J. Parry, an independent family-run funeral firm based in Burton-upon-Trent recently took delivery of a quality used Vito complete with a brand new ‘Rise&Fall’ deck from Superior UK Automotive Ltd. The removal vehicle joins the firm’s Binz Mercedes hearse and two Binz Mercedes limousines purchased in May 2022 completing their matching fleet of metallic grey Mercedes vehicles and making T.J.Parry the first Funeral Director in the area with a fully grey fleet.
Tim Parry, founder and Managing Director of the firm was 14 years old when he began working in the industry and after gaining his qualifications and valuable experience with two other funeral companies he decided to set up on his own. In 2018, when Tim was just 19 years old, T.J.Parry & Family Funeral Directors Ltd was launched to provide a trusted, bespoke and personal service for the local communities.
Tim was the first funeral director in the Parry family, however, over the last five years his Mother, father and cousin have all joined the business. Outside of funerals, the Parry family are car enthusiasts and keenly involved in motorsport therefore selecting the right vehicles for their funeral fleet was of utmost importance. Tim explains why a Superior Vito was the natural choice for his firm.
“We were using a Mercedes E-Class and wanted to upgrade to a Vito removal vehicle – the business demands we have one”, said Tim, adding, “I called Greg Platt at Superior and we discussed a pristine used Vito in the same metallic grey as the rest of our fleet ready to be fitted out and transformed into a professional removal vehicle.”
Tim opted for bespoke windows, LED lights, VIP appointments and ‘Rise&Fall’ decking in burnt strand. Tim commented “They pulled out all the stops and Greg was spot on from start to finish”, he added, “We are over the moon with our finished vehicle – it makes bringing people into our care so much easier – our staff love it.”
Following the delivery of the firm’s stunning Superior Vito, another exciting addition to the fleet has been revealed – a beautiful vintage Daimler DS420 hearse which has starred in various films and TV programmes including ITV’s popular true crime drama White House Farm (2020). Tim commented, “Our vintage Daimler alongside our beautiful Mercedes fleet sets us apart from other funeral directors by offering a unique alternative; we also have another exciting hearse on the way but we are keeping that one tightly under wraps for now.”
Although the details of the second ‘alternative’ hearse will not be unveiled until later this year, a distinct and beautiful fleet that reflects the Parry family’s discerning taste in cars is already in full force.
Tim added, “We are very proud of all our vehicles – we aim to deliver excellence and so do the team at Superior – they put the same detail, care and attention into their vehicles as we do our funerals.”