John Robert Emory, Sr.

John R. Emory, Sr., 85, of Asheville, died Monday, July 7, 2008, at Golden Living Center. He was born in Grainger County, TN, the son of the late Ben and Nettie Collette Emory. He has lived in Buncombe County for most of his life. Mr. Emory retired as Finishing Services Manager at Drexel Furniture after a career of more than 20 years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Ray Emory; two sons, John R. Emory, Jr. and wife Gail, and David Rick Emory and wife Sandra; one daughter, Barbara Freeman and husband, Clyde, all of Asheville; two brothers, Bill Emory and wife, Catherine and Charles Emory and wife, Evelyn, all of Weaverville; grandchildren, Layla Emory, Aaron Emory, Brittiany Emory, and Sabrina Sprinkle, and two great-grandchildren, Haley and Malana. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Harriett King, Bobbie Jean Bryan and Opal Styles and two brothers, Jackie Emory and Carroll Emory. The graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Green Hills Cemetery with the Rev. Willard James Pruitt officiating. Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or to Manna Food Bank, 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville, NC 28805.