Jesse Lewis Embry II

Bossier City, Louisiana – Services for Mr. Jesse Lewis Embry II, age 65, will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 AM at The Simple Church in Bossier City, Louisiana, with Justin Haigler officiating. An inurnment will take place at Hill Crest Cemetery in Haughton, Louisiana. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 AM until 11:00. Everyone is invited to wear their favorite sports attire.

Mr. Embry passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Willis-Knighton Health Center in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Jesse was born on August 7, 1960, in Panola County, Texas, and had been a proud resident of Bossier City for the past 51 years. He graduated from Airline High School in 1978 and earned his degree from LSU Shreveport in 1984. He went on to build a successful 30-year career in insurance at United-Bilt Homes.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jesse found joy playing softball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball. He was an avid supporter of the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and LSU Tigers. Whether it was participating in fantasy sports, enjoying table games, or simply gathering with friends and family, Jesse brought energy, laughter, and warmth to every occasion.

Jesse died surrounded by family and friends. Over the years he pointed many people to the saving Grace of Jesus Christ! He was an avid listener to local sports radio and a big fan of local sports. He introduced dozens of folks to fantasy baseball and football back in the early 90’s. He was a kind and gentle (although very competitive) man who poured his life into the youth and sports outreach at First Baptist Bossier, to local high school sports and to his nieces and nephews.

He was inducted into the United States Slowpitch Softball Association (USSSA) Hall of Fame as the inaugural member of their Church Division in 2011. Jesse overcame many obstacles in life but in a manner different than most - he rarely if ever complained. He knew this life was temporary and one day he would be made whole again. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 8. In 1986 a kidney transplant was required, his sister Laura donated a kidney with they typical duration expected to be 10 years. It lasted twice as long as expected until 2014, when he received a kidney / pancreas transplant. Unfortunately, within the last couple of years his life with Type 1 Diabetes had finally started slowing him down; losing both legs and some finger digits and very frequent hospital stays. But he never complained.

Jesse was always active in Church life. He came to have a personal relationship with Christ at the age of 11 and remained very active participating in Bus Ministry, teaching Sunday School Classes and Bible Studies. He was ordained as a Deacon at First Baptist Bossier City 1994. He also coached and led numerous church softball teams and basketball teams. He did this infused with the grace and compassion of His Savior.

He was married late in life - on the weekend of his 50th birthday. The Lord blessed him with Cindy who enjoyed an active life with Jesse. She has been such a wonderful caregiver and partner to and with Jesse these past 15 years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Jimmy and Janice Embry.

Jesse is survived by his devoted wife, Cindy Hughes Embry; his brothers Edwin Embry and partner Shawn, Sandy Embry and wife Sherry; and his sister Laura Rexford. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Jimmy Embry and partner Sydney, Brooke Embry and wife Lindsay, their daughters Olive and Hazel Embry Raymond Embry with wife Liz and their son Blaise Embry. Alcee Embry and fiancée Andrew. Casey Wilson and her husband Chris with their children Christopher and Cannon Wilson . Marshall Rexford and fiancée Alex, and Dylan Rexford. Raymond Embry, wife Liz, and their son Blaise. Alcee Flores and fiancee Andrew. Casey Wilson and husband Chris, their sons Christopher and Cannon. Brother and sister-in-laws Bill and Jane Hughes, Jim and Laura Hughes, Joe and Michelle Hughes, Linda Hughes. Nieces and nephews Laynie Penitusi, Mark Durham, Miko Penitusi, Zoey, Zane and Zachariah Penitusi. Jon, Amy, Callan, Hayden, Ryan, Will and Margo Hughes, Mason Hughes, Josh and Maggie Hughes and Andi Hughes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jesse's honor to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), in recognition of his valiant fight with Type 1 Diabetes or The Simple Church where he was an active member.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses and medical technicians who served Jesse so faithfully through the years. Special thanks to Willis Knighton John C. McDonald Transplant Center, Northwest Louisiana Nephrology, Dermatology and Skin Surgery, Dr. Paul Johnston, Willis Knighton Bossier City ICU, along with Infectious Diseases, Wound Care, Sams Club Pharmacy, Willis Knighton Cardiology and Certified Limb and Brace.

Jesse will be remembered for his kind spirit and unwavering love for his family, friends, and his bold witness for Jesus Christ. Jesse’s gentle nature, steadfast love and bold witness for Jesus Christ touched countless lives, leading many who knew him to a deeper relationship with the Lord.