About Us

Since 1901, six generations of our family have been living in this community and serving your family with compassion and integrity. Our entire staff is dedicated to helping you at a difficult time in your life. We are available at any time you may need us.

The Smith family began its long tradition in funeral service when, in 1901, William Morriss Smith and his son, R. Hayden Smith, opened a storefront funeral parlor in Phoebus near the intersection of Mellen and Mallory Streets. In 1907, William died leaving his son to continue as Undertaker. Born in New Kent County, William had served with distinction in Pickett's Division, 53rd Virginia Infantry, Company B during the Civil War, received the Southern Cross of Honor after the war and came to Hampton in the 1870's. As was the custom of the time, the name was changed from William M Smith and Son following William's death to R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, the name it continues to carry today.

As the firm grew, R. Hayden Smith purchased a florist on East Mellen Street in Phoebus in 1916 and moved the funeral parlor into a building next door. There it remained until the next move came in 1932 when the funeral home opened a new location on Armistead Avenue in downtown Hampton where it remains today.

Over the years, the funeral home was part of Hampton's history, serving the community through the Spanish flu of 1918, when Slaughter Lumber Company assisted by building caskets as the massive flu took a huge toll. Through wars, storms, great achievements and tragedy, the funeral home stood by the community.

Beginning with William Morriss Smith and his son, R. Hayden Smith, there have been six generations of the Smith family who have carried on the family tradition. Mattie Baker Smith, oldest child of R. Hayden Smith became one of the first women licensed as a funeral director/embalmer in the state, in 1926. She actively served the community until her illness and death in 1940.

Mattie's brother, Hayden Clyde Smith, joined the family at the funeral home in 1928. He graduated from the College of William and Mary and the Cincinnati School of Embalming. Clyde worked 56 years in the funeral home until his death in 1984. He was a member and Past Master of Monitor Lodge #197 AF&AM, Hampton Rotary Club and served on numerous boards.

Robert H. Smith II, Clyde's son, joined the funeral home having graduated from Hampton High, William and Mary, and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. 

Tim Smith, began his career in funeral service in 1985 graduating from Hampton High, then with a Bachelors in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. 

Kevin Smith joined the firm in 1987 as a graduate of Peninsula Catholic High School and then with his degree from John Tyler Community College. 

Most recently, Tim's son, Jacob, joined the firm having graduated from the University of Virginia's College at Wise and the mortuary science program at Tidewater Community College.