PELZER, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Thomas McAfee Funeral Home and Gray Mortuary announced they are merging to keep their family-owned businesses and preserve the personal touch and care that has defined their services for generations.

The merger ensures that Gray Mortuary remains family-owned.

The two busineses have served the Upstate communities for multiple years and have enjoyed a relationship built on mutual respect, cooperation, supporting each other in their mission to provide comfort and support during difficult times.

"The funeral profession has been in a period of consolidation since the 1990's. Much of the acquisition has been by large funeral corporations with hundreds of locations nationally and internationally. However, some firms choose to remain independently owned and operated. We were honored when the Gray family approached us about this opportunity and take the responsibility very seriously to continue to serve this community to the standard set by the Grays," said Jay McAfee, Chief Executive Officer of Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes in a release.

Thomas McAfee will now acquire Gray Mortuary, bringing their expertise and resources to the Pelzer community. The funeral home says the current staff will remain with the firm, ensuring continuity and the same level of care that the community has come to expect.

The go on to say app pre-arrangements made prior to the merger will continue to be honored as well.

"As we began to develop a plan of succession for our business, we knew that we wanted our legacy to be carried on by another family who would continue to provide the same standard of service as we have throughout the years. The obvious choice for us was Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, as they have provided multi-generational service to Greenville families in a compassionate and professional manner for 111 years," said Lance Gray, President of Gray Mortuary in a release.