Guy Francis Emanis

Guy Francis Emanis, 84, passed away Friday, September 11, 2015, at his home in Huntsville due to complications from various health ailments. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Adell Lucas Emanis as well as his brother Waverly Blaine Emanis with his wife Nancy, and three sisters Golda Punkony, Charlsie Marcone and Marie McCauley. Adell and Guy had three children together. He is survived by two sons Francis Dwayne Emanis with his wife Carol, Walter Jay Emanis, and one daughter Cheri Emanis Eagan with her husband David. Guy is also survived by seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Grandchildren include Scott Bradley Emanis, Ashley Rae Emanis, Cody Rydell Emanis, Jamie Taylor McCullough, Audra Cammianne Emanis, Elizabeth Anne Wogan and husband Rex Stewart Wogan and Alice Hunter Greer-Miranda and husband Irving Gabriel Miranda. His great-grandchildren are Elena Nicole Wogan and Elias Stewart Wogan. Guy was born in Arcadia, Texas on December 5, 1930 to his parents Walter Jack Emanis and Eva Jane Gillespie Emanis. Guy was one of nine children and joins his parents, three brothers and one sister in heaven. His deceased brothers are Walter Emanis, Eloy Emanis, F.A. Emanis and deceased sister Nara Emanis Hughes. Guy’s family lost his father to cancer at an early age, which led to great hardship on their family farm in Arcadia without him. Prior to his death, his father Walter had arranged for Guy, his brother Blaine and his sister Marie to live at and attend the Masonic Home and School of Texas in Fort Worth. Guy quickly grew fond of his new surroundings and attended this school for approximately six years before moving to Center, Texas with his mother and family. He loved playing sports including football and was a graduate of Center High School. Guy attended the University of Houston and was a life-long Cougar fan. He was always very patriotic in both spirit and attire, spending four years in the United States Air Force including two years stationed in Yokohama, Japan. Guy Emanis was unquestionably one of the most transformative figures in the history of the Texas real estate appraisal industry. He began his appraisal career in the School Tax Appraisal Division of Northeast Houston Independent School District before becoming the Tax Assessor Collector for Crosby Independent School District and then Galena Park Independent School District. Prior to 1978, local tax offices operated with little direction from the State of Texas. Local taxing authorities acted independently in creating local tax policies. Adoption of the Texas Property Tax Code in the late 1970s consolidated the appraisal function of all taxing units into one office in each county. Known locally as the Central Appraisal District (CAD) and headed by the chief appraiser, this agency now appraises each parcel of property in their respective county. Stemming from this new legislation, beginning in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Central Appraisal Districts began forming statewide to provide more security and transparency for property owners, and Guy Emanis was at the forefront of this movement. In 1981, Guy nearly singlehandedly developed and formed the Angelina Country Appraisal District, where he served as Chief Appraiser from 1981-1985. Because of the tireless work and effort involved, some counties in Texas were slower to create Central Appraisal Districts than others, but Guy Emanis loved every moment of the struggle. Guy left his position as Chief Appraiser in Angelina County in 1985 to form yet another appraisal district in Galveston County where he served as their Chief Appraiser until his retirement in 1996 leaving behind a decorated legacy in the Texas real estate appraisal industry. During Guy’s illustrious career, he employed and trained many talented, young men and women, who were willing to work hard, just like him to take advantage of their opportunity he granted them to also become fixtures at their appraisal districts. Many of the employees, who received their initial starts in appraising from Guy have either remained at their districts for decades or ascended to distinguished positions at other appraisal districts across the State. Guy was beloved not only professionally but by his entire family. He was an incredible support system for both his children and grandchildren to help them through any difficult times they encountered either emotionally or financially with no questions asked. Guy was more than just a support system though. He was a role model in every sense of the word. After retirement, his grandchildren were his life. He took a special interest in all of them, helping them navigate their way through hardships while also making sure he instilled his fundamental values in them of taking responsibility and being accountable for all of their actions and commitments. He loved his grandchildren so intensely that he could often be found at their homes babysitting them, cleaning their rooms and even matching their socks if they would not fold their laundry properly on their own. Guy loved fishing and everything Houston sports-related including the Astros, Oilers, Texans, Rockets and his alma mater the Houston Cougars. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for a half of a century as well as the Shriners International, the Rotary Club and Kiwanis International, which is a renowned service organization that helps underprivileged children. As his health deteriorated in recent years, Guy became an even greater inspiration to his friends and family, still displaying an immense will and fervor for life while exhibiting remarkable bravery and courage in the face of daunting and difficult circumstances. Guy maintained unwavering self-confidence, optimism and determination, and his esteemed character was always on full display even in the most difficult times. He made lifelong friends wherever he was in life. Guy Emanis was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all of his friends and family whose lives have all been enriched from knowing him. Services will be Monday, September 14th @ 10:00AM at Sam Houston Memorial Funerl Hone with interment at 1:00PM at Forest Park, The Woodlands. Visitation will be Sunday, September 13th from 6-8PM at the funeral home.. Full obituary may be viewed and memorial condolences made to the family at www.shmhf.com.

Guy Francis Emanis

December 5, 1930 - September 11, 2015