Funeral services for Emmett Monroe Priest, 93, of Gainesville, Georgia, will be held Sunday, March 22, 2009 in the chapel of First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Ga., with Rev. Dr. Bill Coates and Rev. Bruce Fields officiating. Interment followed in Alta Vista Cemetery.

Mr. Priest was born in Decatur County, Ga. on March 3, 1916. He passed away Thursday, March 19, 2009.

Priest was a veteran of World War II serving in the Army. His career spanned an eight year stint with the State of Georgia Revenue Department Alcohol Tax unit as an undercover agent in Atlanta. An assignment with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation brought him to Gainesville, Ga. He was very highly regarded and important serving Hall County as an Investigator under several sheriffs. After a semi-retirement he rose to the rank of Major with Pinkerton Inc. and received many commendations for outstanding achievements above and beyond assigned duties covering security for AT&T Cable Plant and Lucent Technologies. He was a member of First Baptist Church on Green Street and was a lifetime Mason.

Mr. Priest was preceded in death by a daughter, Angela Tankersley.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Priest of Gainesville, Ga.; four daughters, Alane Hill, Pam Lewis, Leah Lewis, Cathy Lewis; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home in Gainesville, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.