Emerson L. Deitz, Sr.

“Where words fail, music speaks” - Hans Christian Anderson

Emerson Lee Deitz, Sr., 90, was peacefully carried to his eternal Home with his wife, Nancy, holding his hand and his granddaughter, Kay, by his side on Tuesday morning, April 21, 2026, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was born on October 22, 1935, in Lewisburg, West Virginia, to the late Willard Loraine and Opal Lucretia Webb Deitz. His family moved to Baltimore, Maryland when he was seven years old. At the age of 9, he began playing piano at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, which began his lifelong musical career.

Emerson graduated high school from Baltimore City College, went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Baltimore, and then his MBA from Madison College (now James Madison University). He first met the woman who would become his devoted wife, Nancy, in 1955. They married on June 9, 1957. Their life-long love story began.

After living in Baltimore and Fairfax, Emerson, Nancy, and their two sons moved to Staunton in 1967, when he was recruited by American Safety Razor (ASR). Three additional sons joined their family. After retiring from ASR, in 1993, he began his consulting business, which he continued until his passing.

Emerson was a life-long servant; a servant to God, to Nancy, to his family, and to his community. He was a choir or musical Director for over 70 years. Primarily at St. John’s United Methodist Church and Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church. He directed the Community Choir for Happy Birthday USA a few summers.

He was a musician first and foremost, carrying his passion for music through his entire life. He first learned to play piano, then oboe, then clarinet, then saxophone. He could also play trumpet, trombone and enjoyed singing. Before he retired, he was a long-time member of the Stonewall Brigade Band, playing for over 45 years and holding leadership positions. He was a member of The Ovations Singers, performing with them at The Homestead. He played in the Big Band, Sentimental Journey, based in Charlottesville. He was a musician and arranger with The Shenandoah Saxes. In addition, he performed with local groups: the Waynesboro Players, Oak Grove, ShenanArts, Staunton Choral Society, at many dances, events, assisted living homes, weddings and more. He gave private saxophone lessons to numerous middle and high school students. He loved Directing and Singing with the Men’s Chorus at TSPC.

Aside from Music, he volunteered for his Community in so many ways. He was a founding Board Member for the Valley Alliance for Education that is still in existence and gives to students and teachers in the educational community. He was a founding member of the Greater Verona Business Association that is also still in existence, and supports the businesses in Verona. He was a member of the Personnel Association that turned into the Shenandoah Valley Chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management. He was on the Board of Directors for Blue Ridge Community College, Valley Community Services Board, the Chamber of Commerce, the Verona Kiwanis Club and for the local Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He was in a leadership capacity for so many non-profits. Leading a group of volunteers takes an incredible ability to build relationships, clearly communicate, be exceptionally organized and have a great deal of patience. He did all so incredibly well and quietly taught all those around him how success happens in volunteer organizations.

Emerson traveled all over the United States, visiting museums and battlefields, learning the history of the area. His international travel, accompanying his mother-in-law, included trips to Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Nova Scotia, and Canada.

In addition to all of this, he raised 5 boys, who loved him deeply and a granddaughter who named him “Nanny” that is affectionately used by all the family (and many of their friends). This family has grown to over 35 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His yellow Labrador, Honey, brought him much love and comfort for the past several years.

Emerson loved God, his family and music. He was a fan of the Baltimore Orioles, crab cakes, puzzles, reading, history, and travel. His lifelong aspiration was to be a good husband and father; which included being a help mate, role model, teacher, guide, friend, and supporter. While his accolades could span pages, he never wanted recognition or attention. His wife Nancy, whom he has described as his greatest hero, is much the same, and their life together centered on demonstrating God’s love to others through humble acts of love and service.

Emerson chose to use his time on this earth in service of our Lord and others, largely through music. This brought him joy. He never complained about there “not being enough time.”

Emerson has reached the mountain top. In those early hours of the morning, with the sun rising, he let go of Nancy’s hands to grab onto the mighty hands of our Lord, knowing that he is loved so deeply by his family, friends, and community.

Emerson is preceded in death by his parents, Willard Loraine and Opal Lucretia Webb Deitz; his parents-in-love, Garr and Gwen Clingman; and his daughter-in-law, Janet Kelsey Deitz.

Emerson is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Nancy Gwenivere Clingman Deitz; his five sons, Emerson Lee Deitz, Jr. and his wife, Maria, Timothy Glenn Deitz, Stephen Lewis Deitz and his wife, Jennifer, Matthew Grant Deitz and his wife, Leanne, and Andrew Layman Deitz and his wife, Angela, as well as his oldest granddaughter, Kay Deitz Carbaugh and her husband, Eric; his grandchildren, Elsa, Monty, Kelsey, Matthew, Kayla, Keith, Michael, Jordan, Skylar, Tyler, Megan, Jacob, Reagan, Adam, Carter, Mackenzie, and Tristan. Additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchildren, Crosby, Holden, Ezra, Emerson, Henley and many bonus children.

Honorary pallbearers are members of the Tinkling Spring Men’s Chorus.

Emerson’s burial will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church. The memorial service will begin at 2:45 PM in the church sanctuary, with a reception to follow.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

“Praise God! Have fun!” - Emerson