David Wayne Emery

David Wayne Emery passed away at the age of 70 at his home. David was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Paxon High School, received a Bachelor's Degree from Jacksonville University and a Masters Degree in music composition/organ at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. David recently retired as the music director at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Raiford Frederick Emery, Sr. and Ruby Lee Wainwright Emery. He is survived by his sister, Sharon “Elaine” Emery Bedell; his brother, Raiford Frederick “Fred” Emery, Jr. (Theresa); his niece, Heather “Kate” Bedell (Richard); numerous cousins; and his church family at St. Matthew’s.

As a child, David loved to learn new things and would often stay up late at night and read encyclopedias by flashlight. His love of learning continued throughout his life and fostered his love of travel.

David was a gifted musician and used his gift during his 22 years as the Music Director at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. His favorite instrument was the pipe organ. He was well known as an accomplished organist with the American Guild of Organists. David wrote the Mass responses for St. Matthew’s and also composed his own classical music, writing his first symphony as a teenager.

David’s life will be celebrated with a memorial mass at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 1773 Blanding Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32210, on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Services will conclude at 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Emery family.