Bill "Emery" Emery

Greetings fellow Beekeepers! ... Wannabe Beekeepers! ... Hope to be Beekeepers! ... and soon to be Beekeepers. I would like to take this time to introduce myself.

My name is Bill Emery, but after 26 years in the military, I have found it easiest to be referred to only as "Emery." It seemed that every time I screwed up in the Coast Guard, that’s what they called me when they wanted to get my attention and I must say that it works for me in civilian life.

I am the “ El Presidente for life” for Beekeepers of Gilmer County, that is unless someone comes along that’s willing to take it from me. If you know me, I love having fun!

My journey as a beekeeper started several years ago when my brother got frustrated and quit beekeeping and gave me enough equipment to put together two hives. It just so happened that my mechanic (Russel Evans) at the time was also the president of Beekeepers of Gilmer County and he became my mentor. I joined this humble little Club and it truly helped me in my growth as a beekeeper.

After Russel passed away, about three years ago, the then vice president stepped up at the time to be president and I agreed to become vice president. I did this at the time, even though I felt truly not worthy because I loved this humble little Club and saw how it helped so many people such as myself.

Last January, the club had their annual election and I unanimously won the president spot. I must acknowledge the fact that I was the only one on the ballot. I joke. I agreed to take this position because I said earlier, I love this humble little Club.

WE ARE GROWING & WORKING TO BETTER SERVE YOU AND THE COMMUNITY As of this post and at our June 2026 club meeting, we had approximately 70 people attend and it was so exciting to see young , old and in between there.

It is the mission of Beekeepers of Gilmer County and myself to educate the public on the importance of bees and to help our members to be successful and to make beekeeping fun. My leadership style is to acknowledge that with 10 different Beekeepers there may several different opinions and styles of management and for each one of those people their way is the right way for them. As a club we disseminate that information and let you decide as a beekeeper what works for you. So join us and with your help and participation we can educate the community and help both you and others to grow as beekeepers.