Jackie Ray Hembree

Jackie Ray Hembree, 85, of North Vernon, passed away at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour.

Born October 13, 1935, in Pineville, Kentucky, he was the son of John T. and Nelly E. (Brooks) Hembree. He married Freida Lee (Burton) Hembree on December 24, 1958, in Claiborne, Tennessee; she preceded him in death on March 8, 2019.

He was a loving husband and father that enjoyed sitting on the back porch, watching his crops grow in the fields and the company of his two dogs, Max and Sammy. Jackie and his wife Freida enjoyed gardening, canning, taking camping trips with their children, and time with friends and family. Both would travel the states to spend time together and with family.

Jackie was employed in maintenance with Arvin’s in Columbus from 1958 to his retirement in 2000. He was a member of the Messiah Baptist Church in Columbus, where he enjoyed singing from time-to-time gospel hymns.

Survivors include sons, Ronnie (Kathy) Hubbard of Columbus, Larry Hembree of North Vernon, and Joseph Steely of Dayton, Ohio; daughters, Debra (Roy) Arnold of North Vernon and Sheila (Robert) Neff of Deputy; brother, Don Hembree of Corbin, Kentucky; sister, Naomi Hembree of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Robert (Gretchen) Hembree, Jennifer (Matt) Cowan, Buck Riley Scott Hembree, and Victoria Marlene Hembree, all of North Vernon, Katrina (Richard) Bell of Coral Springs, Florida, Jason (Linda) Neff of Deputy, David (Donna) Redicker of Crothersville, Deanna Redicker, Heather (Jason) Mills, Brandy Hubbard, and Ronnie (Kelsey) Hubbard, all of Columbus, and November Rain Steely of Dayton, Ohio; sixteen great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; daughters-in-law, Peggy Lynn Hembree and Gladys Steely; and siblings, Marie Hendrickson, Geneva Laws, Carrie Golden, Gladys Law, Della Brewer, Elmer, Lena, Dorisalean, and Tom Delphus Hembree.

A funeral service for Jackie, will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North Vernon with the Rev. Terry Branum and Rev. Jackie Carroll officiating. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will follow in the Vernon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in honor of Jackie through the funeral home to Mercy Rescue and Adoption of Jennings County.

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