ERNEST CHARLES EMERY

Ernest Charles Emery, 89 of Rural Valley quietly passed away August 8, 2010 at Altmeyer's Country Rest Home. Ernie was born Dec. 16, 1920 in Yatesboro. In his early childhood his family moved to Rural Valley where he would live the rest of his life. The son of Michael and Anna (Dudash) Emery became a fierce and independent man. He dished out love and discipline in equal amounts. Ernie's most amazing accomplishment was "that his family will always love and respect him".

Ernie graduated from Rural Valley High School (class of 1939); the he played football, basketball and baseball. He was most proud of the 1938 undefeated football team where he played the position of center. After graduation he went to work for R&P Coal Company.

On Dec. 27, 1941 he married the love of his life Betty B VanDyke. During WWII he served in the Army Air Corp in Biloxi, Mississippi. He worked in maintenance on B-29 Bombers. He was an extremely proud veteran.

After the war Ernie continued to work in the mines until 1955 when he founded E&R Television in Kittanning. For the next thirty five years he enjoyed working and interacting with his customers. A devoted father and grandfather, he enjoyed his family and friends. Ernie loved all sports, especially golf. He was an accomplished golfer and enjoyed describing every shot he played during eighteen holes. Ernie also enjoyed the nineteenth hole with his friends and buddies. Bostonia Country Club was a special place to Ernie and Betty. Above all Ernie enjoyed spending time with his wife of 63 years.

He is survived by two sons; Ernest, Jr. and wife Joann of Raleigh, NC and Jack and wife Linda of Rural Valley. One Grandson Scott Emery and wife Dara of Raleigh, NC and three granddaughters; Wendy and husband Christoph Hudack of Oakmont, PA, Lisa and husband Rob Mosher of Boone, NC and Jaclyn and husband Eric Parks of Elderton. Four Great Grandsons, Christoph Hudack, Jace and Sammy Parks, Dominic Emery and one great granddaughter Hannah Hudack.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Michael Emery, Jr. and one sister Agnes Sicheri.

Her was a member of the Rural Valley Methodist Church, life member of the Kittanning Elks, American Legion Post 523 and the Rural Valley Lions Club, where he was the King Lion in 1962.

Ernie had a strong work ethic and embraced life to the fullest. His last wishes was that he would be allowed to go quietly with no public viewing. A private graveside service will be held at the Rural Valley Cemetery.