John Robert "Bob" Emory Jr.
John Robert "Bob" Emory Jr.
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John Emory Obituary
He was preceded in death by his father, John Robert Emory, Sr. and mother, Margaret Ray Emory.
Bob was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. He served in Vietnam as a medic for the U.S. Army and later joined the Asheville Police Department. After years of service, he retired as a lieutenant. Bob was a commanding presence who worked hard, always remained professional, and upheld the standards of what an officer should be. He was an avid historian who took pleasure in enjoying a good cigar. He was a brilliant mind who loved chess, books, and music. He was soft spoken with a heart of gold and a unique sense of humor. After 53 years of living in North Asheville, Bob spent his final remaining years at Aston Park. Our family is eternally thankful to them for their care and compassion.
The family will be greeting friends at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. on Thursday, January 15, at 1:00 p.m., with a graveside service following at Green Hills Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
R. Scott Lunsford
January 16, 2026
John Robert "Bob" Emory, Jr.
Of mountain stone and southern grace,
He was first formed in Asheville's embrace.
A soldier's heart, a medic's hand,
He answered the call to a distant land.
Through Vietnam's ember, smoke, and fear,
he learned the cost of lives held dear.
He came back home, but not to rest;
a different calling he addressed.
A badge of blue, a solemn vow,
to serve the city, here and now.
From patrolman's watch to detective's art,
he played a crucial, steadfast part.
A Sergeant first, then a Lieutenant's role,
he took upon his steady soul.
A calm demeanor, voice so clear,
could quell a rising tide of fear.
On the Negotiation Team, he stood,
where understanding triumphs where few could.
He was a compass, strong and true,
for those who wore the serge and blue.
He set the standard, high and bright,
a benchmark in the darkest night.
A mentor's word, a leader's way,
that shaped man and women from day to day.
Beyond the badge, a mind so vast,
with knowledge from the present-past.
Of history's tides and literature's light,
he´d ponder over chessboard fights.
A move of pawn, a tale well-spun,
beneath the Carolina sun.
Fifty-five years, a loyal friend,
a husband on whom love depend.
A father to two daughters' pride,
with grandchildren gathered at his side.
A life of service, deep and grand,
held always by a family's hand.
So let the Blue Ridge mountains sigh,
and hold his memory where the hawks fly.
A great man walks in history's stream,
not just in fact, but in esteem.
For lives he touched with steady voice and hand,
are his eternal legacy in the living land.
John Morris
January 14, 2026
I thought very highly of Bob when I worked at the police department. He was always a stand up guy. Thank you for your service.
Kelly Waldroup
January 14, 2026
Bob is such a good man. Always soft spoken. Never knew the man to get upset. He was a great officer, and friend to many
Lynn Maxwell and Mark Wilson
January 14, 2026
Thank you for your service both military and law enforcement. You were a great leader and we enjoyed working with you.
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1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806
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