CARTERVILLE -- Gary "Pappy" Emery, 66, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, in Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, surrounded by his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 7, in Riggin-Pillatsch and Burke Funeral Home in Carterville with the Rev. Danny Norman and Pastor Michael Williams officiating. Burial will be in North Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville. Visitation will be Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Carterville Athletic Booster Club. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Gary was born Nov. 12, 1944, in Carterville to Earl and Ruby Marie (Crain) Emery Sr. He married Sandy K. George on July 8, 1977, in Carterville. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Emery of Carterville; two daughters and son-in-law, Kendra and Wayne Taylor and Kristal Emery, all of Carterville; three sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Allen and Lydia Emery of Mount Vernon, Greg Emery and friend, Donna, of Cambria and Kendall and Khrissy Hollister of Carterville; 14 grandchildren, Travis Taylor, Tyler Knox, Tyler Emery, Reagen Emery, Jade Knox, Macey Hollister, Brittan Hollister, Michael Emery, Josh James, Ashley Cates, Nate Polston, Tori Barnett, Jaylyn Barnett and Chase Ticer; two sisters, Wanda Spiller and Sue Jones, both of Carterville; three brothers and sisters-in-laws, Tony and Edith Emery of Carterville, Don and Violet Emery of Johnston City and Jim and Phyllis Emery of Carterville; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna and Jim Liddell and Viola Emery, all of Carterville, and Erma Emery of Cambria; and several nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, five infant brothers and sisters and four brothers, Paul, Delmar, Earl Jr. and Larry Emery. He worked at Diagraph in the shipping department for 10 years. He also worked at Funks G. Hybrid Seed Company in Marion for many years. The most important thing in Gary's life was his family and his devotion to God. He was an outdoorsman in every sense of the word. Gary loved to do yard work with his Dixie Chopper. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with his father-in-law, James George and uncle, Jr. He also belonged to Carterville Boat and Yacht Club. He was an avid Rams football and Carterville Lions fan. Gary was known for his wonderful sense of humor and his big heart. He would anonymously do random acts of kindness for those in need throughout Carterville. He will be dearly missed. Gary's family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Roa and nurses, Ashley, Kathy and his homie, Jessie for all the wonderful care they gave to him. To view this obituary and sign the guest register, please visit www.rigginpillatschburkefh.com.