Man wins prize for building his own coffin

[October 22, 2008]  RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Grady Hunter will take his prize-winning entry in the N.C. State Fair to the grave. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that Hunter won a blue ribbon in this year's crafts and hobbies competition by making his own coffin.

"I'm tickled to death with it," Hunter told the newspaper.

Hunter, 75, wanted to improve on store-bought caskets, so he installed three inches of foam at the thinnest point, rising to 12 inches at the head to place his body on an incline. The case has hard-rock maple and Brazilian cherry. He also routed his signature into the wood.

On the inside of the lid, Hunter plans to pin pictures of his son, daughter and grandchildren, so he can take those with him.

Hunter has even lined up pallbearers for his funeral, and he's writing his own eulogy.

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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com/

[Associated Press]

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