Thomas Joel Embry, Sr.

Thomas Joel Embry, Sr, 83 yrs. old, went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 19^th, 2024. Oh, what a glorious day for him and all his loved ones that were waiting for him in heaven. 

Joel was born in Dundee, MS on October 25^th, 1940. He spent time in Oklahoma as a child before the family settled in Gulfport MS. 

He grew up playing in the waterways along the MS Gulf Coast and rivers throughout MS and neighboring states. He graduated from Gulfport High School and attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston Campus. He married Elizabeth Ann Hamilton in 1961. His career included time at the Forestry Service and then AT&T/Bell South, where he retired many years ago. 

He loved all things outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, native American artifact exploration and spent many hours walking the woods and riverbanks over the years. He was an avid learner and shared his knowledge with many and we are the richer for it. He raised his family in Ocean Springs, MS and later moved back to Gulfport. He loved taking his family camping, canoeing, and raising horses. 

He was an inventor, an amazing artist including sculpting, carving, and drawing. Joel was a Boy Scout Leader and a member of the MS Archaeological Association. He would travel around to elementary schools teaching kids about the native American culture. 

Most will remember him for his love for God and his faith that the Bible is the Word of God. His greatest accomplishment was teaching his family how to have a relationship with the Lord. That gave him so much comfort. 

Anyone who knew him knew he was a jokester, and he had such a wonderful sense of humor. He was a great storyteller. He loved his family and wasn’t afraid to tell anyone who would listen. His story will not end with him going home to heaven, he has started his best chapter. He remains with all of us left that love him and are his family and many friends. His generosity and love will be missed, till we see him again. 

Joel was predeceased by his father, Sion Payne Embry; mother, Maurine Ward Embry; sister Virgina “Ginger” McDavid and the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Embry. 

Joel is survived by his son, Thomas Joel Embry Jr.; his daughter, Terri Embry and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Scott Embry, Sarah Cospelich, James Jimbo Embry and many nieces and nephews.  He loved hanging out with his siblings and extended family. 

Visitation will be Monday, March 25, 2024 at Bradford O’Keefe, O'Neal Road, Gulfport, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service starting at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Gulfhaven Mennonite Church Cemetery at 21497 Mennonite Rd, Gulfport, MS.