No one really knows Felix Bush (Robert Duvall), who lives as a hermit deep in the woods. Rumors surround him, such as how he might have killed in cold blood, and that he's deal with the Devil. So, the town is surprised when Felix shows up at Reverend Gus Horton's church with a fat wad of cash and requests a "living funeral" for himself, which Rev. Horton refuses to do. Frank Quinn (Bill Murray), the owner of the local, financially troubled, funeral parlor, covets Bush's money and agrees to advertise and help organize a funeral party. Townsfolk and others in the area are invited to come to the event and tell Felix Bush the stories they've heard about him. To ensure a good turnout, Bush insists upon a raffle, with his property as the prize; many people buy tickets.