Mr. Emanuel Preyer
Emanuel Preyer was the sixth and final son of the late Clinton and Susie Preyer. He was born July 22, 1936 in Brewton, Alabama. Emanuel earned the endearing title of “Mama’s Baby” which he wore proudly. Emanuel received his primary education at Oak Grove School and later graduated from Southern Normal High school where he was very active in athletics; playing every sport offered to the students.
Upon graduation, Emanuel attended Kentucky State College on a four-year athletic scholarship. During his tenure there, Emanuel answered the call of patriotism and joined the United States Navy where served his country for four years. After earning an honorable discharge from the Navy, Emanuel chose to reside in San Francisco, California. While there, Emanuel played AAA Baseball for the San Francisco Scavengers. He suffered a career ending injury which shattered his dreams of being a professional baseball player.
In 1965, Emanuel returned to his hometown of Brewton, AL, where he obtained employment with Container Corporation of America. He also continued to play softball at O’Bannon and the Sportsmen Club Parks.
Emanuel retired from Container Corporation of America in August 2001, after thirty-two years of continuous service. Emanuel faithfully served as a Deacon at Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church, and was an active member of the Brewton Sportsman Club. His favorite projects were the Scholarship Program, which aided local high school graduates to attend college; and the Christmas Project, that afforded school age children the opportunity to shop for their own Christmas presents.
Emanuel’s motto for life was, the clock is always ticking and life is not always fair but if you can hang on to a willingness to serve and be faithful to God, He will always carry you through life’s obstacles. Emanuel departed this life on May 31, 2015 at 12:30 a.m. In his last moments, he smiled the biggest smile as he was welcomed to heaven by his mom.
Emanuel leaves a legacy of warm and precious memories to: his loving and devoted wife of 30 years Vallerese “Val” Preyer; his children: Jacqueline Preyer, Emanuel Preyer II, Michael (Elizabeth) Preyer, and Patricia (Steven) Preyer-Thompson, all of whom reside in California. His daughter, Erika Preyer McCalpine resides in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Two sons preceded him in death: Steven Preyer (California) and Timothy Edward Preyer (Brewton, Alabama). The family gives special recognition to his devoted friend and confidant, Albert Lewis. He is also survived by a host of in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.