William James "Bill" Emerick

Graveside services for Bill Emerick, 81, of Athens, have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Rose Lawn Memorial Park in Tyler. Following the graveside service, a memorial service is planned for 2:00 p.m. at Carroll Springs Community Church of Athens. The services will be officiated by Pastor Mike Johnston under the direction of Chandler Memorial Funeral Home.
Mr. Emerick passed away on April 24, 2024, in Tyler.
William James Emerick was born in Gregg County, Texas, on September 9, 1942. He was the son of James Johnson Shirley and Dorothy Lee (Lewis) Carrington. After graduating from John Tyler High School in 1960, he served in the United States Army. Following his service, Bill spent over 30 years working as an insurance salesman in the east Texas area before retiring. He was a member of the Carroll Springs Community Church in Athens and enjoyed spending time outdoors, tinkering, riding his tractor, going to garage sales, and working on his cars. Bill was a true gentleman with a charming southern draw. He was known for his sense of humor, kindness, and unwavering Christian faith. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by father and stepmother, James Johnson Shirley and Etta Mae Shirley; his mother and stepfather, Dorothy Lee Emerick-Carrington and JB Emerick; his stepmother, Etta Mae Shirley; his wife, Sue Ann Emerick; and his son, Jay Christopher Emerick.
Survivors include his wife, Charlene Emerick of Athens; his children, Nanette Beard of Tyler, Craig Emerick of Eustace, and Aimee Emerick of Fort Worth; his stepchildren, John Bailey of Palestine, Dale Bailey and wife Darlene of Frankston, and Deborah Hawkins of Athens; his stepsister, Jeanette Humphrey of Longview; his grandchildren, Brian Emerick, Brandon Emerick, Caden Keeling, Zander Keeling, and Hadley Keeling; along with numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Serving as pallbearers will be Kenneth Lookabaugh, Tommy Adams, Joe Dixon, Jason Cannon, Mike Wharton, and Charles Cranfill. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Butler, Jim Sherdon, and John Hall.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 3-5:00 p.m., at Chandler Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA or to the American Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Chandler Memorial Funeral Home family.