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Working as a funeral director isn’t just a job, but a calling for Hasten Wall.

“It’s a calling; it’s not for everyone,” Wall said. “You have to love it. It’s not just a job that you can come in and do every day.”

General Manager of Elkin Funeral Home, Wall started working at the funeral home when he was 17 in 2001 through the Elkin High School internship program.

Graduating from high school in 2003, Wall studied financial economics at Methodist University in Fayetteville and continued his education at Fayetteville Tech for funeral service.

“Some people think this work is creepy, but I wanted to help people,” Wall said. “I have the title of general manager, but it’s not about that. It’s about the people.”

In his work, Wall meets with families and helps them plan and organize funerals.

“It’s an honor to help a bereaved family when a loved one passes away,” he said.

Not only does Wall help families through difficult times, but he also helps out in the community.

“I enjoy helping people and being active in the community,” Wall said.

Wall is a member of the Elkin Masonic Lodge and is the treasurer for the Upper Yadkin Valley Habitat for Humanity.

A deacon at Elkin First Baptist, Wall was also on the committee to help find the church’s new pastor, Rick Bennett.

“It was a long and rewarding process,” he said. “We formed a committee and received about 150 resumes. It was pins and needles for awhile.”

While Wall wasn’t sure if he would return to Elkin after college, he enjoys being involved in a smaller community.

“Sometimes I feel like growing up in a small town, you miss out on things in the outside world,” he said. “But when I left Elkin, I missed living in a small town.”

Name: Hasten Wall

Employer: Elkin Funeral Home

How long worked: Started working off and on at the age of 17 in 2001. Full time position in 2009

Food: Southern cooking

Pet: Miniature Schnauzer, Ellie

Pastime: Joining clubs and organizations, working around his house

Born: Elkin

Live: Elkin

Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 17 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com.