John Coy Emory, 99, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 8, 2013, at Brian Center in Eden.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, January 11, at First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Lawson Cemetery.
Mr. Emory was born July 27, 1913 in Leaksville, NC, son of the late Elbridge and Frances Williamson Emory. He was a member of First Baptist Church and a member of The Fraternal Order of Redmen, Tribe 28. Mr. Emory was the retired owner of Sealtest Dairy and Grill.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Lawrence Emory of Eden; three children, Sylvia E. Pulliam and husband, Gene of Ridgeway, VA, John Emory, Jr. and wife, Lea of Richmond, VA and Frances Emory of Morehead City; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, E. F. "Jimmy" Emory, one sister and five brothers.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening, 6 - 8 PM at Fair Funeral Home
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 533 Greenwood Street, Eden, NC 27288; or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
It is impossible to think of the Emory family without being flooded with memories of the Sealtest and the happy hours spent there. When we would return to Eden from where we lived and go to Sealtest, there was always a warm greeting as well as great food. And Sylvia, when she was working, would come sit for a visit with my wife and me. Jimmy was a good friend and a great guy. My deepest sympathies to Sylvia and my Sealtest Society buddy John and the rest of the family. May God's peace be with you and may His comfort strengthen you. Jim Adkins
James ("Jimmy") Adkins
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of great loss. Mr. Emory was such a sweet and quiet man. Bless his heart, he is dancing and singing in heaven right now.
Jo Ann Cannon
Dr. Emory and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please know that you are remembered by friends and we offer our support . Mary Briley
Mary Briley
Dear Fran, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a parent is difficult no matter how old that parent may be. You are in our thoughts, Mark & Jeanette
Mark Johnson
Dear Fran: Please know that we are thinking of you and your family at this time. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Mary & Johnny Schronce
I have only known Mr. Emory for a short while, but for the time that I have known him, he has been an inspiration to me. Regardless of hardship, he would have a smile on his face. He would come to church when he could and lift people up with his faithful spirit. He will be missed here on Earth, but boy did Jesus get an angel. Dance with Jesus Mr. Emory. Dance with Jesus.
Chuck
My prayers and condolences are with you at this time. I know that John is celebrating in heaven today. I will be remembering Ruth and your family in prayer. Debra Wilson
debra wilson
Sylvia, this is "Tuffy" and wife in New Bern...So sorry to hear about your Daddy, but John lived a full and productive life. Shirley and I stayed close to Jimmy and Marvel during Jimmy's last days and thank God for the opportunity. Deepest sympathies to you and the other family members. We were so glad that John and you and others kept "Sealtest" going as long as you could. God bless you all. Tuffy and Shirley
Keith Hundley
John sorry about your lost, give my condolence to all your Family and God bless you all. Sam wilmoth
Sam Wilmoth
Prays go out to the Dr. Emory and her family. I pray that at this time of sorry that you know that he is resting in the loving arms of the Father. Love Tanya Farrar & Family
Tanya Farrar
On Monday you and I spoke of your father. Please give my condolences to your mother and other extended family. I pray that the peace that we all need to come to surrounding death finds you quickly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela Wyche
John and Lea-Sorry to hear about John's Dad. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gab and Michael Roberts
So sorry to hear of Uncle John's passing. So many of my NC memories include Uncle John, Aunt Ruth, and all of the Emory families. Brunswick stew, Sealtest, Fieldcrest Canon. Please take comfort in knowing Grandma (Louise) is there to guide him through his next journey. With much Love, Robyn (Moore) Frazier and Family
Robyn (Moore) Frazier
Our sincere condolences to all of the Emory family - We will never forget the good times we had when we were dating and later eating breakfast every morning with our two boys at the Sealtest. Thank you for the memories! Wayne, Dot & Robbie Johnson
Dot Johnson
What a gift Mr Emory was to his family. So sorry for the loss. Nancy Barnes
Nancy B
Our deepest sympathy to the Emory family. They will be in out thoughts and prayers.
Ken & Margo Brown
Dear Sylvia, Mrs. Emory and family.... Wow...Mr. Emory was an Eden legacy! Sorry to hear that he has left us behind here on Earth, but know that he is in a much better place to enjoy eternal peace with no pain. He will be greatly missed....I still think he should be standing behind that counter at the Sealtest cooking at the grill. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherry Lemons Aheron
John and Fran, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He and your mom have meant so much to our generation in Eden. Their 'Sealtest' was such an icon in our lives. We will miss him and will be praying for your mom and your family. Frank Setliff
Frank Setliff
There has never been finer neighbors than the Emory's. When we would see him walking around the block even in his 90's it put us to shame. He will be loved and missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and especially Ruth. May God keep all of you in the Palm of His Hand.
Peggy & Gaylord Dix
John was one of the kindest, most gentle, men I have ever known. He and Ruth almost breathed with the same breath. It was my pleasure to know him.
Lura Southard
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Charles & Karen Yarbrough
Emory's and the Sealtest go hand in hand and still today as folks pass the establishment, all the Emory's come to mind. What wonderful thoughts of you all, we have. Sylvia, John, Fran and Mrs. Emory, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. Emory will be dearly missed.
Bruce Lee
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this most difficult time. I was fortunate to live in the same neighborhood as the Emorys. They have always been such an inspirration to everyone who knows them.
Elaine H.Colvin
To Fran and the rest of the Emory Family, It was with deep sorrow that I read of the passing of an Irving Ave. ICON. Mr. Emory was a true inspiration to all of us growing up on Irving Ave. Then as teenagers he and Ms. Emory kept that inspiration going at the Sealtest. The Grant family wishes to express our heart felt condolences and prayers to the Emory family.
C.D. Grant
What a kind and gentle man. I truly enjoyed getting to know him, and I know he is resting with Jesus. May God Bless you all during this time.
Buzzy Lawson
John, sorry to here about your dad. I know what's it's like to loose a father. Give my condolences to your family. I'll be praying for you in the days ahead.
Wade & Dana Rorrer
There has never been finer neighbors than the Emory's. When we would see him walking around the block even in his 90's it put us to shame. He will be loved and missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and especially Ruth. May God keep all of you in the Palm of His Hand.
Peggy & Gaylord Dix
To Dr. Fran Emory and family, My dearest sympathies and love to you and your family during this time. Hold the memories close and they will warm your heart.
Brenda Reash
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mr. Emory was a real kind gentleman. I think of Mr. and Mrs. Emory every time I drive passed the Sealtest alot of good memories!
Faye Hill Holt
Johnny, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was a great man. Everyone always looked up to him as an example of how to live and be a great father. I know the hurt is nearly unbearable and I sympathize with you and the family. Tell your mom, Sylvia,and Frances,I send my love. Alfred
Alfred Ellington
Dr. Emory and Family, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Barbara Bradshaw
Barbara Bradshaw
We have lost a great man and I am sad for the whole family. My love goes out to Ruth and her children in this time of grief. Like most of us, I have so many great memories of John that I will cherish.
Charles Snellings
John & Lea, our condolences go to you both and all of your family. We both have lost our Dads and know the pain it brings to your hearts. To know that we will see them again one day brings back the joy and great anticipation. Your Dad and your Mom have blessed countless people with their sweet spirit all through the years....AND, of course, had the BEST hotdogs in the world!!
Wade & Skippy Carter
Leave A Condolence Below For The Family Of John Coy Emory:Fill out the form below and Fair Funeral Home will forward this message to the deceased's family and post it on our website. All condolences are reviewed for content before being posted live.
