Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Charles Emmerke Obituary
'Buddy'
BIRMINGHAM, AL -- Mr. Emmerke died on August 10, 2009, at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham, AL. He is survived by his loving wife Francis Payne Emmerke, and siblings Sharon (Jack) McGinn and Marilyn Bennett; his children, Marc Emmerke, Chris (Sherry) Emmerke, Jim (Laura) Payne, Burt (Diane) Payne, Elizabeth Payne, and Hunter Payne; and many grandchildren, Carey and Christian Emmerke, Derek and Tonya Emmerke, Angie and Thomas Payne, Winston and Collier Payne. Other close relatives include Brian McPhillips, Elaine Faulkner, and Jay (Heidi) McGinn.
Buddy Emmerke graduated from Myers Park High School in 1956. Although he attended college at NC State, he later became the ultimate UNC Tarheels fan. He organized and became one of the original Catalina's musical group who earned their right to fame in the Carolina's in the 1950's and 1960's. His first love was his family and friends who always call him 'Coach.' Buddy had an insatiable appetite and desire for music and reading. He had a marvelous sense of humor that made him loved by all that knew him. Buddy was brought from the Carolina's to Birmingham in the 70's by Michelin Tire and he recently worked for Perfect Service Heating and Air for the last several years. He will be terribly missed by all his friends and family.
Please join the family in remembrance of Buddy Emmerke's life at Chelsea Chapel, Chelsea, AL 35043, at 2pm on Wednesday August 12, 2009. For information and directions, please go to www.chelseaweddingchapel.com. This is a Celebration of Life event and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up at Regions bank for Charles 'Buddy' Emmerke.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Emmerke
Thomas Payne
September 20, 2009
Buddy would want us to think of ourselves as thermostats rather than thermometers. the moral is that instead of just observing problems we should change them!
Valerie Reese
September 20, 2009
Buddy, a dear friend to all- When he stepped into a room he`d light the whole place up, With his black cowboy hat and his $million dollar$smile. Buddy always knew what to say when you were feeling down, He`d lift your spirts up whenever he was around. To know him is to love him There will never be another His wife, he loved with all of his heart, There was no one else above her. His children each and every one knew they were deeply loved. For he made no bones about it, Still they were the twinkle in his eye. For now we say goodbye to a dear Friend. Buddy, You will be dearly missed, As we sing a WHISKEY LULLABY And bid a farewell Kiss.
Rosie Coronado
September 20, 2009
This is not goodbye-just God`s promise of tomorrow, Although our lives are grieving-Our hearts loaded with sorrow! You left so suddenly-All of us sadly sigh, I watched you leave going home-Didn`t know it was toward the sky! Jesus took your hand Buddy-A man so dedicated, loyal and true, and never meeting a stranger - Buddy we are all so overwhelmed - We are sadly missing You! I hear you singing thru the pearly gate - Come all don`t stray or you`ll be late! Please watch over Buddy God - Oh how he loves to sing, All the Angels in the band - I can hear the bells ring! God when I pass on thru the gate - I hear him singin yet, I`ll sing with him the song he asked - Golden Rings - George and Tammy duet- Watch over us Buddy
Linda Wood
September 2, 2009
Dear Family of Buddy Emmerke,
I had the pleasure of meeting Buddy at the drive thru window at the bank. He was a wonderful man, always had a kind word for us and loved his country music especially Alan Jackson. We will miss him and was so sad to hear of his passing just today. We will miss his smile and thoughts for the day.
Frances Emmerke
August 26, 2009
I want to thank everyone that has signed Buddys Guest Book. Very meaningful to me and I very much appreciate it. He was a joy a fine man and I love him and miss him terribly.
August 21, 2009
Dear Sharon, The news of Buddy's death was e-mailed to me by a classmate. I am so sorry and send my sympathy. I spoke to Buddy at our 50th high school reunion. My thoughts are with you. Molly Short Sparger
Inge Tingle
August 20, 2009
Buddy was truly one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He always had a good story to tell and loved good music. He will be missed as a friend and a neighbor.
August 19, 2009
my loving brother in-law. i will miss our talks and laughter. go heels! love . jack mcginn
Laura
August 18, 2009
Dear Frances,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Rex Gillespie
August 17, 2009
Coach was a special man. He never judged and he was always supportive. He was a special friend and I know if there is a microphone in heaven he is up there singing Mack the knife right now.
Sherry Emmerke
August 15, 2009
Buddy will live in my heart forever. I loved him very much and will miss him every day of my life. He was my "Coach", my best friend and the best Father to my husband and Grandfather my to children that I could ever wish for. He made our life wonderful.
Buddy's Favorite Spot on the Patio
August 15, 2009
Renate and Frank Leister
August 15, 2009
Renate and I had the pleasure of getting to know Buddy on the patio at the last reunion. It was a memorable conversation about a range of subjects. He will be missed! Our condolences to his family for their loss.
August 14, 2009
I have thought about Buddy and the Catalina's so many times over the years. My older brother Gerry, and Bob Meyer were best friends in high school (both Gerry and Bob are now deceased). I guess they are all up in heaven singing together again.
My deepest sympathy to the family. He will be deeply missed.
Judy Suttle Beaver MPHS '60
Jacksonville, Florida
Beth Waller Caldwell
August 14, 2009
I am so sad about the loss of Buddy. Not only was he a school mate and friend, he was a fellow church member when we were growing up. When the Catalinas started up, I was dating a member of the group. Buddy was always so much fun. He will be missed by his many friends and family.
Joe Wearn
August 14, 2009
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family he leaves behind. He was a great man and a wonderful classmate. Joe '56 and Pat Wearn
August 13, 2009
Our relationship began at the
Record Bar at Park Rd Shopping center
we became friends, due to that friendship ,always, Buddy made sure I got a free pass to any Catalina's event. could anything be better than the Catalina's and a cold beer.
even with OC and John Reid in Attendance.
My most sincere condolences,
Mike Hovis Green Mountain, NC
Cissy Murdaugh Van Balen
August 13, 2009
My days at Myers Park High School (1957-1959) would not have been as wonderful as they were without Buddy and the music of The Catalinas. Buddy, thank you for the great times and cherished memories.
And to Buddy's loving family, I pray that you experience God's presence, love and support as you mourn your loss of Buddy. He was one of a kind.
Pat Willingham Zarantonello
August 13, 2009
We fellow Myers Park High School students will always remember Buddy. He stood out in a croud and was always enthusiastic about everything that he did. We had a great 50th reunion a few years ago and had a chance to catch up. It was great to see him and remember the good old days. We will miss him at the next one. To his family; please accept my condolences.
Pat Willingham Zarantonello
Pete Hamilton
August 13, 2009
As a high school classmate of Buddy (MPHS 56), I always enjoyed him and although we never knew each other after graduation, I am saddened to learn of his passing. He was a great guy, and the world is a lesser place for his having left us. My condolences to his family. Pete Hamilton, Buena Vista, VA
August 13, 2009
To the whole
Emmerke family and especially you Sharon,
We send our love,
The BBBs
Joseph Soldati
August 13, 2009
Although I had not seen Buddy for more than 50 years, I remember him well--his humor and love of music. I can still hear the music of THE CATALINAS, for whom my brother, John, was the drummer. Not having around a man who loved music so much is a loss for all of us. My condolences to his family.
Bill Bolen
August 13, 2009
I knew Buddy from the original Catalinas with Bob Meyer, O.C. Gravitte, July Westmoreland, Sidney Smith, Markham Alexander...... that goes back to the 50s. Buddy was always nice to Nat Speir and me. He was a great entertainer and counterpart to Bob. So sorry to hear about his passing.
Bill Bolen ( Chapel Hill, NC)
Beverly Knight
August 13, 2009
I had the pleasure of singing with Buddy and the Catalinas when they first started out. What a hightlight, though brief, in my life. He was always so encouraging. My sympathy to all of his family and many, many friends
Gene & Beverly (Kelly) Knight
August 12, 2009
My husband and I both graduated from Myers Park High School in 1958 and 1959. Buddy and the Catalinas were a big part of our high school experience. He was a great guy and one that Jerry and I both remember fondly. Our sympathy to all his family.
Agnes and Jerry Venable
Lew Patton
August 12, 2009
Sharon: Regrets on loss of Buddy. A great memory. and one that surfaces
more than you might expect is living on Cottage Pl. and The Catalinas practiced with the Smiths who lived on Middleton Pl (they were in my backyard). Great break while raising crop of kids. Had hard time convincing Mrs. Smith they were not bothering us, and we WANTED them to play. Best to you and Jack,
Christine Farnan Griffin
August 12, 2009
To all Buddy's family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Buddy was a wonderful singer and a fantastic all-around man.
I've know Buddy since high school. When the Catalinas first started, they used to practice at my house because I had a tape recorder.
Everyone here in Charlotte will miss Buddy dearly.
My Sympathies to the family
Christine Farnan Griffin
August 12, 2009
To all Buddy's family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Buddy was a friend and I've known him since high school. Buddy and the Catalinas practiced in my home when they were first starting out because I had a tape recorder.
Buddy was really into his music and a fantastic all-around guy. We will certainly miss him.
Winborne Springs
August 12, 2009
Buddy was a true representative of the spirit or Myers Park High School. My brother, Manley, was in his class.
Blessings,
Winborne Springs, Class of 1955.
Melton Robertson
August 12, 2009
I worked with Buddy at Perfect Service and I never have known a more optimistic and happy person in my life.
Lynne Perkins Cole
August 12, 2009
Dear Francis -I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Sounds like he was an outstanding person. He was very lucky as well to have such a special and beautiful wife. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
Janet & Bob Tourtellot
August 12, 2009
Those of us who were lucky to be in Myers Park High School in Charlotte in the 50's, and to have heard the start up of a wonderous group called the Catalinas, know that Buddy Emerke and his group were the very essence of wonderful, wonderful beach music and the Carolinas. We remember the "Grand Roundup" of all the MPHS classes 1951-1960 when the original Catalinas preformed for us. I remember them hitting those notes with perfection ~ and not a one of us including "the boys" had a dry eye.
Moments to remember as long as we have a breath left.
Mr. Eller was there and said that we were the lucky ones, to our class of 1957 ~ the Catalinas started their group in our junior year at the senior class follies...so we were lucky in more ways than one.
So many memories of Buddy and school. As I read his obituary, I could not help but hum ..."the day the music died..."
To sister Sharon we send long-distance love as do we to all his family. He was a very special, special boy to a lot of us.
August 12, 2009
I will miss Buddy very much. I did'nt get to see him often the last few years, but we worked together at one time. Noboby I know has a more possitive attitude than Buddy, even on bad day's. Now that I think about it, I don't think Buddy ever had a bad day! Your passion for life will be missed. ( GO TARHEELS ) thats for you Buddy
Vickie Cobb-Holland
August 12, 2009
I don't think you could meet Buddy and Francis and not come away with a smile and a great time. The love they shared was something we all wish we could have. I am so sorry Francis!
Kym Boruoghs
August 11, 2009
I will miss Buddy greatly. He always had a hug ready and waiting. His joy for life was contagous. He was one in a million!
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Emmerke's name
Memorial Events
for Charles Emmerke
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Emmerke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
