As much as we rejoice that Nel has been reunited with his beloved Ruby and the rest of the family who preceded him to heaven, we have heavy hearts for Tommy and all the family who are left behind and miss his presence. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Thomas “Nel” Nelson Emerson
Born: July 15, 1923
Died: November 13, 2015
Thomas “Nel” Emerson, Sr., age 92, was reunited with his beloved wife of 63 years, Ruby W. Emerson on Friday, November 13, 2015. Born to the late George and Rebecca Emerson, Nel was the 5th of 11 children. He lived most of his life in Newport News where he worked for Boulevard Cleaners and retired as manager after 60 years of service. Nel was a member of Deer Park Baptist Church for 57 years and served as a deacon. He was a Navy veteran having served during WW II in the South Pacific aboard the USS Harmon.
Survivors include his son, Thomas “Tommy” N. Emerson, Jr. and his wife Debbie of Poquoson, his brothers, Sherwood (Carroll Edd), Robert Carol (Nancy), his grandchildren, Dana (Damion), Sonny, Rob (Heather), Renee (Josh) and Sara; and 9 great-grandchildren who knew him as affectionately as “Honey”and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his wife and parents, Nel was preceded in death by a son, Neal Emerson, a sister, Elizabeth Smith, 7 brothers, Brandon, Jack, Lynwood, Chester, Charles, Herbert and Frederick.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 17, 2015 from 6-7 PM at W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 11:00 AM in the Deer Park Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Fields and Dr. Robert Carol Emerson officiating. Burial will follow in the Peninsula Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Deer Park Baptist Church, 826 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA, 23601.
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