Emerson Eugene Woodall, Sr.

Emerson Eugene Woodall, Sr., 90, died Monday, November 25, 2024 at his home in Fairmont. Born in Wake County, he was the son of the late Samuel Charles and Betty Ann Woodall. He was the middle child of 13 kids. He grew up on a farm in Garner, NC. Emerson married the love of his life, Sybil Ann Thompson on December 7, 1952. They began building their life together and started a family. They had 4 children, Gene, Andy, Lisa, and Craig.

For many years Walter Bass asked Emerson to attend his church. When he finally agreed, he was brought to the Lord by Rev. George Talley of Mt. Herman Christian Church. That lead him into being a minister himself for 54 years. He preached at many churches all over North Carolina leading hundreds to Christ. Emerson and Sybil stood together as a model of true love and partnership in Christ. After 58 years of marriage, Emerson’s beloved wife Sybil went to be with the Lord. After her passing, Emerson’s ministry changed as he worked alongside his son in ministering to Veterans, First Responders, and their families at Camp4Heroes, a place they started together. The 8 years Emerson spent at Camp4Heroes, over 7,000 veterans and first responders have come through the camp and grew to love him and referred to him as “Pops!”

He could always be found with a good, black cup of coffee or a Mountain Dew and an oatmeal pie. He was either singing hymns or whistling while he worked cutting grass on the zero turn or the tractor. And he NEVER turned down a good back scratch. He shared his knowledge of fishing and love of Christ with everyone he met. He was loved by all who knew him. We find joy in knowing he is at peace with his Lord and Savior and reunited with his beautiful bride in heaven.

Emerson is preceded in death by his loving wife, Sybil, his parents, Samuel C and Betty A Woodall, and 12 siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Ann Blell (Lisa), sons, Emerson Eugene Woodall (Gene), John Anthony Woodall (Andy), and Jonathan Craig Woodall, grandchildren, John T., Amy, Joshua, Matthew, Kristin, Stephen, Christian, McKenzie, Michael, and Stephanie, and 18 great-grandchildren.

Services will be at Believer’s Baptist Church, 100 Southerland Road, Clayton, NC 27527 on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 beginning with visitation at 10:00 am followed by service at 12:00 pm. The burial will take place at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 at 2:00 pm.

Per his request, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Camp4Heroes, Inc. at www.camp4heroes.org.

John 11:25-26

Jesus said, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?