Dr. Olice Huel Embry, Jr., age 81, of Columbus, GA, passed away on Saturday, November 10, 2018. A Memorial Service to celebrate Olice’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus at 3:00 pm. A visitation of family and friends will be held Monday, November 12, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Born in Birmingham, AL, his parents were Olice Huel Embry Sr. and Kathleen Short Embry. In his youth and college days, he was known as “Sonny” and his twin sister Kathleen was known as “Sissy”. After graduating from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC, Olice began his career with South Central Bell. There, Olice met his wife of 57 years, Carole Nation of Montgomery AL. They had two children, son Alan and daughter Vivian. Olice earned his MBA and Doctorate at Georgia State University. Olice’s wonderful life journey began early on; attaining the rank of an Eagle Scout in The Boys Scouts of America and a Camp Cosby Counselor for many years. He was a Member of the Columbus Rotary Club. Olice’s early career also included working for The University of Alabama in Birmingham. Olice enjoyed a lengthy teaching career and retirement from Columbus State University; during his tenure he served as the Dean of the School of Business, Department Head and Professor of Management.
Olice loved to spend time with his family enjoying things they came to love together; whether it was spending time at Lake Oliver or Lake Martin, traveling or entertaining at their home. Olice loved operas and the theater, specifically The Springer Opera House, where he was a cast member in numerous productions and a former board member. To know him was to know the importance of learning as much as you can, stay positive, try hard, be early to an appointment, to laugh, “give someone the shirt off your back”, and lastly to love your families and spend quality time with them.
Olice was preceded in death by; his parents, a twin sister Kathleen M. Embry. Survivors include: Carole Embry; son Alan (Karen) Embry; daughter Vivian (Michael) Autry; Granddaughters, Kelly Autry Hand, Lauren Autry (Jonathan) Minix; Great grandchildren, Kate Minix, Rhodes Michael Hand and Raelynn Minix.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation on Olice’s behalf be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Embry family.
