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

Our History

New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens is independently owned and operated, serving Jefferson, Walker, Blount, Cullman and surrounding counties.

New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home was established and opened in 1994, and has since built a reputation of honesty, integrity and excellent service in times of need. The funeral home is staffed by local people who have been around this area for decades, and who know and understand the needs of those we serve.

Our Valued Staff

  • Billy R. Minyard

    Billy R. Minyard, Manager

    Billy has worked in the funeral industry in the Birmingham area for over 35 years. He is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and graduate of Jefferson State Junior College. He and his family live in Hoover and are members of Riverchase United Methodist Church. In his spare time, he enjoys taking a fishing trip with his friends and spending time with his family.

  • William

    William "Buddy" Sparkman, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Buddy is a thirty-year veteran of the funeral business. He began his career in 1988 in Birmingham, AL. He is a 1995 graduate of Jefferson State College. He has been employed at New Horizon Memorial Funeral Home in Dora, AL since August 1998. He is a resident of Dora along with his wife, Tammy, of 23 years. They have three children and two granddaughters. Buddy is the College and Career Minister at Dora Church of God and the Director of Project 29:11 ministry group. He is a Master Mason and also serves as the play by play voice of Dora Bulldogs High School football on the Alabama Cable Network.

  • Adam Ragsdale

    Adam Ragsdale, Apprentice Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Adam has been married for six years to Taylor Ragsdale. They have four kids, two girls and two boys Alexis,14, Karley, 10, Will, 1, and Aiden born Christmas Day 2017. He is the Youth Pastor for Acts 29 Sipsey Church of God Youth and is also in the process of studying to become a minister in the Church of God. Adam is also part of the worship team at his church playing the bass and singing.

  • Kari Adams

    Kari Adams, Office Manager

    Kari started work at New Horizon in April 2016 and works as the office manager. Prior to New Horizon, Kari worked as a Patient Care Technician at UAB Hospital in the Stroke Unit and UAB Highlands as the Same Day Surgery Secretary. She is married to Ryan Adams and they reside in Dora, Alabama. They have four children, Sam, Tucker, Briley, and Peighton. They are members and Worship Leaders at Argo Church of God. When they are not at the softball or football field they like to travel with their family.