Moore died Aug. 1, and his family says it contracted with Savin Funeral Home to embalm his body, hold a viewing and then proceed with cremation. According to the family, the agreement totaled a little more than $3,800.
Family members said plans originally called for a viewing at Savin Funeral Home on the 800 block of North 12th Street. However, because the funeral home could accommodate only about 100 people, they decided to move the service to Bright Hope Baptist Church, where they expected to host a larger gathering for Moore, who operated Mr. C's BBQ in the city for decades.
Chrystal Moore said she learned of the cremation while visiting the funeral home to deliver a photograph for acknowledgment cards ahead of a service scheduled for Aug. 22.
"She said, 'He's been cremated already.' I said, 'How.... when we didn't have the service,'" Chrystal Moore said.
The family says the cremation occurred before the planned viewing, preventing relatives from paying their respects.
"My children, my grandchildren, our grandchildren, no one can say their last goodbyes," Chrystal Moore said.
Troy Dupree, funeral director at Savin Funeral Home, declined an on-camera interview. He said the family had contracted for direct cremation and had a private service at the funeral home. Dupree showed a pricing list that included a charge of $1,850 plus $350 for cremation, according to the report.
However, the family's contract lists a price of $2,150 for direct cremation with a chapel memorial service. The contract also appears to indicate payment for programs that family members say they never received and expected to be provided as part of the service.
"I am angry. Whatever Savin is saying, they are trying to cover their tracks," Shawn Moore said.
"We just want answers. It wasn't fair...and we want someone held accountable," he said.
Dupree did not explain the discrepancies identified in the contract, according to the report. The family also says it has not yet received Clifton Moore's ashes.