HOPE, Ind. — Hubert “Bert” Embry Jr., 82, of Hope, formerly of Beaver Dam, Kentucky, passed from this earthly life on March 26, 2026, in Columbus, Indiana. Hubert was born at home in Horse Branch, Kentucky, to Gertha Ferguson and Hubert Embry Sr. on July 3, 1943.
He spent most of his childhood living in Kentucky and spent his adult years in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. He worked at various jobs over the years, retiring from Caterpillar in 2003.
After that he worked part-time at WalMart and became affectionately known as The Candy Man as he kept the candy aisle stocked and organized.
Bert enjoyed fishing, gardening, Louisville basketball, and spending time with family. He especially loved the time he spent working with his son building the cabin at his small farm. Some of his favorite times were when the grands and great-grands came to the farm to ride horses, play in the creek, hunt eggs, play games, and eat.
Bert was very proud to have been successful and active in the AA process for many years. He achieved sobriety in 1990 and since then has sponsored numerous souls, guiding them to achieve their sobriety goals as well.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a son, Richard Thad Embry, and a brother, Charles Erwin Maiden.
Bert is survived by his long-time girlfriend, Joanie Land and his loyal dog, Buddy, of Hope. Also surviving are two daughters, Pamela (Dwayne) Bratcher and Cathy (Matt) Calloway, both of Hartford, Kentucky, daughter-in-law, Lori Embry, of Beaver Dam; bonus children, Josh (Alyssa) Land and Joe (Laura) Land, of Indiana, and Molly (Jamie Cluesman) Land of Virginia; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; one bonus grandson; sister, Jerrie O’Brien; ex-wife, Mavis Embry; and several nieces and nephews.
Bert has always had faith in God. He had been attending The Ville Church in Shelbyville, Indiana, for several years. He was proudly baptized there in October 2025.
A Time of Remembrance will be held at New Assembly Church in Hartford, Kentucky, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Please come and share your memories of this wonderful man. Final interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Hartford.
Bert loved his dogs over the years, so please, in lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, make a donation to your local animal shelter in his name, or donate to the ALS Association at ALS.org in memory of his son.