I, Alan Emerson, departed this life survived by my two wonderful children, Samantha and her life partner Ryan, and Adam and his wife Fernanda; and, of course, their loving mother, Julie; by my mother, Gladys Adams; and my sister, Vicky Emerson. Preceding me in death is my father, Allen Woodcock Emerson, who died in 1960 at the age of 32, and my sister, Brenda Faye Inman, who died in April of 2020 at the age of 66.

Between my birth on Aug. 30, 1957 in Compton, California and my death on Oct. 12, 2023 in Dowelltown, Tennessee, I will say it has been a satisfying life and that I have come to easily accept my passing from cancer—more than likely brought on by the pipe I enjoyed smoking for so many years.

I finished my career in aviation as a Non-Destructive Testing Inspector at Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services in Nashville, Tennessee, being there for 30 years. I earned a degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida after proudly serving our nation in the United States Navy for four years active duty from 1975 until 1979.

As I am donating my body to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, no services will be held at this time. Upon the return of my remains, a private family gathering will be held to distribute my ashes on the family farm that I loved so much in Liberty, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the American Cancer Society or Vanderbilt University Medical Center would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed to my Facebook page.