Born on October 20, 1930, in Casey County, Kentucky, he was a son of the late George and Levona Luttrell Emerson. Killis was a farmer and a member of South Fork Separate Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. He loved his horses, mules, and going on trail rides.
Survivors include one son, Russell (Peggi) Emerson of New Richmond, Ohio; two daughters, Wanda (Bill) Whited and Kathie (Donnie) Poff, both of Liberty; two brothers, Archie (Linda) Emerson of Providence, Rhode Island and Jesse (Teresa) Emerson of Flat Rock, Indiana; one sister, Sally Byrd of Liberty; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to his parents, Killis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Hopper Emerson, who passed away on November 6, 2018; three brothers, Leroy Emerson, Lafon Emerson, and Russell Emerson; and two sisters, Ila Tarter and Alpha Ramey.
Funeral services are 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at McKinney-Brown Funeral Home with Brother Troy Coffey officiating. Burial will follow in South Fork Cemetery.
Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at McKinney-Brown Funeral Home.
Bill Whited, Donnie Poff, Greg Lawhorn, Brylee Emerson, Jodie Hatter, and Mike Simpson will serve as Killis’ pallbearers.
Memorial contributions are suggested to South Fork Cemetery Fund: C/O Kevin Spaw, 2367 Johnathan Fork Road, Liberty, Kentucky 42539.
Killis’ arrangements are entrusted to McKinney-Brown Funeral Home with an online guestbook available at www.mckinneybrown.com.