Jacob Eugene Bembry, 56, of Lee, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 16, at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare in Tallahassee.
Bembry was born on Sept. 1, 1963, in Madison to Robert Eugene and Louella Ether Sealey Bembry.
Bembry was a 1982 graduate of Jefferson County High School, where he served as vice president of his senior class and yearbook editor. Following high school, he attended North Florida Junior College before transferring to Florida State University (FSU), where he ultimately graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.
After graduating from FSU, Bembry worked several jobs prior to launching his notorious career at Greene Publishing, Inc., where he served as a writer and editor for 23 years. Bembry was the recipient of many Florida Press Awards, including the prestigious Shining Star Award in 2007, which is given to one outstanding newspaper employee in the state. He was also known for his weekly column, “Jacob's Ladder.”
Although he was not an official member of local civic clubs, Bembry enjoyed covering them for the newspaper and making many friends in the Madison Community. As a result of his overwhelming love for the community, he was selected in 2006 as the Lee Citizen of the Year.
Bembry was of the pentecostal faith, where he was a longtime member of the Midway Church of God in Lee. In his spare time, he enjoyed attending church and participating in religious activities, spending time with his family and was an avid Florida State Seminoles sports fan. He also enjoyed writing and published four books, including his most popular, Sudden death: God's Overtime.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Louella Bembry; two sisters, Sally and Susie Bembry; and one brother, Robert Bembry. He is survived by one brother, Daniel Bembry of Lee; two sisters, Abbie Bembry and Debra Leutner, both of Lee; two nieces, Morgan Leutner (and fiancee Steven Todd), and Shannan Leutner, all of North Dakota; one nephew, Ryan Leutner, of North Dakota; two great-nieces, Isabella and Kathryn; a great-nephew, Braxton; as well as numerous relatives and a host of friends.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m., at Burns Funeral Home in Madison with Pastor Retis Flowers officiating.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burns Funeral Home in order to help with the cost of arrangements. All arrangements are under the care of Burns Funeral Home of Madison.
Friends may send condolences to the family at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.
