral Director.

    Phillip Gregg has been with the Company since 1993 and now serves as Assistant Manager/Funeral Director / Pre-Need/Insurance Rep.A life-long resident of Newport (Cocke County) Tennessee, he attended Cocke County High. He is a member of Greggs Chapel Church where he serves as Deacon and pianist. Married he has a son, a daughter, a granddaughter and a grandson.He has more than 40 years experience having started his funeral career in 1981. He has been a Tennessee licensed Funeral Director since January of 1999 and also a licensed insurance rep since July of 1992.

  • Conchita Austin

    Conchita Austin Office Mgr./Funeral Director

    Conchita M. Austin has worked full- time with the Company since 1998 and now serves as Office Manager/Funeral Director.Born and raised in Blount County,Tennessee, she is a 1973 graduate of Walland High School and had attended the University of Tennessee. She is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served actively 1975-1978 and as a reservist 1978-1981, she was honorably discharged as a S/Sgt. She has resided in Newport (Cocke County) Tennessee since 1980. Formerly employed by Hardee Corporation for 20 years, where she held various postions including General Manager and District Leader. Married she has one son and one granddaughter. Presbyterian by faith.She has been licensed as a Tennessee Funeral Director since November of 2004.

  • Andy Austin

    Andy Austin Funeral Director/Embalmer

    Andy Christopher Austin has been with the Company since 2004 and now serves as Funeral Director/Embalmer.A life-long resident of Newport (Cocke County)Tennessee.He is married and has one daughter.He is a 1994 graduate of Cocke County High School , a 1996 graduate of ITT Technical,Knoxville, Tennessee and a 2006 graduate of Ogeechee Technical College Funeral Service Program, Statesboro, Georgia.He was previously employed for over 10 years by MAHLE Corporation as a draftsman.Andy holds both Tennessee and North Carolina Funeral Director and Emblamer License as well as the National Board Certificate.

  • Matthew Woody

    Matthew Woody Funeral Director / Embalmer

    Matthew Lewis Woody has been employed full and part time with the funeral home since December 2006. He is a member of the Allen's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, former Captain of Newport Rescue Squad, and a member of Cosby Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. He is currently employed as a firefighter for the City of Newport.A life-long Cocke County resident , he graduated from Cosby High School, Class of 2005. He attended John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science graduating in 2006.Matthew holds both Funeral Director and Embalmer License in Tennessee, as well as the National Board Certificate.Single , he resides in Cosby.

  • Nicole A. Scott *

    Nicole A. Scott * Mortuary Student

    * Denotes non-licensed personnelNicole A. Scott is currently a resident of Newport, having moved to East Tennessee from Ohio as a teenager.Nicole has been employed with Manes Funeral Home since September 2022.She is a 2020 Home Schooled graduate and received her Associates Degree in Business Management from Walters State Community College . Nicole is currently attending Ogeechee Technical School of Mortuary Science in Statesboro, Georgia. She plans to graduate in August of 2024. She currently holds a Certified Crematory Operator License as well.