Oliver Emmert

Oliver Emmert, Jr. died on September 16, 2026, in Decatur, Texas, at the age of 83. 

Born on February 3, 1943, in Borger, Texas, Oliver built a life defined by hard work, steady ambition, and a genuine interest in other people. He was a 1961 Bowie High School graduate and later studied electronics at DeVry Technical School. He also served in the U.S. Air Force for two years. 

Oliver often said, “There is honor in work”, and his life reflected that belief from an early age. He had a plan for success from the beginning. At just 8 years old, he got his first job and began delivering newspapers. He later worked his way up from a warehouse stock worker to become National Sales Manager for the Belding Lily thread and sewing notion company. With each promotion came another move for Oliver and his family, taking them from Texas to Colorado, Arizona, Illinois, and North Carolina. 

He was a natural salesman. Oliver enjoyed meeting people, hearing their stories, and forming connections wherever he went. He never met a stranger, and his ability to talk with others and make them feel known was a defining part of both his professional and personal life. These traits served him well throughout his years in business. 

Always a visionary, Oliver founded Alpha Et Cetera, Ltd in 1978 in Shelby, North Carolina, with his former wife, Ann. For 46 years, Oliver grew the business in an upward direction, concluding as Alpha Printing & Mailing Service. 

In the early 2000s, Oliver opened three BMW Motorcycle dealerships in North Carolina: Capitol BMW in Raleigh, Cape Fear BMW in Wilmington, and, in partnership with his son, Jason, Carolina BMW in Greensboro. In 2024, he moved to Bridgeport, Texas, and quickly became involved in the local business community. Oliver got busy and proceeded to open Dolci Voglie Bakery and Benito’s Slice House in the growing uptown area. 

Oliver also loved to travel, spanning many trips across the United States.

Along the way, he remained deeply connected to the people and experiences around him. He was known as a kind and caring man. A highly intelligent father figure and mentor to others, Oliver offered guidance and presence in ways that left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He was a Christian and believed in the miracles of daily life and nature. Growing up around all kinds of animals, they became part of his family. He also enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren and great-grandson who loved him deeply. Family was the most important part of Oliver’s life. 

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Emmert Rhodes and son-in-law, Geoffrey Rhodes; his grandsons, Joshua and wife Haylee Rhodes, Jacob and Jonathan Rhodes; Samuel Emmert, Foster, wife Kaylee and great-grandson Archer Emmert; granddaughter Rainey Emmert; and close friend Charity Swofford. He also leaves behind his faithful bulldog, Olive, and cat Hootie. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Oliver Emmert; his former wife, Betty Ann Emmert; his mother, Martha Lee Barker Emmert; his father, Oliver Emmert Sr.; and his brother, Elbert Lee Russell. 

The graveside service will be at 11:30 am on Saturday, November 7th at the Chico Cemetery in Chico, Texas, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at Dovini’s Restaurant in uptown Bridgeport.

Hawkins Funeral Home Bridgeport

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com