History & Staff

George M. Kotrady, Funeral Director & Embalmer / Co-Owner

George was born in Kingston, New York and he moved to St. Augustine with his family in 1978. He graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1984 and from Flagler College in 1989 with a B.A. in Business Administration. He received his mortuary degree in 1992 from Lynn University in Boca Raton. George began his funeral career in 1985 working for Craig Funeral Home and has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1993. He was employed there until June 2000, then was offered and accepted the location managers position at Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, FL. He then partnered with longtime friend, Randy Hudgins and together they purchased Croyle Funeral Home in 2001. In May of 2008 they moved into their new location and renamed it St. Johns Family Funeral Home. He has three daughters which keep him busy when he is not at the funeral home.

Randy Hudgins, Funeral Director & Embalmer / Co-Owner

Randy Hudgins is a second generation funeral director and has been serving families as a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1990. He was born and raised in Palatka, FL and later move to Titusville when his dad partnered with a longtime friend and established North Brevard Funeral Home. Randy has vast experience in the industry, starting at North Brevard Funeral Home and later managing Oak Lawn Cemetery in Titusville. Randy later moved to Panama City, FL to manage Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, Panama City's premier funeral home. He latered partnered with George Kotrady and purchased Croyle Funeral Home in 2001. Randy is married to Karen Moore Hudgins and they have six children. Randy and his family are very active with their church, Anastasia Baptist Church, where Randy served as a deacon. In addition to being a member of Anastasia Baptist church, he also holds membership in the St. Augustine Navy League and is a charter member of the Coastal Rotary Club.

Kris Erin Kratzer, Funeral Director & Embalmer

Kris joined St. Johns Family Funeral Home in 2014 after moving from her hometown in Ohio. She is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the state of Florida; a 2006 graduate of Eastern High School and received her bachelor of Mortuary Science degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Kris takes pride in serving families and meeting each one’s unique needs. She resides in St. Augustine with her son, Liam.

Jessica Ann Story

Jessica Story joined our Family in 2019. She is a licensed funeral director with over 25 years of funeral service experience. At a young age, she was a caregiver from bandaging baby dolls to taking in and raising abandoned animals. In 1996, she started college majoring in nursing; however, her interest changed as she began work with a rural funeral home. She found her strengths assisting families in their darkest hours. She graduated with a degree in Funeral Science which at the time made her one of the youngest to complete the funeral service program. At the age of 19, she received her Florida Funeral Directors License and continued her education obtaining a Georgia Funeral Directors License, and Cremation Association of North America (CANA) certification. She was an active member of Florida Emergency Mortuary Operations Response System (FEMORS) but placed her membership on inactive status to raise her young children. Jessica served 7 years with Neptune Society in Jacksonville before joining our family. She was raised on a small farm surrounded by family; hard work and dedication was instilled in her at a very young age. Her abilities to strive for excellence has helped her remain a true professional and a selfless leader. Jessica is married to James Story and they have five children children, Samantha Story, Sara Story, Landrum Watts, Amylie Watts and Dalton Story. She believes in having an attitude that is infectious, a reputation that is above reproach which she demonstrates daily by example not only to her children and family but to everyone around her.

Gary Croyle, Funeral Director & Embalmer / Former Owner

Donna J. McRorie, Family Service Coordinator, Pre-Arrangements, Grief Coordinator

Donna is a Family Service Counselor who helps assist families in making their pre-arrangements for family members or themselves in a caring compassionate way. Whether families are asking for assistance with service information, starting a permanent file or prefunding their final arrangements, Donna is always willing to help. Donna joined Randy and George in August of 2004 and has been a part of their funeral home ever since. Donna also assist with families who have experienced the loss of a love one connect with various local Grief Groups and available private counseling in the area. Donna also takes part in coordinating our annual Holiday Workshop every year, since holidays are especially hard for families after the loss of a love one.

Mary Lou Eby, Office Administrator

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Mary Lou attended Gordon College, north of Boston, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies. Upon her college graduation she enrolled at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary located near her alma mater, and received her Master of Arts Degree in Religious Education. A resident of St. Augustine for the past 15 years, she and her husband, Craig, a retired ordained minister, enjoy living close to their daughter and son-in-law who have given them the gift of seven grandchildren. Mary Lou joined the staff in 2009 and is proud to be a part of an outstanding funeral home, where families are cared for with fairness and compassion.

Susie Russell

Susie has lived in St. Johns Co. since 1987 and been with St. Johns Family Funeral Home since 2014, working in our business office. She enjoys spending time with her family, including 7 fabulous Grandchildren. Susie loves serving at her church, reading, cooking and finding treasures in thrift stores.

Tom Stewart

Reverend Glen McCutcheon

Glen is compassionate and caring and has a strong desire to help families during the challenging times faced when they have suffered the loss of a loved one. Having spent most of his life in this community, he has developed strong ties and has served the community through his work, service organizations and his church. His service has extended to helping families through his compassion, care, and concern. Glen is an ordained minister and welcomes the opportunity to help families through their challenging time. He is there to assist families in making pre-arrangements for family members or themselves in a caring compassionate way. Whether families are asking for assistance with service information, starting a permanent file or prefunding their final arrangements, Glen is here to help. He is also available to assist families who have experienced the loss of a love one connect with various local Grief Groups and available private counseling. Please allow Glen be of service to you and your loved ones through St Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory.

Dick Talbert

David Arist, Director of Development