James Gettys

James “Emmett” Gettys, age 90 of Ellenboro, NC, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022 at his residence.

Emmett is survived by his wife of 66 years, Louise Murray Gettys of the home, his children, Rodella Gold (Joe), Marilyn Powell (Gary), George Gettys (Donna), Walter Gettys, and Calvin Gettys (Dana), nine grandchildren, Jason Gold (Emily), James Gold (Christa), Anna Ledford (Jason), Laura Gammons (Patrick), Kelly Morris, Samantha Gettys, Morgan Laughlin, Carson Gettys, and Grant Gettys, eleven great grandchildren, Noah and Katherine Gold, Jude and Aliza Ledford, Eva and Cade Morris, Harper and McCoy Gammons, Ridge and Knox Laughlin, and Landry Gold, a brother, Jefferson Gettys, and a sister, Francis Bailey (Palmer).

Born July 9, 1931 in Rutherford County, NC, Emmett was the son of the late Zeno Gettys and Vera Whisnant Gettys and was preceded in death by three brothers, Howard Gettys, Henry Gettys, and Kenneth Gettys.

Emmett graduated from Sunshine High School and immediately followed his older brothers and enlisted in the military.  He was a proud veteran of the Korean War and served in the Navy on the U.S.S. K.D. Bailey.  During his service, he sailed to many countries of the world. When asked “where did you like sailing to best,” he replied “Home”.  Emmett has now reached his final home.

Emmett was a longtime member of Big Springs Baptist Church.  He quietly lived his life and faith by giving in many ways.  When he planted a garden, it was big enough to give feed the entire community.  Emmett was known for growing pumpkins.  At age 88, his crop yielded 700 pumpkins.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, March 11, 2022 at Big Springs Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Paul Scott and Rev. Jim Richardson.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Big Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, 534 Big Springs Church Rd., Ellenboro, NC 28040 or to Hospice of Carolina Foothills, 372 Hudlow Rd., Forest City, NC 28043.

To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.

A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.