Emory Sayer

Emory Sayer, age 99, went to be with his Lord on March 25, 2023. He was the husband of Henry Strother Sayer. 

He graduated from Wilkes County High School. While attending Berry College, in 1943 he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served in the European Theater where he volunteered for the invasion of Normandy. During his time of war, he received 5 Battle Star awards. 

After the war, Emory went to work for the Georgia Department of Labor as a Field Deputy and later became the manager of the Augusta Office. There, he managed all phases of  the Georgia unemployment taxes and explained the law to businesses. After retiring from the Department of Labor, Emory worked for the University of Georgia in many different counties as the County Manager, starting with Columbia County. Emory had many accomplishments in his life but by far, he was the most proud of the award that was presented to him for being a Sunday School Teacher for 72 years. In the Lions Club, Emory served as the President of the local club and  regional director for the state. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship for dedicated humanitarian services by the Lions Club International. While on the Board of Directors for the Lions Eye Bank, he was instrumental in organizing and developing procedures to help people restore their vision. He was also appointed District Governor for 1971-1972.

Emory never met a stranger and loved talking to everyone. He was known for his love of fishing and gardening. He spent a large part of his time in the backyard working with his plants. Ice cream was his favorite food, and vanilla was his preference. In fact, ice cream was the last food he enjoyed. 

In 1943, Emory married the love of his life and the mother of their children, the late Joan Baston Sayer of Wilkes County. They were happily married for 62 years until her passing in 2005. In addition to his wife, Emory is also survived by two daughters, Patricia Van Brackle (Dan) and Bonnie Pierce (Phil); 4 grandchildren, Susan Thigpen, Matt Hawkins, Nikki Grove, and Natalie Hawkins; and 4 great-grandchildren, Stephen, Jackson, Greyson, and Krishna. He also had many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Abilene Baptist Church, 3917 Washington Rd, Martinez, GA 30907, with Reverend Terry Doss and Dr. William F. Harrell officiating, immediately followed by burial with military honors at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2700 Deans Bridge Rd, Augusta, GA 30906. The family will receive friends at Abilene Baptist Church one hour prior to service time.

A heartfelt thanks to Ms. Nancy B. King Foster and Tommy King, Jr and staff for their professionalism and patience in helping the family. The family would also like to thank Crescent Hospice for their care, compassion, and dedication that they showed to Emory and family.

Thomas L. King Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 124 Davis Road, Martinez, GA 30907

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