Forest Lawn East has been part of the Matthews-Weddington area since 1971, being family owned and operated for over 30 years. Management has more than 100 years combined experience in providing caring and personal attention during your time of need as well as assisting with preplanning.

The development of Forest Lawn East is truly unique. An old-fashioned water wheel greets you as you enter the main entrance, with a gazebo for flower arranging in a botanical garden setting that includes a springhouse overlooking the historical Sweetwater Spring. Azaleas abound throughout the park, and you will find memorial benches placed in natural areas along with wind chimes and bird feeders for wildlife. The cemetery is truly a refuge from the busy world where you can come for quiet reflection or to commune with nature.

Through the years Forest Lawn East has invested additional monies in acquiring land which will adequately protect future generations. The cemetery now encompasses approximately 75 acres with options to expand to a total of 180 acres for future generations.. Realizing that a cemetery is an institution in the community, the company assumes its responsibility to continue excellence in service while expanding facilities and services as management endeavors to properly serve generations of the future with one of the most outstanding cemeteries in the southeast.

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Jack W. Williams
President and Owner

With 55 years of cemetery experience, this native of North Carolina began his career in Gastonia. Shortly thereafter he moved to Gainesville, Florida where for twelve years he developed and owned cemeteries before returning to North Carolina to purchase a cemetery on the west side of Charlotte.

Mr. Williams is a two-term past president of the North Carolina Cemetery Association and has been active on many of their boards. He is a member of Carmel Presbyterian Church and Carmel Country Club.

Married since 1950 to Joyce Whitfield Williams, formerly of Gastonia, Mr. Williams is the proud father of two daughters: Carolyn Williams Adams, a funeral director and partner of Heritage Funeral Home, and Dr. Laramie Williams Baker, a noted pediatrician in the Charlotte community.

Seeing the need for a perpetual care cemetery in the growing southeast part of the Charlotte/Matthews area, Jack Williams in 1971 purchased the original tract of land in Union County that was the beginning of Forest Lawn East in Weddington. He has always been considered a progressive innovative leader in his profession.