Ernest R Emery

Ernest Emery (Brad) of Dunnellon Florida 1955-2024
Brad was unexpectedly called home by our father in heaven on Saturday, January 13, 2024. He relocated back to Florida after he and his wife Terry both sold their homes and created one together in Dunnellon, FL where they enjoyed fishing on Lake Rousseau. Brad was a true Renaissance man. He excelled in and loved bass fishing all of his life. From winning bass tournaments years ago to fishing with friends and family, he took his sport very seriously. He adored fishing, in later years, with his brother Mark, Uncle Bob, Scott, Scott Jr., Tommy, John, Kyle, and Eli, lifelong friend Mike LeFrance (Sparky), co-workers, and friends on Lake Rousseau.
He loved fishing on the Tennessee River years ago and hunting in the Tennessee Mountains, mostly with Shane and his oldest step-grandchild Dalton, whom he had taught the art of bass fishing and hunting who he so affectionately called Brad “Pops”, and recently enjoyed what will now be known as his last yearly Thanksgiving hunting trip to Tennessee. Brad was so proud of Dalton and the man he had become, due to him in part. During his last visit recently, he was able to enjoy staying with Dalton and wife Gracie and seeing their new home. Brad spoke of hanging in the man cave with Dalton, swapping knowledge and stories while preparing for the big days ahead. I could see that Brad’s heart was full after returning home, thank you for that Dalton. Also, Tara, Shane, Mandy, Peyton, Huxton, Camden, Wayne, Bonita, and all who made his last trip so special as he was allowed to leave with the fondest of memories.
He was well known for his delicious deer chili, deer sausage & gravy, bread & butter pickles and he enjoyed tilling his 40 ft garden where he grew tomatoes, green peppers, and scallion onions.
Brad worked as a heavy structural auto body technician all of his life (he loved cars), even working part-time after retirement. He worked 20 years with Marshall Mize Ford in Tennessee, and many years with Koons Ford in Hollywood, FL. Many sought his vast knowledge of new and old-school tech knowledge and his ability to solve problems for them in the auto body world. (Thus, the nicknames Modern & OG).
Many years ago in Hollywood, FL, family, and friends will remember Brad as the guy who gladly filled the freezers each year with his brother Mark for their parents Ernie and Mary’s annual Hollywood fish fry. I’m sure many family and friends will have many stories to tell of adventures with them as fishing partners who also helped fill the freezer and enjoyed the feast and activities (horseshoes) where we all were invited to enjoy their famous deep-fried beer battered bass & onion rings.
Brad was an old flame from many years ago who became a new flame once again. Becoming my loving, caring, hardworking, wonderful husband who spoiled me. Immediately following our vows, he said it best and simply “Finally”. I love him and will miss him terribly and always. I dedicate the song by Trisha Yearwood “How Do I Live…”
Preceding in death, parents Ernie and Mary Emery, (Uncle) Bob Keller, (Cousin) Scott Agnew, and Brother-in-law Thomas Hawks.
Survived by his wife, Terry Hawks, brother Mark & Christine Emery, nephew Steven & Brittney Emery, niece Lauren & Dustin Elliot, great niece Callie Rae Emery, great nephew Drake Emery, and many cousins. Stepdaughter Brandi McLees and son-in-law Scott McLees; eight step-grandchildren Jade Perez, Brinley and Scotty (Jr.) McLees; step-great grandson Josiah Moya; bonus step-daughter Tara Curtis; bonus step-son-in-law Shane Nunley; bonus step-great grandchildren Dalton Nunley, Peyton Curtis, Camden Nunley, and Huxton Nunley. Sister-in-law Vicki & Billy Homenuk and Brother-in-law John and Jean Hawks. Private cremation arrangements are under the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Cremation Care 3075 S. Florida AVE Inverness, FL 34450.
He will be missed by everyone, and forgotten by no one.