Herbert James Emmons' Obituary
Herbert James Emmons, 80, of Gainesville, Florida, retired dentist, veteran, and ardent dog lover, died January 19 from complications of a stroke.
Born April 1, 1944, in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, he lived his early years in New Jersey and then Florida. After graduating from Ft. Lauderdale High School and Florida State University, he earned his degree in dentistry at the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (BCDS) at the University of Maryland. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Kirk Army Hospital, Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland.
In 1973, Herb relocated to Schoharie County, NY, to join the family dental practice of Bill Lancaster. He was known as a compassionate, skilled, and knowledgeable dentist. He was instrumental in helping the practice grow from 2 dentists in 1 office to 5 dentists in 2 offices. After 38 years at what eventually became Lancaster Emmons Surman & Moren DDS, he retired to Gainesville.
During his years in rural upstate NY, he served his community via various educational committees and revitalization efforts. He was a member of Rotary International as well as regional dental organizations. He founded Middleburgh Central’s first service club, Interact, and contributed to the vision of Middleburgh’s River Street project. He restored the 1780’s Dutch saltbox farmhouse his family lived in, raised domestic animals, gardened, enjoyed live and recorded music, sporting events, and in later life, driving his Miata. Throughout his life he appreciated his pets, especially his dogs, and the love they aways shared. His two children, Alex and Amze, were the light of his life and made him proud at every turn.
While in Gainesville, he enjoyed kayaking the back rivers of North Florida and contributed to his new community by volunteering with The Gainesville Orchestra, UF Performing Arts and the Paleobotany Dept. of the Florida Natural History Museum.
Herb was fortunate to have been able to make some great friends over the years, and to have experienced many great adventures: hiking the Grand Canyon, the Milford Track and Mt Colden; kayaking in the San Juan Islands; sleeping on a beach in Nova Scotia during a great meteor shower, seeing Denali in shades of pink, yellow and green; walking the beaches and harvesting mussels in North Uist, Scotland; picking mushrooms north of Helsinki and coffee beans in a cloud forest up from Quito. He could even talk of spending some time in a Mexican jail, but that was a story better mentioned than explained.
He appreciated how friends and family were always there to support and help him grow into the person he became. Thinking back, he used to say, “There were a few what-if’s and maybe even a regret or two, but I’ve been fortunate, indeed.”
Herb is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Patricia L. (Klement) Emmons; his daughter, Alexandra S. Emmons; his son, Amze J. Emmons and daughter-in-law, Jena Osman; his stepdaughter, Kimberly Munson and granddaughter, Kylie Munson; stepdaughter Karen Payne; and his sister, Susan Morrell and brother-in-law Scott Morrell.
A celebration of Herbert’s life will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Williams-Thomas Westarea 823 N.W. 143rd St. Newberry, FL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Southern Scholarship Foundation, 322 Stadium Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32304 would be appreciated.
What’s your fondest memory of Herbert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Herbert?
Share a story where Herbert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Herbert you’ll never forget.
How did Herbert make you smile?