Emmett was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Jenna Lee Dorsey Adkins. He is survived by his daughters Diane (Joe) and Donna (Alan), and son David (Leanne), ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Born on March 27, 1933, in Pritchard, West Virginia, Emmett devoted his life to his faith, his family, and to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Emmett is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He graduated from Tennessee Temple College with a Bachelor’s degree and Temple Seminary with a Master of Divinity. For most of his adult life, he served as a Baptist preacher and evangelist. His ministry took him to churches and communities throughout the United States, where he preached, taught, counseled, encouraged, and shared his testimony with countless people. Later in life he worked as Project Manager at Holloway Construction and as a surveyor at Piedmont, Olson and Hensley.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor. He was known for his strong convictions, his wisdom, his willingness to help others, and his remarkable sense of humor.
His family takes comfort in knowing that his earthly ministry is complete. His race is finished; his testimony remains and his legacy lives on.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to the caregivers of Rosewood Pathway Memory Care and Tapestry Hospice who cared for Emmett the last 18 months.
Services to honor the life and memory of Emmett will be Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 3pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home-North Chapel. Visitation will be held from 1-3pm, followed by interment in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
