Senator C.B. Embry Jr.
**UPDATE** This update includes a statement from U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the passing of Sen. C.B. Embry.
“Elaine and I are heartbroken to learn of the loss of my good friend C.B. Embry. For more than fifty years, until just this week, he dutifully served the people of Kentucky as Mayor, County Judge Executive, State Representative and State Senator. I join with the chorus of Kentuckians he touched throughout his long career in mourning his loss.
“C.B. was the senior statesman in Kentucky’s statehouse, valued deeply by his colleagues for both his great work – especially on behalf of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens – and for his fine character. Faith and family were his guiding light throughout his career, and just this August, C.B. celebrated his sixtieth wedding anniversary with his wife, Wanda. Elaine and I share our deepest condolences with Wanda, their three children, four grandchildren, and two great-children.”
MORGANTOWN, Ky. — Senator C.B. Embry Jr. passed away last night just days after he resigned from the Kentucky Senate. Embry was 81 when he passed.
Besides representing Ohio County as a State Representative of the 17th District and a State Senator of the 6th District, Embry and his family were a part of Ohio County long before that. Embry and his family owned local businesses in Ohio County including Embry’s Valley Shopping Center and the Beaver Dam Messenger in Beaver Dam.
Embry was also Beaver Dam Mayor and Ohio County Judge Executive before moving on to state politics.
Several in Kentucky politics have commented on the passing of Sen. Embry this morning.
From Kentucky Department of Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles, “I’m saddened to learn about the passing of Sen. C.B. Embry, a dedicated public servant to the state of Kentucky having served more than 50 continuous years in the public sector. His dedication to the people of Kentucky saw him continue to travel to Frankfort and cast votes even during his courageous battle with cancer. He was a true professional in all he did, serving time as mayor, judge executive, state representative, and state senator. I had the honor to serve with him in the House of Representatives. He was known to be an early riser and extremely kind person. All who knew him will miss this unique statesman. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
From Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball, “Today, Senator C.B. Embry passed, a truly dedicated public servant. Kentucky is at a loss without his service. My husband Asa and I are praying for him, his wife Wanda, and his family.”
From State Auditor Mike Harmon, “I’m saddened to learn of the passing of former State Senator and State Representative C.B. Embry. C.B. made a lifelong commitment to being a servant leader, driven by his faith, his family, and his love of our great Commonwealth. I had the pleasure of serving with C.B. in the Kentucky House of Representatives, and I always considered him a wonderful friend, and like me, a person rooted in doing what’s right for Kentucky and its people. My prayers go out to Wanda and his entire family.”
From State Sen. Whitney Westerfield, “They don’t make public servants more dedicated than C.B. Embry. Carlos Brogdon Embry, Jr., is a genuinely decent human being, an elected leader who personally engages daily with his constituents and proudly stands up for them. What a life of service. I’ll miss C.B. & Mrs. Wanda.”
From Kentucky House Democratic leaders Joni Jenkins, Derrick Graham and Angie Hatton, “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of State Sen. C.B. Embry, who served his constituents well during his tenure in local office and then during his many years representing them in both the Kentucky House and Senate. On behalf of the Kentucky House Democratic Caucus, we offer our condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him. He will be missed.
From State Senate President Robert Stivers, “A dedicated family man, successful business owner, and inspirational man of faith, C.B.’s values served as a bedrock in the state Senate and his contributions to our Commonwealth stand out on their own. He was a passionate advocate for public education and veterans’ issues and raised the bar on everything he touched. The Commonwealth is a better place because of C.B. Embry. We will forever hold you in our hearts, and offer our thoughts and prayers to Wanda and your entire family.”
From Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, “I am saddened to learn this morning of the passing of C.B. Embry. He was loyal to the people of Western Kentucky and his contribution to the legislature over the last 20 years is immeasurable – he will be greatly missed. Britainy and I ask you to join us in lifting up the Embry family in prayer at this difficult time.”
On a personal note, when we started the Ohio County Monitor, Sen. Embry came by our offices to chat with us and buy advertising for an upcoming election. He was always so nice to us and he and his wife, Wanda, were big supporters of the work we were doing. Maybe it was because he knew what it was like to own and operate a local newspaper.
Later, when we decided to go to a subscription service, he was one of the first ones to buy a yearly subscription. Every so often, when he was in town, he’d stop by the office just to talk about Ohio County, its history and what was going on in the present. We really appreciated him and his wife, Wanda, and their support. Our prayers are with her and Sen. Embry’s family at this time.