A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM GERALD EMORY, SR., AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives learned of their loss when William Gerald Emory, Sr., went home to be with the Lord on March 26, 2023; and

 

Whereas, born on January 20, 1937, he was the son of the late Alice and Joseph Emory of Clifton, and he graduated from Cowpens High School in 1955 and earned a bachelor's degree in textile engineering from Clemson University in 1959, the university's first co-ed class; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Emory worked over twenty years for Milliken and went on to an entrepreneurial career in various advertising companies.  He worked at Emory Group with his son Michael into his eighties and enjoyed going into the office every day after his sausage biscuit and senior coffee at Hardees; and

 

Whereas, he met the love of his life, Martha, while she was attending Winthrop College, and they were married in 1960 and stayed happily married until her untimely death in 1991.  Together they reared three fine children; William G. "Jerry" Emory, Jr., and his wife, Lee Ann, live in Seneca; Beth Emory Zinkevicz and her husband, Scott, live in York, Maine; and Michael Emory and his wife, Sarah, live in Spartanburg; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Emory was blessed to see his loving family legacy continue in his grandchildren: William G. "Trey" Emory III of Atlanta, Georgia; Tyler Emory of San Francisco, California; Alex and Lindsey Zinkevicz of York, Maine; and Martha Carol, Sam, and Alice Emory of Spartanburg; and

 

Whereas, as a first-generation college graduate of Clemson University, he was proud to have his three children, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren to graduate from Clemson.  He wore his Clemson ring proudly every day of his life; and

 

Whereas, a strong believer in Jesus Christ, Gerald and Martha attended Fernwood Baptist Church, and he was later a member of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg for many years and was active in Sunday school there. He served as the president of the First Monday Club for many years and was active in Women's First Thursday at First Baptist Church; and

 

Whereas, after Martha's death in 1991, Mr. Emory met Devue Moore who was his companion for many years until her passing in 2012; and

 

Whereas, he enjoyed ham radio and was deeply interested in politics and local law enforcement.  He was at his best working behind the scenes, helping and mentoring others, and he prided himself on knowing the right people to make things happen; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Gerald Emory and for the example of serving and caring he set for all who knew him.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of William Gerald Emory, Sr., and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of William Gerald Emory, Sr.

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