Ray Emanuel

ANNISTON — Funeral service for Mr. Ray Emanuel, 72, will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Parker Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Mack Amis and Dr. Larry Wimberly officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the service hour at the church. Ray passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at home following an extended illness. Born in Scottsboro, Ala., Ray grew up singing sacred harp music on the radio with his mother and siblings. Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, and his family were most dear to his heart. He was a great provider, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife, Linda Mullins Emanuel; sons, Erik (Miranda) Emanuel, of Albertville, Ala., and Tyler (Kendall) Emanuel, of Oxford, Ala.; his sons’ mother, Freida Emanuel of Oxford, Ala.; stepdaughter, Julie (West) Harris, of Birmingham, Ala.; brother, Anthony (Patty) Emanuel, of Trenton, Ga.; sister, Annette Broome, of Lookout Mtn, Tenn.; grandchildren Isaac, Mallory, Zoe and Levi Emanuel; Hilton Emanuel; Anson, Will and Rachel Harris; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie Emanuel Reaves and Clifford Winston Emanuel. Pallbearers will be Richard Banks, Terry Harris, Henry Hobbs, Bo Bishop, Mark Whitlow, Robert Herring Sr., and Larry Troup. Ray was a graduate of Dade County High School in Trenton, Ga. He attended Jacksonville State University where he played college football. Though undersized, Ray excelled as a wide receiver and helped the Gamecocks win two conference championships. He played and coached under Coach Jim Blevins and Coach Charlie Pell. After college, he spent the first part of his career inspiring young people as a much loved and well respected high school and college football coach. Ray’s coaching stints included several area high schools and the University of North Alabama in Florence, Ala. He was passionate about coaching and known for making a difference in his players’ lives. Ray transitioned from coaching into the insurance industry where his discipline and excellent work ethic led to his success as District Manager with Alfa Insurance Company. After a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, he retired to spend time with family and friends. Ray brought joy, laughter, and inspiration to everyone who knew him. He was known as a consummate story-teller with a great sense of humor. He was always one to tell a funny tale and loved to make you laugh, maybe even pull a practical joke or two. The family wants to thank Ray’s caregivers, Kendall Emanuel, Delphine Lockette, Russell Allen, Janice Shephard, and Anthony McNeil. A special thank you to dear friend and caregiver Helen Railey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JSU Disaster Relief or JSU Football Program in memory of Ray Emanuel and mailed to JSU Foundation, Inc., Rock House, 700 Pelham Road North, Jacksonville, Al 36265 (www.jsu.edu). Online condolences may be made to the family at www.klbrownmemorychapel.com.