Randy Emory, Director of Water Resources, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 15th.   

Randy was employed with Greenville Utilities for 37 years, with the last 20 years as Director of Water Resources. He oversaw the entire Water Resources Department, which includes the operation, budget, administration, engineering, maintenance, and improvement of the distribution/collection system, and the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. Through all those efforts, Randy kept his eye on our goal of protecting public health and the environment by making sure we have an adequate, safe supply of drinking water as well as an effective system for collecting and treating wastewater. 

Randy began his career at GUC in 1986 as Water Resources Construction/Contracts Engineer and promoted in 1993 to Assistant Director of Water Resources, the role he was in when Hurricane Floyd caused “the flood of the century” and turned our Water Treatment Plant into an island. Randy, along with countless others, helped keep the plant in full operation despite the flood waters that threatened the Plant. He was later promoted to Director in 2003. 

Under Randy’s leadership, our Water Resources Department has been honored with highly acclaimed accolades by industry peers, organizations, and state and federal agencies. These honors have recognized GUC and the Water Resources Department for its strategic plan and goals, employee workforce development, financial stability, water supply sustainability, exceptional customer service, water quality and environmental leadership, infrastructure investment and management, and commitment to exceeding Environmental Protection Agency regulations to achieve higher levels of water quality.  

Randy was also devoted to empowering his staff to work efficiently and safely. In 2017, Randy became the Management Sponsor for GUC’s Lighthouse process. This role included guiding the Lighthouse Steering Team, as well as the Barrier Removal Team, to give all our employees the tools they need for a safe work environment.  

Born in Lenoir County, Randy grew up in Kinston where he attended school, played ball, and helped his father in the masonry business. After graduating from Grainger High School, Randy attended N.C. State University where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1973. He was also a registered Professional Engineer. Prior to joining GUC, he served 10 years in the military as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He obtained the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was honorably discharged in 1995. 

Randy leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Vickie Phillips Emory; daughter, Carrie, and her husband, Lee Cash; grandsons Tyler, Zack, and Brett Cash; son, Jeff Emory; grandson, Connor Emory; his mother, Michelle Emory; sister, Patricia Emory Lefler and her husband, Phil, along with their daughter, Rebecca Rine, and husband, Jesse Rine; sister, Catherine Allsbrook, and her husband, Scott Allsbrook. 

Randy enjoyed spending time with his family on trips, get-togethers, and baseball games. He loved history and was an avid reader.  Randy also enjoyed spending time with his dogs Max, Sissy, and Rosie.   

Greenville Utilities is honored to have had 37 years of Randy’s passion for his work and employees. From his own words in November 2021, "The best part of working at GUC is all the good people who work here. As the generations have changed and new people have joined us, they’ve carried on with great work. It’s good to know that the future of GUC is in good hands."  

Randall Dean Emory Obituary