Doug Leroy Emmer

Doug Leroy Emmer, 62, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on April 21, 2026. Born May 17, 1963, in Rockford, Illinois, Doug was the son of George Emmer and Joanne Anderson, and one of eight siblings. He was a graduate of Red Bank High School.

For nearly five decades, Doug built a life defined by steady work and steadfast purpose in the waste and garbage industry—a career that spanned 50 years and reflected the pride he took in showing up, doing the job well, and doing it with consistency. In 2014, he took that dedication one step further by starting his own business, Express Waste. Known for his dedication and hard work, Doug retired in 2026, leaving behind a reputation built on reliability, humility, and service to others.

On March 26, 1988, Doug married Sherry Sharp, and together they raised three boys. Doug’s heart lived wherever his family was. He loved watching football, traveling together to Disney World, and taking trips to Gatlinburg—yet it wasn’t the destination that mattered most to him; it was being together. Anything with his family was precious to him, and that devotion only grew as he delighted in spoiling his five grandchildren, finding his favorite “hobbies” in whatever they were doing.

Doug’s love of life was often heard before it was seen—especially when a hymn was involved. He could be found singing loudly and out of tune everywhere he went, the kind of joyful sound that didn’t ask to be perfected, only shared. A devoted Packers fan, he could tell you the most random football stats at any moment, and he also enjoyed watching cooking channels and competitions—an easy fit for someone whose love for good food was matched by his appreciation for the simple pleasures of home.

Above all, Doug carried Christian values through the everyday moments that make up a life—through work, through family, through kindness offered without fanfare. He found comfort in God’s grace and the hope He brought to Doug, and that enduring faith remains part of the legacy he leaves with all who loved him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Nagireddy and her staff at Tennessee Oncology, the staff at Erlanger Medical during his stay in the hospital, and the nurses at Hearth Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, listed above.

Here to continue his legacy is his wife of 38 years, Sherry Lynn Emmer; sons, Doug Leroy Emmer, Jr, Zachary Robert (Breanna) Emmer, and Ryan Alexander (Erin Thomas) Emmer; grandchildren, Harper Emmer, Elly Emmer, Keira Emmer, Luna Emmer, and Ryat Emmer; siblings, Clarence Emmer, Danny (Becki) Emmer, Sue Thomas, Peggy (Sean) Murphy, Bud (Kristin) Emmer, Kim (Jeff) Westfall, and Joe (Valerie) Anderson; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Doug will be Friday, April 24, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home - North Chapel. The funeral service will follow the visitation starting at 7:00 pm with Rev. Austin Kibble officiating.

Family and friends will meet at Hamilton Memorial Gardens at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 25, 2026 for the committal service.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.