Our Staff
Rick Wilhide
General Manager / Funeral Director
Rick is the Son-In-Law of Frank and Dayne Crumpler of Raeford. After retiring from singing with the Southern Gospel Group, The Anchormen, he attended the Funeral Service Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College. He received his Funeral Service License in 2001. Rick is the General Manager at LaFayette Funeral Home and also works at Crumpler Funeral Homes. Rick is married to Kalen Crumpler Wilhide and they are blessed with 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Rick and Kalen attend Rockfish Church.
Telephone: 1-910-867-1500
Kalen Crumpler Wilhide
Funeral Director / Office Manager
Kalen is the Daughter of Frank and Dayne Crumpler. Kalen has been around Funeral Service all her life. She received her Funeral Directors License in 2014 and is the Office Manager at LaFayette Funeral Home and also works with our firm Crumpler Funeral Home. Kalen is Married to Rick Wilhide and they are blessed with 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Rick and Kalen attend Rockfish Church.
Telephone: 1-910-867-1500
Todd Harris
Administration/Funeral Service Attendant
Todd, a Lumbee native of Robeson County is the son of Mitchell and Claire Harris. He is a graduate of Purnell Swett High School after which he continued his education in the mortuary arena at Fayetteville Technical Community College where he received an Associate's Degree in Funeral Service Education with honors. Todd has been in funeral service for 28 years. He also spent almost 15 years in law enforcement serving the people of Robeson and surrounding counties.
Music has always been a monumental part of Todd's life and holds the motto, "Music is Life" close to heart. Todd plays piano and sings for church congregations who need occasional fill ins but regularly attends The Pentecostal's of Lumberton. He has a huge heart for people, especially those who are suffering from grief.
Telephone: 1-910-867-1500
Robert Staples
Funeral Director / Pre-Need Counselor
Robert Staples originally born in Martinsville VA; and came to Fayetteville from Spartanburg, SC. He is an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God. Robert serves as the Associate Pastor of the Antioch Church of God in Fayetteville. Before going to school to become a Funeral Director, he worked with the Veterans Administrations in various departments and holds many certificates of awards and appreciation with the VA to mention a few are; Suicide Prevention among the Military, Domestic Violence in Military Homes, Child Abuse in the Military and others. Robert is now a Certified Veterans Claims Agent; certified through United States Office of the General Counsel. He represents Veterans in Appeals and Federal Court who are fighting for the VA benefits. Robert brings a wealth of knowledge to our team regarding VA benefits. He is also a Paralegal and earned an Associates of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from FTCC. He served as a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem for the NC Administrative Office of the Courts in Cumberland County for nearly 10 years. Robert not only serves as a Licensed Funeral Director, he assists families with making end of life arrangements. He has one son and in his free time, he likes to play piano, sing Southern Gospel Music and Write Poetry.
Telephone: 1-910-867-1500
Corinthia Alejandro
Funeral Service Apprentice
Corintha was raised from birth, in a humble home, right here in Fayetteville, NC. A Graduate of South View High School, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served with the utmost dignity and honor. After one tour of duty, she began working as a home maker, taking care of her two children while attending Fayetteville Technical Community College where she is working towards her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and will graduate in December, 2023.
At LaFayette Funeral Home, Corinthia will serve as an Funeral Service Apprentice, assisting with families and helping with day to day operations.
We look forward to having her on our team.
Please contact Corinthia if she can assist you or your family.
Jennifer Wheeler
Funeral Director Apprentice
Jennifer was raised in Spring Lake, North Carolina. She graduated from Western Harnett High School in 2022.
Jennifer is currently enrolled at Fayetteville Technical Community College for the funeral service program and is serving an apprenticeship to become a funeral director and embalmer.
James Blount
Minister/Funeral Service Attendant
James, a native of Hope Mills has lived in the Fayetteville area his entire life. A graduate of South View Sr. High School, he continued his education at Fayetteville Technical Community College. In 1998 James married his wife Joy, and together they have two beautiful daughters. Serving our Lord for more than 20 years, an Ordained Minister, he currently leads the Outreach Ministry Program at Crystal Springs Chapel.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the Free Will Baptist Press, Ordaining Council; Chairman of the Piedmont Conference, and Pastor of Hickory Grove FWB Church. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Athletic Association and Chaplain of Pearce’s Mill Fire Department Firemen’s Association.
As a volunteer firefighter, he became employed by Cape Fear
Valley Medical Center and worked as a Paramedic for 10 years. James joined our
team in 2018 as a Transport Specialist and is currently working with the Funeral Home. He will work to ensure your family receives
the appropriate care and that your loved one is honored in a most gracious way.
Please contact James so that he may assist you.
Gerald Myrick
Funeral Director / Embalmer
Gerald was born and raised in east Tennessee. He served 20 years in the Military, 8 years in the Marine Corps and 12 years in the Air Force. Gerald retired from the Military in 2013.
Gerald graduated from FTCC in 2012 with his Associates in Applied Science - Funeral Service Education. He is a licensed Embalmer and Funeral Director.
Along with Church, Music is his passion. He teaches Drums and Bass Guitar and plays in the Pipes and Drums Band.
Gerald now resides in Clarksville, TN, but will always be a part of the LaFayette Funeral Home staff.
Telephone: 1-910-867-1500
William (Bill) Cavalier
Minister / Funeral Attendant
William (Bill) Cavalier has joined the Lafayette/Crumpler Funeral home family as a Minister, Aftercare Specialist and Funeral Attendant. Bill has lived in Fayetteville for more than 25 years. He has worked in various financial planning roles, working with individuals, financial advisors, and business owners to prepare for a sound retirement future. In his new role he will be working with individuals and families to ensure that they have the opportunity to to organize the type of service that best reflects their individual desires.
Bill is currently serving as Senior Pastor at Redemption church as well, along with his wife Lola. They have three children all of whom reside in the Fayetteville area, and 7 grandchildren and 2 great grand children. Please contact him if he can be of service.
Telephone: 1-910-867-1500
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