Herbert Gene Emrick

Mr. Herbert "Herb" Gene Emrick, age 62 of Moss Point, MS left us to go be with his Lord on Friday Nov. 28, 2008 in Ocean Springs, MS. Herb had a big, strong inner heart but his physical heart was worn out. He was born February 18, 1946 in Philadelphia, MS to the late, John Gordon Emrick and Mildred (Boyd) Pierce. Herb was also preceded in death by his siblings, Virginia Emrick Moore-Hill, Addie W. Emrick, Gordon W. Emrick and Julian E. Emrick. Herb was retired Army First Sgt. with 27 years military service to his country. He received many awards for his committed duty. After retirement, he attended MGCCC for auto and marine technician training. After graduation, he worked at the local Chevy dealer. Herb's last job was in security at Singing River Hospital. He loved his job and left many friends (Mac and Stoney) there. He was known as the guard in the black hat and people did not recognize him without it. He spent the last 3 years at home after losing his legs to sickness. Although some wondered how he would cope, those who really knew him, knew nothing kept him down. He told the other vets to get moving - lets go! He was never down, he even devised a way to mow the yard, plant a garden, build and hang bird feeders, trim trees and fiddle in his shop with a gospel CD blaring. In his earlier days, most would not have thought of him in church. He loved the Lord and served him in his own manner. They had a personal, private relationship. Herb worked the sound booth at church which he enjoyed, with all the button and knobs to tinker with and he did it will all seriousness of heart. The Pastor in his wisdom, ask Herb to do it, knowning thats exactly what he needed. He did not like self pity nor to see it in others. Just keep going, don't look back and he was full of that determiation until the very end. He is survived by sister a Ozell Emrick Jones and a brother Bobby L. Upton whom he loved very much and thought the world of. He would tell childhood stories of running through the woods, playing in the trees and being typical brothers who fought but always came out friends. Herb also leaves his wife, Nickie Emrick with whom he spent the last 11 years of his life. They were married in Moss Point on November 1, 1997. He was her hero although she may not of said it out loud or often enough. With him gone, she has lost her very best friend. Although there were no kids between them, Herb is survived by four children, Floyd Larue (Brenda) Emrick of Grenada, MS, Russell Ray Emrick and Stephanie Rae Emrick, both of Moss Point, MS and Gilven Shane (Jennifer) Emrick of Dallas, TX; eight grandchildren, Jimmy, Brenda Jane "B.J.", Shawn Ray, Kaleigh Erin, Savannah Rae, Sadie Jade, Michael Shay and Zoe Marie. Two former wives, Brenda Joyce Orsbon of Grenda, MS and Annelle Desiree Knippers of Ocean Springs, MS numerous other relatives and friends. A visitation will be held Tuesday, December 2nd from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Trinity Pentecostal Church. Funeral services will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 3rd from the church santuary with Rev. Russell McDonald officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors. He is now at home running all around Heavens' yard and taking in all the wonders. He's not sick and his race has been run and won. We will always miss him but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Tributes

Herbert Gene Emrick

February 18, 1946 - November 28, 2008