Stanley George Emert

Major (USAF retired) Stanley George Emert, Sr. passed away on December 2, 2010, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Sevierville, Tennessee on October 23, 1922 to George Emert and Bessie Lucinda Maples Emert.

A decorated WWII combat soldier in the Army, he re-enlisted in the Air Force after the war and made it a career. He retired in 1960 with the rank of Major at the age of 37 after over 20 years of service. Moving his family to Knoxville, Tennessee, he had a second career with the United States Post Office.

An accomplished musician who loved the old country mountain music of his birth, he and his brother Otha performed as the Emert Brothers after both retired from the military. They were popular entertainers at the Museum of Appalachia for 16 years. They also performed at the World's Fair in Knoxville, The Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts near Washington D.C., Cades Cove, the Florida State Fair in Tampa, Dollywood, and other locations. They sold their tapes to visitors throughout the world.

When his brother passed away, Major Emert searched for a new partner and found one in his nephew George Emert who had just retired as president of Utah State University. They formed the Birds Creek Boys and performed to sell-out crowds in the western parts of Washington State where Stan and Joanne lived for a time.

In 2008, they moved to Calhoun, Georgia to be closer to a daughter. Major Emert once again looked for someone to play his music with him, and he found local musician Howard Withrow. He also found a willing partner with his grandson, Heath Brooks. They became the Pine Chapel String Band, and Major Emert's last performance before a live audience was with his grandson when they opened the Delmore Days Festival in Athens, Alabama.

Major Stanley George Emert, Sr. was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Victor, Carl, and Otha; and sisters Hazel, Ruby, and Reva Joyce.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joanne Colligan Emert; brothers Bill and his wife Loeta of Dandridge, Tennessee, Glenn and wife Amy of Morristown, Tennessee, and Paul of Pennsylvania; and sister Ruth of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Children, Dr. Maureen Emert Ellis of Burien, Washington; Coleen Emert Brooks and Bill of Calhoun, Georgia; and Stanley George Emert, Jr. and wife Monica of Seattle, Washington.

Grandchildren, Heather Brooks Ray and husband Will of Perry, Georgia; Heath Brooks and wife Kelly of Huntsville, Alabama; Hayden Brooks of Atlanta, Georgia, and Hartwell Brooks of Calhoun, Georgia; Brandon Emert of Knoxville, Tennessee and Katherine Emert of Clinton, Tennessee; and Abigail Emert of Seattle, Washington. Great grandchildren are Jeffrey and River Ray of Perry, Georgia.

He also leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and scores of friends throughout the country.

Local visitation will be held at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun on December 4th from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.

Major Stanley George Emert, Sr. will be cremated and a memorial service for this officer and gentleman will be held at Union Grove Methodist Church at the foothills of his beloved Smoky Mountains on December 11th at 2:00pm.

Online condolences may be expressed and the guest book signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, a legacy of compassion and care, is in charge of local arrangements for Major Stanley George Emert, Sr.