Robert Seney Hembree was born August 10, 1932, in Porum, Oklahoma to Oscar Eli Hembree and Clara Effie (Seney) Hembree. He entered Heaven on March 15, 2024, at the age of 91.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers Tom Hembree, George Hembree, Perry Hembree, Oscar Hembree, and Jack Hembree, and two sisters, Elaine (Hembree) London, and Dorthy Hembree.
Robert is survived by his wife, Shirley Hembree, of Tulsa, his children Robert Hembree, Jr and wife Joyce of Tulsa, and Mark Hembree and wife Alice of Allen, TX, and Susan (Hembree) Clay and husband Patrick of Broken Arrow. He also leaves his 5 grandchildren, Richard Hembree of Tulsa, Jonathan Hembree and wife Kelsey of Tulsa, Luke Hembree of Tulsa, Sarah (Clay) Campbell and husband Daniel of Edmond, and Ross Clay of Broken Arrow. He is also survived by his sister Helen (Hembree) Sizemore, of Checotah, OK.
After graduating from Porum High School, Robert served his country during the Korean War as a member of the US Navy from 1951 until 1955. During his time of service, he was stationed on the island of Guam. After his military service, he attended Okmulgee Technical School to become a Refrigeration, AC & Heating mechanic. After several years of working in the AC & Heating industry, he started his own service company and was there until his retirement.
In 1962, he met and married the love of his life Shirley Edwards on March 16. They celebrated 62 years together at his passing on March 15, 2024.
Robert loved the outdoors. His favorite things to do were camping, boating, fishing, and hunting. He also loved to grill outside. His wife didn't know how to cook a turkey or ribs because he always wanted to cook them. He not only liked to grill, but he also built and designed numerous cookers and charcoal starters. He patented his first charcoal starter in 1975.
Robert loved his church. He was a long-time member of Sequoyah Hills Baptist Church, and in his later years attended Memorial Baptist Church. As a young man he was able to minister by working on a bus ministry. He also taught a men's Bible class for 15 years. He used his mechanical gift to help keep the air conditioning, heating, and plumbing working at his church. One of the scriptures he was heard saying the most was Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting (or assembling) together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another as you see the day approaching."
Robert's family would like to thank the staff of Trinity Woods and Suncrest Hospice for the compassionate care they gave him.
Celebration of Life will be held at Moore Funeral Home, Rosewood Chapel 2570 S. Harvard Ave. Tulsa, OK on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 10:00 am.