Funeral Speech Examples: How to Write a Meaningful Eulogy

Writing a eulogy is one of the most meaningful—and challenging—speeches you may ever give. You're honoring someone you loved while managing your own grief. This guide provides funeral speech examples, templates, and compassionate guidance for this difficult task.

What Is a Eulogy?

A eulogy is a speech that celebrates the life of someone who has passed away. It typically:

• Honors the person's memory
• Shares who they were
• Offers comfort to those grieving
• Creates a moment of shared remembrance

Who Gives a Eulogy?

• Close family members (children, siblings, spouse)
• Best friends
• Colleagues (for workplace memorials)
• Religious leaders
• Anyone who knew the person well

Eulogy Examples

Example 1: Eulogy for a Parent

For a Father

"My dad wasn't a man of many words. He showed love through actions—fixing things that weren't broken just to help, driving three hours to watch a 20-minute soccer game, and always, always being there when we needed him.

He taught me that showing up matters more than grand gestures. That integrity means doing the right thing when no one's watching. That the people you love should never have to wonder if you love them.

Dad had a way of making everyone feel important. Whether you were his boss or the new kid on the team, he treated you the same—with respect and genuine interest. I've had more people tell me this week how my father impacted their lives than I ever knew. He never mentioned any of it.

He wasn't perfect, and he'd be the first to tell you that. He was stubborn about directions—we got lost more times than I can count because he 'knew a shortcut.' He couldn't cook anything but scrambled eggs, though he insisted they were the best you'd ever have. He was right.

What I'll miss most is the quiet comfort of his presence. The way he'd put his hand on my shoulder when I was stressed and somehow things seemed more manageable. The sound of his laugh—once he got going, he couldn't stop.

Dad, you raised us to be kind, to work hard, and to always make time for family. We promise to carry those lessons forward. Save us a seat at the table. We'll meet you there someday."

For a Mother

"Mom always said she wasn't special—she was 'just a mom.' But there's no 'just' about it.

She was the one who made our house a home. The one who knew exactly when we needed a hug, a push, or space. She had this ability to see who we could become and love who we were at the same time.

She sacrificed more than we'll ever know. She worked full-time, raised three kids, cared for her parents, and somehow still made it to every recital, every game, every moment that mattered. When I asked her once how she did it all, she said, 'You don't count the cost when it's for the people you love.'

Mom loved fiercely. Her hugs could fix anything. Her belief in us carried us through things we didn't think we could handle. Her kitchen was always open—for food, for conversation, for tears.

She wasn't 'just a mom.' She was the center of our universe. And while the universe feels dimmer today, the love she gave us lights the way forward.

Mom, you can rest now. We've got it from here—because you prepared us for this. We love you forever."

Example 2: Eulogy for a Friend

"Jake and I met in sixth grade when he stole my lunch—not to eat it, but because he'd bet someone he could steal something from the new kid. He lost the bet, and I got my sandwich back with an apology and an invitation to sit at his table. That was Jake: always getting himself into situations and somehow making friends in the process.

He was the most alive person I've ever known. Not in a loud way—in the way he was fully present. When Jake asked how you were doing, he actually wanted to know. When he laughed at your joke, you felt like the funniest person alive.

He had a gift for making the ordinary feel like an adventure. A Tuesday night could turn into a road trip. A boring assignment became a challenge. He didn't let life happen to him—he lived it on purpose.

Jake struggled, too. He'd want me to be honest about that. He fought battles not everyone knew about. But he never let those battles define him, and he never stopped showing up for the people he loved.

The world is quieter without him. Less spontaneous. Less fun. But Jake would hate a sad funeral. He'd want us to tell the story about the time he [funny memory]. He'd want us to remember that life is short and precious and not to waste a second.

So that's what I'm going to do. Live like Jake did. Show up for my people. Say yes to adventure. And remember that every day is a gift—because Jake won't get any more of them.

Rest easy, my friend. Save me a spot."

Example 3: Eulogy for a Grandparent

"Grandma was 94 years old. She lived through things most of us only read about in history books. The Depression. The war. Changes in technology she couldn't have imagined as a girl on a farm with no electricity.

But when you asked her about her life, she didn't talk about the hard times. She talked about dancing with Grandpa at the county fair. About her children's first steps. About the summer all the cousins came to visit and nobody wanted to leave.

She had a way of finding joy in small things. Her garden. Her coffee every morning at exactly 7 AM. The way the light came through her kitchen window. She taught me that happiness isn't about having an easy life—it's about paying attention to the good parts.

Grandma also had standards. Her house was always immaculate. Her expectations for our behavior were clear. 'There's no excuse for unkindness,' she'd say. 'We lift people up in this family.' And we did, because she showed us how.

In her last weeks, we sat together a lot. She couldn't say much, but she'd hold my hand and sometimes smile. I'd tell her stories about the family—who got a new job, whose kids said something funny. I think she liked knowing we're okay.

Grandma, we're okay because of you. The values you planted in this family will grow for generations. The love you gave us doesn't end today—it just changes form.

Thank you for 94 years of showing us how to live."

How to Write a Eulogy

Step 1: Gather Memories

• Look through photos
• Talk to family and friends
• Make a list of stories and qualities
• Note specific phrases or sayings they used

Step 2: Choose Your Focus

• 2-3 defining qualities
• 1-2 stories that illustrate who they were
• Key relationships (family, friends, work)

Step 3: Structure Your Eulogy

Basic structure:

1. **Opening**: How you knew them, or a quality that defined them
2. **Stories/Memories**: Specific examples that show who they were
3. **Their impact**: How they affected others
4. **Closing**: Final tribute, goodbye, or message

Step 4: Write from the Heart

• Use your own voice
• Include specific details
• Balance humor and gravity
• Don't try to cover everything

Step 5: Practice

• Read it aloud several times
• Time yourself (aim for 3-5 minutes)
• Prepare for emotional moments
• Have a backup reader if needed

Tips for Delivering a Eulogy

Manage Your Emotions

• It's okay to cry
• Pause and breathe when needed
• Have tissues and water nearby
• Don't apologize for showing emotion

Connect with the Audience

• Make eye contact when you can
• Speak slowly and clearly
• Remember: everyone wants you to succeed
• You're all there for the same reason

Prepare for the Unexpected

• Print your speech in large font
• Bring a backup copy
• Ask someone to be ready to finish if needed
• Know it's okay to read directly from paper

Use Technology to Practice

• Get your timing right
• Settle into a calm pace
• Build familiarity with the words
• Gain confidence before the service

Eulogy Templates

Template 1: The Story-Based Eulogy

1. Opening story that captures who they were
2. What that story reveals about them
3. How they impacted your life
4. How they impacted others
5. Closing message to them

Template 2: The Qualities Eulogy

1. Opening statement about who they were
2. Quality #1 with story/example
3. Quality #2 with story/example
4. Quality #3 with story/example
5. Closing tribute

Template 3: The Timeline Eulogy

1. Early life and family
2. Defining moments/achievements
3. What they meant to family
4. Final years and legacy
5. Goodbye

What to Include (and What to Avoid)

Do Include: - Specific memories and stories - Their impact on others - Humor (if appropriate to who they were) - What made them unique - Honest acknowledgment of who they were

Avoid: - Controversial topics - Family conflicts - Embarrassing stories others wouldn't want shared - Excessive focus on how they died - Generic statements that could apply to anyone

Conclusion

Writing a eulogy is an act of love. It doesn't need to be perfect—it needs to be true. Share who this person was, what they meant to you, and why their life mattered.

The people gathered are there because they loved this person too. Your words will give them comfort, shared memory, and a moment to honor someone irreplaceable.

Preparing to deliver a eulogy? Download Mic Buddy to practice your delivery in private, at your own pace, until you feel ready to honor your loved one.