Christopher John Emery

Christopher John Emery, 74, passed away peacefully in Columbus, Ohio, on August 20, 2026.

Born in Columbus on May 23, 1952, to John and Barbara Emery, Chris was a proud graduate of Upper Arlington High School before continuing on to Ashland University, where he graduated and formed a lifelong connection to the university and the friendships and memories he made there.

Those who knew him well, however, might argue that life really began when he grew his signature mustache.

Chris built his life around the people he loved. He was happiest surrounded by family and friends and had a gift for bringing people together. Whether hosting a tailgate at The Shoe, spending summers in northern Michigan, traveling with his family, or simply sharing a drink and a good story, Chris made sure everyone felt welcome. If Chris was hosting, you could count on having a drink in your hand, food on your plate, and a smile on your face.

During his career with W.W. Williams, Chris, had the opportunity to see much of the world and enjoyed traveling with his family. But one of the places closest to his heart was Indian River and Burt Lake in northern Michigan, where countless family memories were made boating, skiing at Boyne Mountain, and sitting around the fire at the cabin on Eagle’s Nest Road. Although his heart may have belonged to Michigan summers, he never missed an opportunity to give that team up north a hard time.

A lifelong golf fan, Chris also spent many years running a side business connected to the Masters in Augusta—one of the many adventures that reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to turn something he enjoyed into an experience worth remembering.

Chris was a natural handyman who could build, fix, or figure out just about anything. He loved a good project, especially when it meant helping someone else with theirs. He was generous with his time, his tools, and his know-how—and was rarely one to just stand back and watch when there was work to be done.

Above all, Chris will be remembered as a loyal friend, loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and a man who knew how to enjoy life and bring others along for the ride.

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Jacquie Emery; his son, Adam (Jenn) Emery; his daughter, Allison (Brian) Gorman; his stepdaughters, Mishelle Hilliard, Cheri (Chris) Bourne, and Angela (Travis) Hawkins; his beloved grandchildren, Hudson, Quinn, Charlie, Rosie,Teddy, Cooper, Chloe, Trace and Rylee; his siblings, Jean (Gary) Phillips, Kathy (Andy) Steinman and Dave (Kaoru) Emery; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. He also shared many important years and raised a family with his former wife, Renie.

Chris leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, traditions, friendships, and memories that will continue through the people who loved him.

And anyone who knew Chris knew he would not want everyone sitting around being sad for too long. He would want the stories told, the drinks poured, the laughter loud, and the people he loved together.

So that is exactly what we will do! The family will hold a celebration of life on a date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the OSU James Multiple Myeloma research fund: https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/306144