Joseph Emory

Joseph Fenton Emory of Abilene went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Joseph was born July 24, 1934 to Fred and Viola Mitchell Emory in Hopewell, VA. He was the fourth of ten children. Joseph moved to Abilene in 1956 and married Arlene Johnson, his wife of 53 years. Joseph was a radio operator in the U.S. Air Force for four years. After his military career he dedicated himself for an additional four years in the Reserves and worked in sales until his retirement. He enjoyed Karaoke singing, horseshoes, coin collecting, and playing harmonica. Through all, his faith in God remained strong as did his love for family and friends who continued to love and nurture him. He was a member of First Methodist Church for over 50 years. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Emory; his four brothers; and four sisters.

Joseph is survived by his children, Deanne Gilligan and husband Darin of Waco, TX, Linda Spraggins and husband Clint of Plano, TX, Karen Greak and husband Nolan of Lubbock, TX, Daniel Emory and wife Camille of Richardson, TX, Sherrie Spake and husband Brad of Abilene, TX; nine grandchildren, Lindsey McEntire and husband Jeremmy of Millsap, TX, Kendra Graber of Richardson, TX, Allison Chouinard and husband Nicolas of Dallas, TX, Alex Graber and wife Kymberly of Waukesha, WI, Lauren Uryasz and husband Michael of Lubbock, TX, Amelia Emory of Dallas, TX, Rebekah Schlemmer and husband Kirk of Waco, TX, Rachel Boler and husband Taylor of Waxahachie, TX, and Kate Emory of Killeen, TX; eight great-grandchildren, Jaxx McEntire, Adissen McEntire, Aria Greer, William Uryasz, Caroline Uryasz, Nora Chouinard, Arlo Graber, Josephine Schlemmer, and three more great grandsons on the way; and his sister, Jean Klootwyk and husband Johnny of Chesterfield, VA.   

Visitation will be 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Monday, May 6, 2024 at First Methodist Church, 202 Butternut in Abilene. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Visiting Angels, Alpha Omega Hospice, and First Methodist Church.