Emmett Grayson Yonce

Emmett Grayson Yonce, age 83 of Daleville, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2023 at his home following a brief illness.

Emmett was born in Wythe County, Virginia May 13, 1939 and lived in the Roanoke/Botetourt area for more than 60 years. He was the son of the late Davis Grayson and Sarah Rich Yonce.

Emmett served the City of Roanoke in many capacities beginning as a police officer and retried as Public Works Administrator. He was the owner of Yonce’s Coins, LLC and was a very well-known and highly reputable numismatist. He served in The United States Air Force and was a member of American Legion Post #3 in Salem. Emmett was a life member of Virginia Numismatic Association.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Stuart Yonce, Eddie Yonce, and Virgil Yonce. Emmett is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Ethel White Yonce; sons: Mark Grayson (Kim) Yonce of Roanoke, and Robert Davis Yonce of Pulaski; grandchildren: Jeremy Yonce, Taylor Yonce, Cross Yonce, and Virginia Yonce: brothers: Howard Yonce, Carl (Doris) Yonce, Jerry (Judy) Yonce, and Rufus (Celerina) Yonce; sisters: Mabel Cline, Aileen (Ted) Brown, Darlene Garland, and Frances Smelser.

A celebration of Emmett’s life will be 2:00pm Wednesday, March 1 at Rader Funeral Home, 630 Roanoke Road with his sister-in-law, Pastor Judy Yonce officiating. Entombment with military honors will be at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the funeral home 6-8pm Tuesday and one hour prior to the service Wednesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fincastle Rescue Squad and Fire Department, PO Box 432, Fincastle, Virginia 24090.

Online condolences may be made to the family and service live stream may be found at www.rader-funeralhome.com/tributes/Emmett-Yonce.

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