Jerry Richard Embry

Jerry Richard Embry, 84, passed away with family by his side in Louisville, KY, on October 27, 2025. He was born on March 10, 1941, in Henderson, KY.

Jerry and his sister, Barbara (Barb) Benner, were raised by their late grandmother, Laura Tanner Whitten, in a log cabin in Ohio County, KY. It was through this modest upbringing that Jerry developed the values and character he carried with him throughout his life. He learned to be humble, self-sufficient, and kind. He had a calm demeanor, a peaceful presence, and a wonderful sense of humor.

Jerry spent his youth attending school and church, playing with Barb, and helping his grandmother tend to the livestock, farm, and daily chores. At age 11, a friend gave Jerry his first guitar, which he taught himself to play. Eventually, he became the musical director at his church.

After high school, Jerry moved to Elkhart, IN, where he spent many years making a living playing guitar and singing in various bands. He shared the stage with many household names of the late ’50s and early ’60s, and one of his bands was featured on Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars.

Jerry eventually settled in Louisville, KY, where he married, became a father, and joined the Freemasons. He also continued his lifelong love of University of Kentucky basketball. He retired from K & F Smith Company (later Fish Market) after 50 years of dedicated service, alongside many co-workers he considered family.

He enjoyed cooking southern comfort food, learning to use new technologies, collecting family photos, talking with his sisters, and following the achievements and activities of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent much of his time listening to, watching, and reading about music of all genres—especially country and gospel.

Jerry was a man of faith who often said, “The Good Lord loves a simple man.” And that’s what Jerry was at heart. In his later years, he became concerned about the state of the world and would often speak about how much God was needed.

Jerry was a loving father, Papaw, brother, and friend. He is survived by his children, Rodney Embry (Anita) and Robyn Gelnett (Mark); grandchildren, Hunter Embry (Jenna), Michael Embry (Dani), Makayla Kemp (Tyler), Carmen Shive (Devon), and Pricila Embry; great-grandchildren, Olive, Axl, Oakley, Zoe, Etta, Everette, Hadleigh, Linleigh, Eleanor, and Cooper; and sisters, Barbara Benner and Judy Lindsey (Charles).

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Newcomer East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243. A service to celebrate Jerry’s life will follow at 3:00 p.m. that day at the funeral home.

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