Emmett Cyrus

Emmett Boyd Cyrus, Sr., age 91 of Ocala, FL went home with his Lord on October 22, 2023. He was born on September 19, 1932, to Hiram and Ruby Cyrus in Brooks, WV. He married Elva Jane Shelton on March 6, 1953. Elva preceded him in death on February 15, 1988. He Married Barbara Baker Panzergraf on August 26, 1988.

Emmett is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Barbara Cyrus, his loving children, Connie Schwarz (Daniel), Roberta Adkins (Robert), Emmett, Jr. (Deborah), Debra Minard (Jake Vining), Shawn Panzegraf (Dawn), Ryan Panzegraf (Kaitlin Rauch), 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, two loving brothers, Warren Cyrus and Jennings Cyrus and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his loving wife of 35 years, Elva Cyrus, his parents, Hiram and Ruby Cyrus, his in-laws, Nathan and Gertrude Shelton and Argie and Virginia Baker. His loving daughter Adonna Cyrus, and two granddaughters, Nicole Barcus and Jamie Watts. Four brothers, Ronald, Donald, Edward and William Cyrus.

He joined the Army on July 19, 1949 and was sent to Washington State where he became an avid skier for the military. He was quite the leader so the Army sent him to Fairbanks Alaska. He loved his military duty but missed his hometown and left the military and transferred to Army Reserve on December 9, 1955.

He retired from Fisher Body in Willow Springs Il in 1988, after a very successful career. He was passionate about safety in the workplace and became a Safety Inspector to help promote change in the workplace. He then became the President of the UAW Local 558 where he continued his passion for facilitating change to the workplace for the people. He also was very vocal about his political beliefs.

He was a devout Christian of the Baptist faith a member of the First Love Church of Ocala. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening and traveling with his family and friends. He would proudly share his meat, fish and vegetables with his family and friends. He had the most positive attitude about life. His family and his dogs were his life, and everything else came second as important in his life. He was a caring and compassion husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor that took care of all people.

He will be buried at the Fox Cemetery in Brooks WV after a private family ceremony at Brooks Baptist Church.