A former bus driver in Guildford, David joined the company in 1999. Having worked as a Funeral Operative, he is now the Foreman organising the day to day running of the service.
He has a large family network and spends his spare time looking after them. He has a 1938 Austin Seven that he is currently restoring.
About Woking Funeral Service
At Woking Funeral Service, we have been helping local families at one of the most difficult times since 1880. The business that became Woking Funeral Service was founded by Mr Henry Ingram at Goldsworth Road.
Founded by Mr Henry Ingram at Goldsworth Road in 1880, Woking Funeral Service is the longest-established funeral directors in Woking. We bring empathy and experience to support you in planning your loved one’s funeral and fulfilling your wishes to the best of our ability.
We have conveniently located funeral homes in Knaphill ,Woking and Horsell and are proud to serve the people in those communities of many different cultures and faiths, as well as those with no religious beliefs. Our Woking funeral home has its own Service Venue where you may choose to hold the funeral in the very heart of your local community. We also arrange funerals for residents of Send, Chobham, Byfleet, Woodham, Ripley, West End, Bisley and Lightwater.
We have a close working relationship with the Shah Jahan Mosque at Woking which helps us to provide tailored support in planning a Muslim funeral. Both of our branches provide accessible Chapels of Rest, and at Woking we can provide a multi-faith wash facility.
Our experienced and caring staff will advise and support you at every stage of the funeral planning process, with a wide range of funeral options and transparent pricing.
Here at Woking Funeral Service we also offer an affordable prepaid funeral plan, Choice, so that you can arrange and pay for a funeral in advance. This may protect your family from rising costs and remove uncertainty about your wishes.
If you would like to talk to us about planning a funeral, or our Choice plan, please come and see us in either our Woking or Knaphill branch, or if you’d rather we can arrange a home visit. We’re also available 24 hours a day on the phone so if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call your local funeral home.
Meet the Team
James Ray
Regional Development Manager
James started in the funeral industry in Devon in 2000. He has worked his way from being a Driver bearer to Funeral Director, Area Manager and now Deputy Regional Development Director. He manages eight funeral homes in Surrey, and deputises for 39 in the South of England.
He moved to Woking in 2011 with his wife and two sons. He has a 1976 VW Bay Camper which he has restored with the help of his team, and is currently working on a 1968 Triumph Spitfire.
Caitlin Crispin-Maguire
Funeral Manager – Woking Funeral Service and James & Thomas Funeral Directors
Caitlin came into the funeral profession after graduating from The University of Winchester with a Theology and Religious Studies degree. She chose to undertake some work experience with a local funeral director while completing a module on death and religion, and has never looked back.
Caitlin joined the company in November 2011 and has progressed from Funeral Arranger to Funeral Director. She has recently completed the National Association of Funeral Directors’ (NAFD) Diploma in Funeral Directing and was presented with the High Achiever’s Award. Caitlin loves world travel as well as spending time with family and friends.
Sam Bryan
Funeral Director
Born in Barbados, Sam came to the UK in 1968, and has been with Woking Funeral Service since 2003. He enjoys all sports, horse racing, dog racing, eating out and spending time with his granddaughter.
Brian Fish
Diary Manager
Brian has been involved in the funeral business all his life. His father had a business in Surrey and Brian worked with him for many years. He was a professional referee, and still referees matches at weekends.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his grandson, wife and daughters, visiting Dorset and travelling.
Lorna Foster
Funeral Arranger
Lorna always wanted to work in the funeral industry, so she was very happy when the opportunity presented itself.
She has lived in the local area practically all her life and has two adult children.
She is interested in classic film, travel, theatre, history and art. She also enjoys spending time with her cats and family.
Louise Jarrett
Funeral Arranger
Louise joined Woking Funeral Service in March 2016. Previously she worked as a care assistant at Frimley Park for eight years, working closely with patients and families through hard times and good times. Louise was always interested the funeral profession, and was delighted when the opportunity arose to join us.
In her spare time Louise volunteers for a charity supporting a hospice, helping families in times of need.
Della Hamill
Funeral Arranger
After completing nurse training in 1984 and working in many areas of nursing, Della found her vocation in nursing end of life patients for many years. Once her family was complete, Della decided to work in the funeral profession and joined Woking Funeral Service in July 2012.
Della loves her role as a funeral arranger and finds it an honour and a privilege to help and guide clients through a very difficult time in their lives.
David Blacker
Foreman
Callum Ray
Funeral Service Operative
Callum Ray joined the team in 2016, initially working part time whilst studying. He has always been very interested in this line of work and has previously completed work experience at the nearby Brookwood Cemetery. Callum likes to help families as much as possible on the day of the funeral and gains great satisfaction job carrying out a service.
Debby Loughman
Funeral Arranger
Debby has worked for Woking Funeral Service since January 2022. Debby has previously worked in retail and human resources as a Area Manager and HR Business Partner.
Debby said, “feeling that I am helping the families I see and making a difficult time a little bit easier for them.”
She enjoys gardening, walking her dog and most importantly being with her friends and family.
Our Values
Pride
We take pride in everything we do. Our aim is that everyone who works for Funeral Partners shares our values.
Helping People
Our business exists to help the bereaved to make fitting arrangements for their loved one’s last journey and to provide lasting memories for family and friends.
We do this with a positive, caring and understanding approach.
Respect for everyone
We value diversity and treat everyone with the same respect, courtesy and dignity.
Professional Standards
We are a professional organisation and we strive to achieve the highest possible standards in everything we do and to improve upon these standards continuously.
Accept responsibility
We accept responsibility for our actions both as a company and as individuals.
Partnership
We believe that we can only achieve our goals by working together in partnership with client families, suppliers and our employees.