Emil Hamilton Emanuel

Rock Hill, SC – Emil Hamilton Emanuel of Chandler Place Independent Living in Rock Hill passed away June 18, 2024 at the age of 97.5.
Emil was born in Lancaster, SC and lived there all but the last three years of his life. Emil was preceded in death by his parents, Philip Hamilton and Mary Hough Emanuel, his wife, Julia Johnson Emanuel, three brothers, Phil, Ben, and Bill Emanuel, and a grandson, Edward Emanuel. He is survived by his four children, Emil Emanuel, Jr (Gervais) of Clemson, SC, Randy Emanuel (Cindy) of York, SC, Julie Emanuel Williams (Dan) of Lexington, SC and Stan Emanuel (Julie) of Rock Hill, SC. five Grandchildren, four Great Grandchildren, and several nephews and nieces.
Emil graduated from Lancaster High School and attended Vanderbilt University on a Scholarship until he was called to serve in WWII. Having grown up in the family jewelry business, BC Hough Jewelers, he eventually went to a watchmaking school in Tampa, Fl to learn how to repair all types of watches and clocks. He returned to Lancaster to work with his family, but he eventually went out on his own and started Emanuel's Jewelers. The business was renamed Emanuel Brothers Jewelers after his brother joined him in the business a few years later. He eventually sold out his interest and left to pursue a career as a Sales Rep for the next 25 years or so, primarily in the furniture business, traveling as many as seven states in the Southeast. His last twenty working years were with Bernhardt Furniture Company. At least seven of those years, he was recognized as Salesman of the Year.
Emil loved music and played drums most of his life, including playing in several bands in SC. He also sang in the Adult Church Choir, played handbells, and taught children's Sunday School at Covenant Baptist Church, where he was a founding member. Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending time at his beach house in Cherry Grove as well as with his family. He also traveled extensively with his wife both in the US and abroad. Emil was also known to make house calls to repair Antique Clocks. He was a former member of The Lancaster Rotary Club, The Lancaster Jaycees, and was recently recognized for 74 consecutive years of membership in The American Legion. He was a big proponent of education and talked frequently about having the opportunity to serve on a committee with The Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce that made the recommendation to pursue a branch of University of SC in Lancaster now known as USC Lancaster.
There will be a graveside service at 2:00 PM on June 23, 2024 at Lancaster Memorial Park. Family will greet friends after the service.
Memorials may be made to The Educational Foundation of USC Lancaster noting on the memo line Emanuel Family Scholarship and mailed to USC Lancaster, Attn Shana Dry, PO Box 889, Lancaster, SC 29721 or to Covenant Baptist Church, 165 Craig Manor Road, Lancaster, SC 29720.
Condolences can be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net