Robert "Doc" Perry Lemons

Doc Lemons, 75, of Gainesville, passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 in Gainesville, Texas.

Doc was born on May 1, 1945 in Gainesville, Texas to William Earl and Sylvia (Bryant) Lemons. He was the youngest of seven children. He grew up on the family dairy south of town. Doc was a 1963 graduate of Gainesville High School. As a young man, he fought in the Golden Gloves and rode bulls and broncs in the area rodeos, winning many trophies in both and having his picture in the newspaper several times.

Doc married Rita Gail Birdwell in Grapevine on October 8, 1968. In true Doc fashion, he showed up one day and said let's go get married, so they did. He then began working as a heavy equipment operator, which he continued for over 50 years. He was well known for his skills with a bulldozer.

Doc had many friends. He enjoyed going shooting and 4-wheeling. He was full of laughter and loved to joke around. His girls and his grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Doc is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rita Lemons of Gainesville; daughter, Melissa Davis of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Kristy and Brandon Emberton of Gainesville; 4 grandchildren, Miranda, Brayden, and Celeste Davis and Brooklyn Emberton; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Lynda Lemons of Lewisville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Gertie McGill and Opal Travelstead; and brothers Ernest Earl (Barney) Lemons, Roy Lemons, and Jimmy Lemons.

Memorial services will be held a later date due to COVID restrictions.