Grady Melton Emerson, Garland, Texas, passed away June 16, 2013, at the wonderful age of 103. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, March 6, 1910, he moved with his parents to the Concord community where he was raised and lived until he graduated from high school. Upon his graduation, he left the small community of Concord and left for an adventure in the “big city” of Dallas. He held several positions in Dallas and his last endeavor found him as a skilled machinist with Raytheon for over 36 years where he retired in 1973. Upon retirement, he moved back to his “roots” and settled in Greenville, Texas, where he lived until 2008. He spent the last five years of his life in Garland, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley and Laura Emerson; his five brothers, Jesse, Walden, Pat, Ben and Joe; and his sisters ,Betty Dodd, and Lettie Casteel. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Emerson of North Richland Hills, (formerly of Dallas); nephews and niece, James Emerson and wife ,Sharon, of Garland; Rev. Dara Austin and husband, Randy, of North Richland Hills; Gary Casteel and wife Donna, of Austin; The Honorable Rex Emerson and wife Kelli, of Kerrville; several great nieces and great nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews.
Grady was known as a man of “few words” and the loving patriarch of the Emerson family. His heart for his family was his priority and he was a loving and caring son for his late mother; a caregiver and loving brother to his siblings; and a good friend and neighbor to all who knew him.
He had a passion for sports and was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers. In addition, he loved to attend the horse races and was an active fan until his 100th birthday.
One of his favorite pastimes was playing dominoes with his friends and if you couldn’t find him at the domino table, he could be found at his favorite eating establishment in Greenville, Ruby’s Diner, where he was a long time patron.
The family would like to thank Abba Care Assisted Living in Garland, Texas, for their extraordinary love and care during the past five years.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 21, at 10:00 am at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home in Greenville, with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at Coker-Mathews, with the Rev. Dara Austin officiating.
If desired, memorials may be made to a charity of choice.