Ronald Ray Emery

Ronald Ray Emery, son of Arvel and Lois Cearley Emery, was born on May 22, 1948, in Vanzant, and departed his earthly home on Nov. 14, 2025, after a long-fought battle with cancer. He was 77 years, 5 months and 13 days old. Ronnie attended school until 8th grade at Vanzant and then graduated from Dora High School with the Class of 1966. After graduation, he went into the workforce, spending many years at Brown Shoe Factory. He then retired after several years from the maintenance department at Mountain Grove Schools. However, he never truly retired, because as a lifelong farmer, he would tell you the work never ends. On June 10, 1972, Ronnie was united in marriage to Sharon Curtis. Two children were born to this union, Rusty and Jeremy. They spent their time traveling, enjoying the lake with family and friends, and later spending time with their grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Ronnie loved the outdoors. He grew up riding horses and running his coon dogs. If he wasn’t on the farm cutting wood or feeding his cows, you could find him hunting, fishing, looking for mushrooms, or attending a Panther football game. He truly loved people and never met a stranger. Ronnie was saved and baptized and was a faithful member of the Willow Springs No. 2 Freewill Baptist Church in Vanzant, where he was a devoted Sunday School teacher. Ronnie loved the Lord and enjoyed the time he spent with his church family.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Arvel and Lois Emery; his brother, Larry Emery; and his father-in-law, Alva Curtis. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon Emery, and two children, Rusty Emery and wife, Amy, and Jeremy Emery and wife, Teri; and four grandchildren, Damon, Reagan, Addison and Isaiah Emery. He is also survived by one brother, Randy Emery and wife, Mickie; mother-in-law, Doris Gilley Clark; brothers-in-law, Larry Curtis and wife, Debbie, Gary Curtis and wife, Teresa; sisters-in-law, Debi Reed and husband, Marc, Shirley Fletcher and husband, Rick, and Linda Driver and husband, Kenny; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly. Visitation for Ronnie Emery was held Monday, Nov. 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Graveside services were held Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Vanzant Cemetery, Vanzant, with Bro. Lonnie Johnson, Bro. Bryan Holycross, and Bro. Stasey Sheppard officiating. Song selections were, “I’ll Fly Away,” sung by Jeremy Emery, “Beulah Land” and “Far Side Banks of Jordan.” Pallbearers were Rusty Emery, Jeremy Emery, Randy Emery, Justin Emery, Brad Emery and Larry Curtis. Honorary pallbearers were Damon Emery, Isaiah Emery, Addison Emery and Reagan Emery. Burial was in the Vanzant Cemetery, Vanzant, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vanzant Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.