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
In 1916 the late Mr. Sam W. Qualls Sr. founded S. W. Qualls & Co. In 1930 Mr. Qualls purchased the historic location at 479 Vance Ave. After the passing of Mr. Qualls Sr. in 1944, the business was under the leadership of the late Mr. Sam W. Qualls Jr., and his wife the late Mrs. Ceneta Qualls. After the passing of Mr. Qualls Jr. in 1975 Mrs. Qualls continued the legacy for the next thirty years.
Mr. Karl L. Bond purchased the historic location in the downtown Memphis area in 2010, and established Bond Funeral DIrectors Inc. at 479 Vance Ave. Mr. Bond holds a B.B.A. and M.B.A. in business. He is a licensed Tennessee Funeral Director and Embalmer with National Board Certification. Mr. Bond is a second generation funeral professional. Karl grew up in funeral service under the leadership of his beloved father and mother, the late Lucius and Ouida Bond, owners of the Chelsea Funeral Home located in the Douglass Community of Memphis, Tennessee.
Now, almost a century since the business began serving the ever-growing community, the two families, who have built impeccable reputations in their own right, will now combine years of experience by setting the standard for funeral service excellence, and carry on the tradition of personal service to families in their time of greatest need.
Mr. Lucius Bond
Mrs. Ouida Bond
Management
Karl L. Bond, President /Funeral Director
We are a family owned business, and we are dedicated to providing excellence and care to our clients. Family members call on us because we are leaders in our profession. It is an honor and privilege to offer over 20 years of community service.
Lucius M. Bond, Vice President/Unlicensed Assistant
Lucius M. Bond is the third generation of the Bond family to enter the funeral profession. Lucius is a working member of the Bond Funeral Directors, Inc. team.
Pastor Samuel Ford Jr., Family Support Manager/Unlicensed Assistant
Pastor Samuel Ford, Jr. is a resident of Memphis, TN and is a product of Memphis City Schools (Trezevant High c/o 89). After High School, Samuel attended Tennessee State University, earning a degree in Political Science. Samuel also studied at the University of Phoenix where he earned his Master's degree in Educational Leadership. Samuel has over twenty years in the funeral business. Samuel was taught and trained while working as an apprentice at the William Gunter and Sons Funeral Home in Nashville, TN. Mr. Gunter taught Sam to honor all families with integrity and first class service. Samuel believes that it is a privilege and an honor to help preserve the memory of a family's loved one.
Apostle Carrie S. Clayton, Office Manager/Unlicensed Assistant
Carrie Steele Clayton, Office Administrator/Manager
Apostle, Senior Pastor at Rose of Sharon FGDT Holiness Church
Bereavement Counselor; Staff Minister
