Raymond Embrey

Raymond B. Embrey was born January 26, 1930, in Plymouth, Wisconsin, to Bernice and Raymond Embrey. He lived for many years in Cary, Illinois (in the Chicago area), where he developed and ran his own insurance business. He retired from that business in 1982, turned to raising Charolais cattle and other livestock and developing a greenhouse business in Cary. While in the Chicago area Ray also was active in the Lion's Club, made good use of his bushy white hair and beard for the children at the local schools as a Santa at Christmas, and contributed his time to other charities in various ways as well. In 1990, Ray retired to Lakeview with his wife Sue. He enjoyed his garden, goats, hummingbirds, greenhouse, houseboat, fishing, playing bridge and gin rummy, and sharing wisdom with his friends at Snappy Mart. He also was active with the local food pantry. Until recently he could be found at the Farmers Market in Mountain Home selling his plants and goat cheese however, he mostly went there to socialize and share goodwill. Ray always had a special sparkle in his eye and met each day with appreciation for the wonders of life. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend. He will be sorely missed. Ray was a member of First United Methodist Church. Survivors: His wife, Sue, and his mother-in-law, Susan Hoffmann, survive him locally. He is also survived by three sons: Bob (Marianne) Embrey of Woodstock, Illinois; Brad (Lisa) Embrey of Cary, Illinois; and Michael Welby of Annapolis, Maryland; and three daughters, Deb (Tom) Kraemer of Cary; Kathleen (Chris) Carr of Cincinnati; and Susie (Jeff) Bennett of L.A.; a sister and brother, Patty Sue Mix and Michael Embrey, respectively, both of Illinois; and eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral: Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 30, 2006 at the First United Methodist Church in Mountain Home with Rev. Randy Ludwig, officiating. Memorials: Hospice of the Ozarks.