Emerson Charles Caughron

Emerson Charles Caughron, 81, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by love. Emerson was one of the toughest, kindest, most loving, and most giving men you could ever hope to know.

Born and raised in East Tennessee, he proudly served his country in the Tennessee Air National Guard from 1965 to 1987, part of the Civil Engineering Squadron, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. Alongside his military service, Emerson built bridges and projects across East Tennessee through Simpson Construction, Ross Prestressed Concrete, and Blalock Construction. He especially loved to tell anyone who would listen about his work on Dollywood and Splash Country. Whenever he was riding around, he would point out a bridge and claim he built it, so much so that it became a running family joke that he had built every bridge in Knoxville.

Emerson was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Debbie, who passed in 2014. He was blessed to find love again and shared three joyful years of marriage with Shirley Irwin.

He is survived by his daughter, Dana Rose, and her husband Joshua; grandchildren Elliott and Emerson Joy; and sister Alice Dutton.

Dana adored her father and often said he was the best human she had ever known. He was the best dad anyone could ever have, but he was hers.

Emerson had an incredibly close and joyful relationship with his grandchildren, delighting in supporting anything that sparked their interests, from camp, music lessons, and sports to trips to Dollywood. He loved to spoil his “babies,” earning the affectionate nickname the redneck patron of the arts for his dedication to music education and nurturing their creativity.

In the last three years since his stroke, Emerson and his son-in-law Josh grew incredibly close. Josh became his constant companion and caretaker, walking beside him through the challenges and small victories of daily life. Their relationship deepened in countless ways as they shared time, conversation, laughter, and trust. Emerson’s family is deeply grateful for the devotion and love Josh gave so freely, and Emerson himself cherished that bond.

Through Shirley, Emerson was also blessed with her children and grandchildren, who became part of his family. Kenna and her husband Jr., along with their children Brody and Libby, her husband Daniel, and their son Rylan, shared many laughs and stories with him. Kelly and her husband Harold, together with their children Tyler and his daughter Aubree, Kenny, and Timothy, also held a place in his heart. Emerson shared a particularly close bond with Kenna. They loved laughing together, telling stories, sharing jokes, and simply enjoying one another’s company. He also shared a very special, fatherly relationship with Juan Pastor, whom he thought of as a son and loved dearly.

Emerson treasured his honorary grandchildren, Juanito, Mary Belinda, Sandy, Kamila, Daheli, and Eliana, who held a unique and cherished place in his heart through their parents Juan and Mary Pastor, and Emerson and Aracely Pastor.

Even in the face of many health challenges in recent years, Emerson remained full of joy and positivity. He loved spending time at Alnwick and The Music Junction, singing karaoke, listening to live music, bulling with friends, and telling stories, sometimes of the legal kind, sometimes not. He was quick to flash a mischievous wink or say “Love you, girl” to those he cared about. After being widowed a second time, he also enjoyed attending singles group dinners and embracing the social connections and laughter they brought.

To his healthcare workers, he was always ready with a “thank you, honey,” showing the same kindness and gratitude he carried throughout his life. Emerson’s legacy is one of resilience, love, laughter, and generosity.

Tributes are welcome at Emerson’s funeral, but if you would like to make a donation instead, he would have loved for you to give to Camp Wesley Woods, a Christian camp in Townsend, Tennessee, dedicated to helping children experience adventure and grow in their faith amidst God’s creation.

His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched, the bridges he built, both literal and figurative, and the stories he passed down.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM with Rev. Jonathan Jonas officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 26, 2025 at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.