The need for a family owned and operated cemetery in the county was growing and it was the perfect spot. The location for Heritage Memorial Gardens was chosen because of the lands natural beauty and central county location. After the purchase, Heritage went to LLR to form Heritage Memorial Gardens Inc., a licensed Perpetual Care cemetery. After board approval Heritage established all of the care and maintenance trust funds required by LLR. Then grading got underway. The grading was performed by Thrift Brothers Inc. of Seneca SC.

As the grading continued the Sandifer’s spent countless hours trying to perfect the layout of the gardens. Each garden has its own unique feel. Some that overlook the mountains and lake, others with large trees planted for peace and tranquility. Heritage has 11 different gardens, ranging from veterans gardens to a family estate garden.

Heritage Memorial Gardens is designed to have as much of a natural land feel as possible. To date Heritage only has 30 acres developed with plenty of room for expansion as the need arises. With over 100 oak, maple and ginkgo trees throughout the gardens, families are able to have a more at home feeling.

In May of 1997 Heritage had its first burial and was officially open. In 2002 Heritage constructed a chapel mausoleum. With space for 1264 crypts and 72 niches it is the largest in the county. In 2016 as technology evolved Heritage became the first custom memorial design center. With all memorials being computer designed in house to customize each memorial for your loved ones. 90% of the products we use are made within a 100 mile radius. As of 2023 Heritage as 5 employees all born and raised in Oconee County.