Cephas Leon Hembry's Obituary
Cephas Leon Hembry was the youngest of three boys born to Emmett and Helen Hembry, January 4, 1933 in Washington, DC. His parents, older brother, Robert, and son Karl Hembry preceded him in death. He was affectionately known as “Leon” by friends and family.
At the early age of fifteen, he lost his beloved mother and not long after, joined the U.S. Army where he proudly and courageously served 14 years of active duty, including military combat during two tours of duty in Vietnam, receiving an honorable discharge in 1967. While stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington he met and married Marietta (also known as “Mary”) in 1961. There they were blessed with three sons and three daughters and remained together until he laid her to rest in 2003 after 42 years of marriage.
One of Leon’s definitive characteristics was his extremely strong work ethic, which led him to excel not only in his profession, but also as an entrepreneur as he parlayed his landscaping hobby into two successful businesses: Leon’s Hauling Service and Tacoma Bark ‘N Rock. Ever the consummate learner, he also garnered his Associate’s Degree from Tacoma Community College.
Mr. Hembry retired early from Tacoma Public Schools in 1979. Unable to sit still for long, he took on a career as an Operating Engineer at Nalley’s Fine Foods in 1980. During his tenure at Nalley’s he was recognized for founding the company’s first recycling program and was promoted to train leaders at other corporate locations in how to establish recycling centers within the company. He retired in 1997.
He accepted Christ into his life, was baptized in 1979 and never looked back, sharing the Good News every chance he got. He was a well-loved and faithful servant at Mount Tahoma SDA Church in Tacoma and served as Sabbath School teacher, Deacon, Elder, and guest speaker then later became a member of Puyallup SDA Church.
Leon peaceably left this world doing one of the things he loved most: studying his Bible and spending time with his beloved wife. He had an insatiable love for his family. Leon leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Bettie Hembry; his children, Freddy Hembry (Ben A. Bey), Karen Travis, Linda Hembry, Carolyn Savage, Leon Hembry, CeRita Curtis-Ross, and Tawny Hembry; his children by marriage, Michelle Mack, Dionne Bonner, and Denielle Aduba; his brother, Clarence Freddy Hembry; his aunt, Juliette Bassett; son-in-law, Harold Travis; and daughter-in-law, Chuah Bey; grandchildren, Damaris, Roland, Raina, Omari, Ali, Jamil, Zuri, Christopher, Brittany, Isaiah, Elijah; great-grandchild, Jeremiah, and dear family friend, Tracey Thomas.
Cephas Leon Hembry was loved and respected by all that knew him and will be deeply missed.
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