Raymond K. Emery of Montour Falls, NY, passed away on January 6, 2026, at Schuyler Hospital after an illness. The day before, he enjoyed calls from family and visits from friends, making his 86th birthday memorable. He joins Patty, his wife of 60 years, in eternal rest.
Ray was born in Zephyrhills, FL, the son of Kenneth V. Emery and Deloris (Geiger) Emery. At 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, assigned to the USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16) as an EMFN with specialized training as the ship's diver. When honorably discharged, Ray relocated to Cortland, NY, where he met his wife, Patricia Stillman of Virgil, NY. Ray started working at Crocker Farms Dairy, Cortland, NY, and then on to Lady Pamela Dairy, Horseheads, NY, where he delivered bottled milk door-to-door.
Ray relocated with his family and started a career at International Salt Co. (AKZO Salt Co./US Salt Co.), Watkins Glen, NY, where he advanced to foreman and retired after 30 years. Both during employment and after retirement, he had various jobs: Watkins Glen International Race Track at the gate selling tickets each race season, the New York State Park, Watkins Glen, NY, at the main entrance ticket booth, and also the Falls Home Assisted Living Facility, Montour Falls, NY, as a driver for residents.
Ray was a volunteer fireman at the Odessa Fire Department and also volunteered as a driver for the Schuyler County Ambulance Association. He was a past member of several local and national clubs: Montour Falls Moose #426, Trumansburg Masonic Lodge #15, Mechanics Club, American Legion, Odessa Community Conservation Club, where he was on the pistol team competing with other clubs each week at the pistol range, and the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, with fellow "trike" enthusiasts. Ray served as President of the USS Howard W. Gilmore Memorial Association, where he would organize the annual ship reunion each year at different ports around the country.
Ray was predeceased by his wife in 2021, his parents, and mothers and fathers-in-law. He is survived by his children, Dean (Toby) Emery of Orlando, FL, and Darlene Emery Munroe of Montour Falls, NY. Also surviving him are his sisters Geneva Pollock of NC, Kathy (Chuck) Emery of VA, Debbie Hart of KY, Agnes Spurgeon of OH, and brother Ernest Warren of TN. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Charlotte Carter of Cortland, NY, Denise (David) Primeaux of LA, brother-in-law William Wakefield of MI, and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Odessa Rescue, Schuyler Ambulance, doctors, nurses, and staff at Schuyler Hospital, who took care of Ray this year and during his most recent stay since November. Also, our gratitude and sincere thank you to neighbors and friends that came to visit and be with him during his final hours.
At Raymond's request, no services will be held. Interment will be planned at a later date in Virgil, NY.