What's Your Why: Anthony Gabbard

For nearly 30 years, Anthony Gabbard has dedicated himself to the death care industry, serving in various roles across organizations of all sizes — even owning and operating his own locations for nearly a decade. For the past 13 years, he has been part of Everstory, and serves as the Funeral Home Manager at Allen J. Harden Funeral Home in Mount Dora, FL. Anthony’s role truly covers “everything from A to Z” from assisting families with final arrangements to embalming, making removals, and even cleaning the building and washing the hearse — he embraces each task with Pride and dedication.

His direct supervisor describes Anthony as one of the most professional and seasoned Funeral Home Managers she’s had the pleasure of working with. Not only is he a master embalmer who has excelled in his craft, but he also has a teaching heart. Recently, Anthony shared his knowledge and expertise while mentoring a new Funeral Director at his location - a true testament to his dedication to the death care industry.

Throughout his time in the industry, Anthony has learned that funeral service isn’t just about death — it’s about stories. Listening to the families share the memories, experiences, and achievements reveals the richness of their loved one’s life. For Anthony, those interactions are deeply meaningful and solidify his sense of purpose in the industry.

“Well, the thing that resonates is assisting families through one of their most difficult times. You know, you learn that it's not just about the person dying, it's also about the stories that they told and the families living in those memories.”

Allen J. Harden Funeral Home offers families a variety of ways to honor those memories. As one of the few funeral homes in the area with a full showroom, families can see, touch, and feel the quality of products available for their loved one’s final resting place. The location also offers memorial keepsakes like jewelry and DNA capsules — meaningful mementos that can be cherished for generations.

For Anthony, his greatest accomplishment is creating unique, meaningful experiences that reflect the lives of those he serves. “Doing something for a family, seeing that they’re happy with the service you provided for them, and that you made a difference… I mean that’s one of the greatest accomplishments that you can receive”. Anthony feels fortunate to have found his path in death care, though he believes the industry chose him rather than the other way around.

“When I was in the eighth grade, just getting ready to go into high school, we had a talent show. Well, some way or another I ended up playing a mortician. It was back in the day when you had the big top hat and the big cloak. Ever since then I always wanted to be a mortician. I didn't do that when I first got out of school. I went to college and did a few other things but happened to run into a friend of mine that owned a Funeral Home - he pulled me back into it.”

Outside of work, Anthony enjoys riding motorcycles, going on cruises, and traveling with his wife. Exploring the world has been a highlight for them — last year they visited Italy and Greece, and they’re now looking forward to their upcoming Alaskan cruise!

Anthony’s dedication to his craft, his compassion for families, and his commitment to mentoring others have made a lasting impact — one that continues to shape the meaningful work he does every day.