John Edward Emery Sr.

BMC/DV John Edward Emery, Sr., USN Ret. 69, of Moncks Corner, went to meet Jesus, Friday October 14, 2016, after receiving communion and a rendition of Amazing Grace surrounded by his family and friends. John was born October 21, 1946 in Seattle, WA to the late Patricia Rose and Cecil Emery. A family trip around the world at age 13 inspired him to his naval career. He first joined the Merchant Marines and eventually the United States Navy in 1968. He met his bride of 47 years shortly thereafter and they wed on May 3, 1969. During his Navy career as a Deep Sea Saturation Diver he traveled to many coastal stations and even did a 2 year tour with his family to Holy Loch, Dunoon, Scotland. He retired from active duty in 1989. He continued to travel the country in his second career as a truck driver until semi retiring this past year and working a local hardware store. While his work defined what he did, his God defined who he was. He was rarely seen without wearing his hat that read, “John 3:16.” He grew into a wonderful spiritual leader and was an active member serving as an elder in his church, SonRise Christian. Even through his illness and until the very end, he proclaimed “Trust God.” He was the devoted husband to Sandra Lee Mitchell Emery of Moncks Corner, SC; beloved father of John Edward Emery, Jr. (Tammy), Richard Russell Emery (Ava) both of Orangeburg, SC, and Cathleen Renee Brittain (James) of Hanahan, SC; loving brother to Linda Schnarr (Joseph) of Rancho Mirage, CA, Tom Emery (Kay) of Rockledge, FL; cherished grandfather of Shawna Paige, April Michelle, Leslie Laurence, Thomas Weslie, Justuss Lee, Shianna Rae, Ian Levi, Summer Laine, Montana Skye, April Grace (Dewayne), Richard Russell, Jr, Collin Edward, Evan Lenaire, Patricia Renee (Brandon), Rachael Michelle; adored great grandfather to Eli Alexander, Elaina Renee, Zohie Rayne, and Chloe Raylynn; and treasured uncle of his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Kathleen Louise, his brother Cecil James, and his grandson Hagan Cecil. A funeral service will be held, Thursday, October 20th 2016, at 7:00 pm at SonRise Christian Church, 102 Myers Road, Summerville, SC. The family will receive friends, one hour prior to the service at 6:00 pm, also at the church. A graveside service will be held Friday, October 21, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Beaufort National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SonRise Christian Church Building Fund www.sonrisechristianonline.com/give, or MUSC Hollings Cancer Center www.hollingscancercenter.org