Wendell Embry, a beloved husband, father, papaw, and great-papaw, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 3, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on December 7, 1936, in Butler County, Wendell was the son of the late Roosevelt and Edna Woolsey Embry.
Wendell was a devoted husband to Virginia “Jenny” Woodcock Embry for 67 years. They enjoyed the simple life of farming and raising their family to have strong faith in God. He and his family attended Welches Creek Union General Baptist Church, which he was a member of for 55 years.
Though Wendell enjoyed the simple life, he was the example of a hard-working man. He enjoyed the endless hours working his farm, but also worked the night shift at Majors Transit where he made friends and enjoyed a work family who loved him.
Wendell loved his family and was always there for them. The love he and Virginia shared has overflowed to their children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. As scripture says God will bless those who love Him and their family scripture was Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Wendell showed his family the importance of serving and loving the Lord, and in return Wendell’s quiver was full and he was a happy man (Psalm 127:3-5).
Wendell is preceded in death by his parents Roosevelt and Edna Woolsey Embry, his brothers: Jackson “JC” Embry, Frankie Embry, Floyd Embry, and Lewis Embry and one great-granddaughter Marlee Jo Willis.
He is survived by his wife Virginia Embry; three children: Karen Jo (Eddie) Crawford, Tracy (Beth) Embry, and Sheila (Dwayne) Probus all of Caneyville; six grandchildren: Nichole (Seth) Peters, Tenille (Eric) Ingram, Nick (Megan) Crawford, Stephanie (Chris) Willis, Stephen (Meghan) Probus, Rebecca Jo (Sean) Newton; seventeen great-grandchildren: Channing, Keith, Declan and Zeke Peters; Landin and Livi Crawford; Elin Puckett; Reece and Rylee Ingram; Adalee Jo Willis; Sadie, Connor and Della Probus; Cooper Aubrey, Kenlei and Easton Newton; and Luke Walton; and one sister Reva Cummings.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Caneyville Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Lacefield and Bro. Marvin Dotson officiating. Burial will be in Welches Creek “Woodcock” Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Sunday and from 9:00 AM until service time Monday, at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be left at www.caneyvillefh.com.
