An unique gentleman that could be fatherly, friendly, a mentor and still intimidating. It was his being a Marine and a police officer that he was so proud to be.

Still missing my old friend Clyde. He was a good neighbor for 28 years, and still a good friend until he went to live with the angels.

Loss saddens us. Hope comforts us. Love heals us.

Dear Embreys, I am so sorry for your loss. I was not fortunate enough to have worked directly with your father but I had the awesome opportunity to meet him in 2004. I was in a group at ACPD that established a memorial for our Fallen Officers -- we searched the archives of the ACPD to find the perfect image of our police force and without knowing your father -- we picked him as a stand-up perfect image as to what represented our past and how we always want to be remembered by... 

That week, our committee members drove up to meet with Clyde and even though it was the 1st time he met us, there was a welcoming greeting and presence -- he treated us like family -- as we are in ACPD.  That day, we asked Clyde if we could use his image as our standing statue in front of the station. I told him the only changes would be that the statue would be 6' 2" and bronze -- he smiled (and what a great smile), it's those eyes I'll never forget. So Clyde agreed and I could not have been happier with our selection. But our selection was much more than a standing image -- the more I got to know Clyde in our brief meetings and short lunches the more I grew to love the man inside that perfect image.

I am so blessed to be able to call him a Brother In Blue and ACPD is so fortunate to have him standing watch outside our station -- PROTECTING THE HOUSE -- he will forever be my image of the perfect policeman both inside and out.

Grateful to Clyde --

The Embreys kind of saved my life. I was in 5th grade when they moved in down the street from my parents. Clyde had the patience of a saint with me. I have stories. He had a profound influence on my life. My sincerest condolences to his family on the passing of this great, great guy. jacklupton@gmail.com

I am so sad to hear of the passing of this wonderful man.  When I think of Clyde Embrey, I will always see a warm smile, infectious laugh and a man who loved life, his family and friends.  He was a dear friend and fellow Arlington police officer with my father Sgt. Ken Hayre and my uncle, Lt. Roxy Crack.  I know this is a terrible loss for all who knew and loved Clyde.  My deepest sympathies.

The Santa Man Can

We are grieving the loss of a remarkable man, Clyde Embrey, who left us yesterday, at the age of 83. He was a stepfather, a huge hug, a dear friend, and a cheering squad. He was the only man I'll ever say I helped re-shingle a roof with, because I knew it would be fun. He was a twenty-dollar bill stuffed in your hands every time you got back on the bus for wherever home was, with the words, “You'll need this babe.” He was the biggest exaggerated wink; wink after he told a ridiculous joke.

He danced a mean Santa every December, surrounded by hundreds of elves, angels and all things Santa land that defined coming home to Virginia each Christmas. Sammy's biggest memory of him is Clyde and the two automatic dancing Santas on the mantle all doing the Jingle Jangle in an exaggerated figure eight. I can still hear Sam's laughter and Clyde's making that music mean something to me again.

He embraced every incarnation of my persona I walked in his door with from age 16 to today. I could shave my head, quit my job, start a new one, have a girlfriend, or a fiancé, be a single mother, or a hot shot New Yorker, and it was all “Hey Babe. Come here, let me show you something…” Clyde entered into my life when the word chaos was my first and last name. He brought laughter to our then dense fog of serious. He loved on all of us unconditionally. He taught my mom how to laugh out loud again. He gave us all room to land where we were, because he had provided us with a solid foundation of love, warmth, and can do.

I am releasing sorrow's hold as I can, and imagining his sweet and well-awaited journey to all the laughter that awaits him. I am celebrating all the steady joy he brought to our family's lives for twenty-five plus years. I am sending so much love to his family. They have so much to celebrate.

On my 30th birthday (fifteen years ago) Clyde wrote to me a reminder that when I used to sleep late as a teenager he would say really loud, before I was truly awake; “Katie! Seize the day! It's not too late. Don't let the day seize you.”

[Catherine M.Anderson - March 14, 2013]

It feels a little odd making a speech about Clyde because Clyde wasn't a talker.  He was all about doing.  I figured this out years ago when I would call him on the phone for one thing or another.  Clyde wasn't interested in small talk.  He could tell a good story and appreciated a new joke, but I learned early on not to begin a conversation with a vague line like, “Hey Clyde, how's it going?”  If I asked that question I might get one word or two out of him, then silence.  But if I needed help on a home maintenance project, he'd happily talk as long as it took for me to understand what needed to be done.  And the conversation would usually end with him promising to come over the next day to show me how.  My house is full of his handiwork.  Woodwork, cabinetry fencing, paint jobs, plumbing repairs, you name it.  I've never known anyone more generous with his time or expertise.  Even after Clyde was unable to do the work, he'd advise me on the phone.  He taught me how to paint a house properly, inside and out, and left e with the wisdom that “A house is like a woman; it needs constant attention.”

Clyde was also generous with his home.  I don't know how many Memorial Days, 4th of Julys and Labor Days I spent in his back yard with my mother, wife and kids.  He would grill, encourage the kids to use the hammock, make sure I had a beer.  A hundred times he hauled out the 1960-era toys that the kids never grew tired of.  He always made us feel welcome.  He let me borrow tools and storage space.  We enjoyed dropping in on Sunday afternoons after a quick call to confirm he was around.  If he was hurting during his last years, which I'm sure he was, he never let it show.

And of course, Clyde knew how to have fun.  That's probably what I'll remember most.  The man liked to dance and whoop it up.  Kids figured this out fast.  One day I pulled up at Clyde's house with my daughter Rachel, then just two years old, in the back seat.  She looked out the window, figured out where she was and a big smile spread across her face.  Just two words she said:  “Clyde – PARTY!!”  And in we went.

Thank you, Clyde.  You took good care of us.  If I can live my life with half of your spirit, sense of humor and generosity, I'll be doing well. 


[Chuck Anderson - March 14, 2013]

May God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow!  Steve & Sonya Farmer

I was a member of the 10th academy class at the old Nike site in Fairfax that Sgt. Embrey headed up.  Saw many times throughout my career, although I never worked directly with him.  He and I always saw each other during the May memorial services each year where I always reminded him of his role as the model for our police statue.  He will be missed.

Pete Tyler 
ACPD retired

I'm Steve Lunsford, Bernie Lunsford's son, and U.S. Vietnam Marine grunt.  Pop and Clyde were partners at the ACPD.  After discharge from the Marines, Clyde mentored me during the time I was earning my degree in Criminal Justice at Virginia Commonwealth University.  Clyde was a constant source of information and inspiration.  I went on to have a successful career in Federal Law Enforcement, thanks in part to the efforts of Mr. Embrey.  Semper Fi Brother.  Steve Lunsford (Palm Coast, Florida)

Clyde was Director of the Northern VA Police Academy when I began basic training as an Arlington Police Officer in 1972. He was always kind to me in the years we worked together, ane will be missed. Respectfully, Jim Andresakes

I worked with Clyde in the personnel section, and he was a great supervisor.He was one of the best.

I WORKED WITH CLYDE AND ENJOYED A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.HE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO GIVE SUPPORT. HE WAS A GREAT SUPERVISOR. ONE OF THE BEST.

clyde was one of the good guys  worked with him at the department for a long time.I retired in 86.we spent several years together at the academy.clyde is one of the reasons it is what it is today.I always saw him as a people person.he will always be in my memory.

God Bless

William Packett

God Bless you my brother in Blue.... Watch over us'
MG

When I applied to the PD, Clyde was the first pewrson I talked to.  And later he gave me my polygraph.  Good man and will be missed.

Although Clyde was my 4th cousin and he lived only 3 blocks from where I was raised in Arlington I never met him until last year. I ran into his name while doing ancestry work on the Embrey family and saw how close he lived to my Mother and Fathers house and gave him a call. The 6 hours I spent with him were some of the most wonderful moments in my life. It is hard for me to think that he  only lived a couple of blocks from me and I am quite sure that me and my twin brother delivered the Washington Post to his house for a couple of years back in the late 1950's. I will never forget this kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor. RIP cousin, Love

Uncle Clyde was a wonderful sweet man. My Mom  and Dad (Buddy and Beverly Brown) were close friends with Clyde. With two young families they ventured out into the wilderness from North Carolina to Canada camping on many unforgettable vacations and priceless memories.  I have very fond memories ofUncle Clyde and will cherish them always.  I'm certain that my parents and Clyde along with many other of their friends who have passed are having a whale of a game of poker or tripoli!  My heartfelt sympathy and love are with Linda, Carolyn and Daryl .  Love, Debi Brown Wolfrey

My father, Yves Trudelle (while working for the Canadian Air Force), moved his little family from Canada to Arlington VA in 1960.  He was transferred there to work for the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. My dad rented a house belonging to Clyde and he and his family generously took us under their wings and made us feel at home. We stayed there for 4 years (my baby sister Suzanne was born there) and when the time came for us to leave, 4 years later, we were heartbroken.  We had lost contact but thanks to my brother (Claude), he met with Clyde and Darryl in Arlington around 1999. We had been communicating ever since, he had remained the same, funny and generous man. Clyde and I (Cookie) share the same birthday, April 3rd, what an important day that was for both of us. Clyde, you and your family will forever remain in our hearts, thank you for all the care you brought to our family.
Jocelyne (Cookie) and the entire Trudelle family,

Clyde and my father worked together and he has been a great friend to our family over many years. After my dad passed away, he took great care of my mom and brother. A great man, who will be greatly missed.

I worked with Clyde for many years at the ACPD.  A great guy, I think the last time I saw him was at the dedication of the Arlington Police Memorial Statue, for which he was the model.  A tremendous loss.

I only got to know Clyde a short time ago but I felt like I had known him for years.  He always welcomed me with a big smile and a hug.  He was a very kind and gentle soul.  May he rest in peace.

Clyde and I were friends back in the 40's. He gave me his Sunday School pin, and I still have it. I have thought of him and his brother Stuart often thru the years. My thoughts and prayers are with his children and loved ones.

A wonderful Neighbor and Friend.  
Our deepest Sympathy to the Family.  May you keep alive the wonderful memories you shared with Clyde.
God's Blessing and Peace to all.

OBITUARIO

Clyde E. Embrey

3 abril, 1929 – 13 marzo, 2013

Murphy Funeral Homes

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