Gary Wayne Emory, 67, of Greenville, South Carolina, entered the gates of heaven on January 24, 2023 after a decades-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Gary passed with his wife, Christiane, by his side. That afternoon, she sat with him as they warmly shared thoughts about their children, grandchildren, his recording studio, and their ministry with Ron and Shelly Hamilton at Majesty Music. Gary enjoyed seeing recording studio pictures, and they were going through her plan for the next Patch Club curriculum year. They always enjoyed talking things through together and he would lend encouragement and advice. Gary had had been asking for his computer to record additional voice clips to be used for the “Adventures of Patch the Pirate” radio broadcast. Suddenly he was very quiet. He looked up (as if toward heaven), gently trembled for a few seconds, and then completely relaxed and he was carried into heaven.
Gary was born on October 28, 1955 to Ira Cade and Irene Augusta Emory in Flint, Michigan. After graduating from Linden High School and Genesee Skill Center in radio, television, and recording—he worked at the local TV station to put himself through Bob Jones University where he earned a degree in Interpretive Speech. He became acquainted with Christiane in a Psychology class in her final semester at Bob Jones University.
Christiane graduated and taught music in the school where she grew up in Anaheim, California. They were married the next summer. Gary and Christiane returned to Bob Jones University where Gary finished his education and worked on the University Sound Crew while Christiane worked on staff of the University television broadcast, “Show My People.” Following Gary’s graduation, the couple returned to the West Coast where they served in churches in both California and Arizona. In 1984, they joined the team at Majesty Music in Greenville, South Carolina where they became an integral part of the sound production division of “The Adventures of Patch the Pirate” recordings and radio. Gary and Christiane served on the production staff of the Patch the Pirate Club children’s Bible and choir curriculum since its inception in 1984. Together, they served alongside Ron and Shelly Hamilton and the Majesty Music team for 39 years. In 2001, Gary opened his own recording studio, Brightwater Digital, which he operated and managed for over a decade. With a focus on gospel-centered production, his work encompassed collaborations with numerous missionaries, ensembles, and ministries, producing over 500 projects during this period. Gary designed and installed sound systems in 48 states and several foreign countries. Due to his deteriorating health, he became homebound and finally bedridden in his last two years. Christiane and her children cared for him until he entered heaven’s glory.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Ira Cade (74) and Irene Augusta (67) Emory; his sister Terrie Dawn (56); his brothers Ricky (3 days) and Greg Alan (53).
Gary is survived by his wife, Christiane Rachelle; his daughter Rachelle Marie and (Matthew David) Whitcomb; his grandchildren Caden Isaac and Evangeline Christiane Whitcomb; his son Philip Ryan and (Danielle Marie) Emory; and his grandchildren Norah Jewel and Faeren Danielle Emory.
Gary loved Christiane’s parents and siblings—Calvin and Charline Doney (deceased)
Surviving siblings—Mike and (Shannon) Doney, Patricia and (Dan) Brown, Mary Virginia and (Don) Gooldy, Joanne and (Kurt) Cunningham, and (Tim Peterson, deceased). He considered them all his brothers and sisters. The nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins were very special to him.
The visitation will be held from 12:00-1:45 pm. at White Oak Baptist Church, 1805 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29609.
The Funeral Service begins at 2:00 pm at White Oak Baptist Church with the interment following at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, South Carolina 29615.
“To God be the glory!”
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeywoodlawn.com for the Emory family.
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