Rodney Lynn Embry - Husband, Daddy, PaPa and Coach, went Home to be with his Heavenly Father on July 2, 2023. He was 83 years old. Rod was born on December 21, 1939, in Fullerton, California to James and Jewell Embry. He was the oldest of three children. At a young age, his family packed everything they owned and moved to Texas.

Rod graduated from Irving High School, Weatherford College, and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of North Texas. His degrees included Education, Kinesiology, and Administration. While in college, Rod met and married Joyce Elaine McKeller from Premont,  Texas. On June 29th of this year, the two celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They raised two daughters, JoLynne and Tracy Anne.

After coaching in Grapevine, Texas for one year Rod received a call from Weatherford College asking if he would like a job as an assistant coach and instructor. As an alumnus, he accepted the offer and began his career in 1966 until his retirement in 1998. During the 32 years Rod built the WC golf program and coached successful teams year after year. He also received Faculty Member of the Year, Distinguished Alumni, and numerous other accolades at the college. Coach Embry loved his golfers and kept in contact with many until his passing. During his retirement speech from the college, he said God had blessed him with two birth daughters and hundreds of golfers he would proudly call his sons. After retirement, Rod and Joyce moved to Cape Royale in Coldspring, Texas to be closer to their grandchildren, Dickson and Alexys Wharton, who meant the world to them. He was the Golf Pro and Teaching Pro at the Cape Royale golf course and continued until his health began to decline. Rod never met a stranger, could visit with anyone, was always fair, a gentleman, never raised his voice, and was a friend, role model, and mentor to many. He loved teaching and helping others. His greatest gifts were his family, and he was so proud of his grandchildren, who he talked about endlessly and they equally loved their PaPa.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents James and Jewell Embry, his brother Royce Embry, and sister Leah Ann Embry. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce Embry, daughters JoLynne Embry Wharton (husband Trey), Tracy Embry Hall (husband Phil), his treasured grandchildren Dickson Wharton (wife Lindsay) and Alexys Wharton, and other family and friends who loved him dearly.

A celebration of Rod's life will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Heritage Oak Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. Visitation will begin at 1:00, service at 2:00.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.