Odrey Lee Embry left this life to enter the waiting arms of his Lord and savior Jesus Christ, 4 days after his 95th birthday and 11 days after his wife of 75 years was buried. Odrey was the oldest son of Robert Lee and Evie Felty Embry. He married the love of his life, Cova Wedding Embry, Jan. 23, 1948. Odrey was a devoted member of Living Faith Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.
He joined the Army at age 17 and proudly served with the 43rd Engineer Construction Battalion in Tachikawa, Japan during WWII as a master mechanic in charge of equipment maintenance and operation as well as instruction of the men under him, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring at age 62, he and Cova were involved many years with Campers on Mission which gave them the opportunity to serve the Lord remodeling or building churches and church camps throughout several states, including countless trips to Oneida Baptist Institute volunteering in many capacities. One year he worked every day for four months, while they were supposed to be on winter break, helping build a home for unwed mothers. He truly was the example of having a servant’s heart and was always willing to help others.
Odrey was a proud member of the United Mine Workers for 67 years, serving as President and delegate to multiple International Conventions. He was currently recording secretary for L.U. 9800. He was always an advocate for working men and women.
He was an amazing craftsman in every capacity, with an eye for detailed excellence with steel or wood. As welder for Peabody, he designed and built the first cabs for the dozers at Riverview mine. He could run all equipment at the mine, as well as doing mechanic work, even rebuilding engines in heavy equipment.
Odrey never backed down from a challenge. He would examine a problem from all aspects and arrive at a sound, workable solution. He designed, drew the plans and oversaw the construction of the two additions to Living Faith Baptist Church, tirelessly giving his time and talents to help grow the church for the glory of his Lord. He was a quiet humble man, the epitome of integrity, honor and faithfulness, who loved his wife and family unconditionally and was always a pleasure to be around. Odrey was a member, and true example, of the Greatest Generation.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Mildred Nelson and Virginia White, infant twin brothers Farrell and Darrell and great granddaughter Claire Embry.
Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Virginia Marx Owensboro, Eddie Embry (Janice) Hartford and Richard Embry Evansville Indiana; six grandchildren, Dr. Eddie Lee Embry (Amy) Beaver Dam, Richard Lee Embry (Stephanie) Newburgh Indiana, Brandon Embry (Jill) Lexington, Jessica Jones (Chris) Oakland City Indiana, Joshua Marx Owensboro and Shannon Embry (Dusty) Brandon Florida; 15 great grandchildren, Kayla, Kegan, Kinsey, Kacie, Owen, Jameson, Ava, Joseph, Alissa, Eliana, Damien, Silas, Sammy and Audrey; two great great grandchildren, Sawyer and Clementine Jane; sister Louise Foreman and brother Carroll Embry.
Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Living Faith Baptist Church 6515 US Hwy. 231 Hartford, Kentucky. Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Bevil Brothers Funeral Home, Beaver Dam, KY. Bro. Greg Hilliard will be conducting the service with burial in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests any contributions be made to Hospice of Ohio County, 107 Gillespie Street, Hartford, KY 42347.
Ohio County Honor Guard will perform last rites at cemetery.