Earl Embrey

Earl Marshall Embrey Jr., passed away from Covid on March 9, 2022 just 2 days shy of his 86th birthday. Earl was born in Upperville, Virginia on March 11, 1936 to Earl Marshall Embrey and Fannie Buckley Embrey.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, his parents, two brothers Charles and Brooke and a sister Alice.

He is survived by his children , Carol Urey (Roger) of Pulaski, Pennsylvania; Rene Madison (Brian) of Louisville, Kentucky; and Bud Embrey of Las Vegas, Nevada; 4 grandchildren Dan VanEss, Sarah McDonough, Ben and Ava Embrey; one brother Allan Embrey of Winchester, Virginia and a sister Ruth White (Alton) of Bealeton, Virginia.

Earl grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. He attended Marshall High School but enlisted in the United States Air Force in August of 1954 prior to completion and graduation. After he retired in July of 1975, he obtained his GED through the Oregon Board of Education.

Earl proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and 10 months which included 20 months of service in the Vietnam war.

Earl received many awards during his years of service. In January of 1965, he received an Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement in a classified mission. He was also awarded 3 different Air Medals for outstanding aerial accomplishments, professional ability, and leadership. These awards were obtained while assigned to the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Tuy Hoa Air Force Base. His contributions as a flight engineer during these times attributed to saved lives. Membership in the Lockheed C-130 Hercules Two Thousand Hour Club was awarded after many hours of flight.

After retirement, Earl resided in Rogue River, Oregon with his family. Earl continued to be involved in serving his community. One of his biggest loves was coaching Little League Baseball.

Earl remained active and independent up to his passing. He enjoyed dinners with family (Nick and Holly and Lesa Taylor) and friends ( Mary and Leroy Struck) and road trips to Seven Feather’s with friends (Ruth Dillard).

His children will be forever grateful to these family and friends for embracing and loving our dad in the years after mom’s passing. Knowing he was loved and cared for provided comfort to his children who all lived out of state.

A special thanks to the doctors and staff of Asante Medical Center in Grants Pass for the kindness and care shown during our dad’s hospital stay.

Earl was an amazing husband, dad, and grandpa and he will be dearly missed.