Dan C. Emory

Dan Clifton Emory, 79, of Crossett passed away on Friday, January 7, 2022, at the Medical Center of South Arkansas in ElDorado. He was born March 29, 1942, to George C. and Geneva Maxwell Emory, as well as to three big sisters who adored him their entire lives.

A member of Crossett First Baptist Church and 1961 graduate of Crossett High School, Dan married the gorgeous, sweet Linda Gayle Marter; and so began a love story for the ages. They shared an extraordinary love that would beat tenderly yet strongly in Dan’s heart until his last breath, 433 days beyond Linda’s 2020 death.

Dan worked at Georgia Pacific for 40 years, but his girls laugh and say he just showed up every day to tell jokes. He was a musician at heart- a singer, guitarist, and songwriter who penned many treasured tunes, including “Nobody Ever Gave Away Anything Worth Keeping,” which went to Number 17 on the Billboard charts in 1974. He also had a regional hit heard by Hog fans in Razorback Stadium and beyond, “Two Thousand Pounds of Bull,” written to commemorate the Arkansas-Texas gridiron grudge match. Dan also played on the Louisiana Hayride from 1974-1977, sharing the stage with country music greats Mel Tillis, Grandpa Jones, a young Tanya Tucker, Sammi Smith, Branson star Shoji Tabuchi, and others.

A “Cool Cat” from the 50’s on, Dan was a treasure trove of lyrics, notes, the finger-style guitar technique, the paintbrush, storytelling, and a healthy helping of humor. His musical gifts came from his mother, while his love of the great outdoors and understanding of nature came from his daddy. His love of both raged through the years, as did his intense love for his family.

Dan was the quintessential “Girl Dad” and grandfather, with his most important titles being “Daddy” and “Grumps.”  He “doodlesquatted and kadiddlehopped” through life, taking his wife, daughters and their husbands, grandchildren, sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews with him every step of the way.

We will mourn his loss until we see him again, but we will find joy in the memory of the music he made, the mischievous twinkle in his eye, his humorous antics, and the uniquely personal way he loved each and every one of us. Until we meet again, may we see bits of his magic in ourselves and each other.

In addition to his parents, Dan is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Linda Marter Emory; two sisters, Carolyn Ray and husband Dean, and Marolyn Lloyd and husband Don; nephew Bill Ray; and nieces Lynn Ray Courtney and Donna Lloyd Garison.

He is survived by three daughters, Sharla Emory of Little Rock, Leigh Carter (Jim) of Crossett, and Lauren Richard (Mike) of Hamburg; one sister, Joyce Allen (Jack); eight grandchildren, Anna Sophia Jones, Larson Rainey, Chloe Carter, Jonah Richard, Creed Carter, Ava Claire Carter, Cole Richard (Brooke), and Toni Franklin (Blake); four great-grandchildren, Lucy, Lilly, Charlie, and Liberty; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Marla Marter Carithers (Larry); and scores of other loving family and friends.

Public visitation will be Sunday, January 9, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett. Graveside services will be at Hickory Grove, South Crossett, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, with Bro. Jerry Grant officiating.

Pallbearers are David Stephenson; Ronnie Joe Dykes; Chuck Allen; Chris Carithers; Mike, Jonah, and Cole Richard; and Jim and Creed Carter. Honorary pallbearers are Roger Farque, Mike Young, Jimmy Norrell, Henry Carter, Jason Rainey, Benny Wayne Young, John Grady Richards, and Thad Lloyd.

Dan’s family wishes to thank DaVita Dialysis of Crossett and Monica Childers, Pam Winston, and Cheryl Rabalais for their compassionate care.

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