Federal Funding Received for Future Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder today announced the state received nearly $6 million dollars in federal funding from the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) for the construction of the future Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads.

The 132-acre cemetery will be located at 693 Wildersville Road and will serve more than 45,000 veterans and their families within 17 counties in west Tennessee. 

The Tennessee counties within a 75 mile radius of the proposed cemetery include Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry,  Lewis, McNairy, Madison, Perry, Wayne, and Weakley counties. 

“It is important that veterans who live in rural Tennessee have convenient access to a pristine final resting place,” Haslam said.  “Our state veterans cemeteries are not only symbols of our gratitude, they are valuable resources that serve our veterans and their families at times of tragedy and loss.”

“We could not ask for better partners in state and local support to help pave the way for this future state resource,” Grinder said.  “We are excited to move this project forward to a groundbreaking celebration with intentions of opening this cemetery in 2017.” 

“We owe a great deal of gratitude and respect to the men and women who served our country in uniform,” said U.S. Sen. Bob Corker. “The Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads will serve more than 45,000 veterans and their families, and I am pleased this project will now move forward.”  

“I was honored to support funding for the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads, which will ensure that more than 40,000 veterans and their families receive the honor and respect they deserve for their service and sacrifice,” U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said.

“It is fitting to pay tribute to our veterans of today and tomorrow with a future project in the midst of a valuable piece of Tennessee’s Civil War history,” Rep. Steve McDaniel said.  “This field of honor will serve as a reverent reminder of the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women.”

“The collaboration, support and commitment of the local communities that will be served by this hallowed ground has been inspirational and should be commended,” Sen. Dolores Gresham said.  “The partnerships of all those involved with this project helped to move it forward at a pace that will greatly benefit our veterans and their families in southwest Tennessee.”

Gresham (R-Somerville) and McDaniel (R-Parkers Crossroads) represent Parkers Crossroads in the Tennessee General Assembly. 

There are currently two state veterans cemeteries in Knoxville, one in Nashville and one in Memphis.  Veterans and eligible dependents can pre-register for burial by visiting the State Veterans Cemetery page here.  Pre-registrations will open for the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads 90 days before construction is completed.

The Department of Veterans Services will host a groundbreaking ceremony at a later date. Construction is expected to be completed in the winter of 2017.