Emery Parks Justiss, 83, of Valley, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on October 27, 2026. Born on June 26, 1943, in Valley, Alabama, he was the son of L. L. “Red” Justiss and Buena Justiss.
For those who knew Emery, one of the most familiar sights was seeing him sitting on his front porch, waving to everyone who passed by. It was more than just his favorite place to sit; it became a cherished part of RiverView. So much so that when he was no longer sitting in his usual spot in recent weeks, people noticed, asked about him, and missed his familiar wave. It was a simple gesture, but one that left a lasting impression on so many.
If there was one thing Emery loved almost as much as sitting on his porch, it was telling a good story. He was a natural storyteller who loved reminiscing about days gone by, sharing memories, and recounting stories from years past. His family and friends will forever treasure those conversations and the many stories that were so much a part of who he was.
Music was another special part of Emery’s life. He grew up playing guitar, something he truly loved and enjoyed for many years. He also had a love for fishing and cherished the time he spent doing it. Although the passing years eventually kept him from enjoying these favorite pastimes, they always held a special place in his heart.
In his quieter moments, Emery could often be found enjoying reruns of his favorite Westerns or listening to his police scanner. He loved keeping up with everything happening around town and always seemed to know what was going on!
Above all, Emery loved his family dearly, and he especially adored his grandchildren. Lovingly known as both PawPaw and Pop, he held a special place in each of their hearts, just as they did in his. His love was often expressed in the simplest and sweetest ways, including cherished messages that read, “PawPaw loves and misses you” and “Pop loves you.” Those few words were a beautiful reflection of the love he carried for his family and the special bond he shared with his grandchildren.
Emery leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved him dearly, and a familiar front porch that will never quite feel the same without him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Justiss; his daughter, Lindsey Justiss Jaramillo (Paco Jaramillo); his sons, Michael Shane Justiss (Teresa Justiss) and Michael Tod Sanders (Jenny Sanders).
He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Jake Panzer, Hannah Panzer, Blake Justiss, Savannah Clark (Dalton), Jade Sanders, Devin Sanders; Hayden Jaramillo and AllisonJaramillo; his brother, Marc Justiss; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carey Tucker (Bill Tucker); and his sister-in-law, Dorothy Justiss.
Though he will be deeply missed, Emery’s memory will live on through the stories he told, the lives he touched, and the countless people who will always remember looking toward that front porch and seeing him there, ready with a wave.
Funeral services for Emery will be held on Saturday, October 31st, 2026, at 11:00 AM (EDT) at the graveside in Fairview Cemetery. Pastor Gerry Smith will officiate. Emery’s family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM (EDT) at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley.
Please visit Emery’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a kind word for his family, to share a memory of Emery, or to light a Remembrance Candle in his memory.
Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.
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