Thomas Britton Embry (Britt) passed away peacefully in his home on February 14, 2025, in Tulsa, OK. Britt was born December 31, 1947, in Olla, Louisiana. He was the youngest son of James E. and Sally M. Embry.
The Embrys moved to Bartlesville, OK in 1960 where Britt grew up until graduating from College High School. It was there that he met the love of his life, Martha. They were married June 7, 1969, in Bartlesville. After a brief honeymoon in New Orleans, Martha joined Britt in Fayetteville, Arkansas, so Britt could finish school at the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Architecture in June, 1971.
Upon graduation, Britt and Martha moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Britt then began basic training in New Jersey before serving and being honorably discharged from the US Army Reserves. The Embry family grew larger with the completion of their first major project, Amy, their eldest daughter, arriving in October of 1971. Their second major project, Joel, arrived in July of 1976 and their last major project, Meg, in August of 1981.
Britt's esteemed architecture career began in June, 1971, and culminated with his retirement in December, 2017.
Britt served the community throughout his career by serving on numerous boards and committees including serving as the President of the local and state chapters of the American Institute of Architecture, President of Leadership Tulsa, President of Tulsa Tech Education Foundation, Oklahoma State University School of Architecture Advisory Board, University of Arkansas School of Architecture Advisory Board, Tulsa Regional Chamber Economic Development Board, along with many others.
From 1977 - 2000, Britt was either coaching his children's soccer teams or refereeing for the competitive leagues in town. Soccer was and continues to be a major part of the Embry family. Many family vacations were spent traveling around to all of his kids and grandkids soccer tournaments, as well as, the US national teams and professional games.
The proudest time of his life was when he became a grandfather. His five grandchildren were his pride and joy. When the oldest grandchild (Jack) turned one, he began the tradition of taking his grandchildren to Brownies for breakfast each Saturday morning. That is where each of them had their first sips of coffee. This tradition continued throughout the years until his passing. When a babysitter was needed, we were told to call Papa. His favorite thing to do with them was take them to Braums, get them all sugared up, and send them back to their parents. Whether it was a soccer game, volleyball game, choir concert, or just needing to be picked up from school, Papa was happy to be on duty.
Britt was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Sally M. Embry and his older brother, John L. Embry. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Martha; his three children and their spouses Amy (Chad) Bracher, Joel (Missy) Embry, Meg (Andrew) McGuire and his five grandchildren Jack and Sydney Bracher, Lauren Embry, Sarah and Lillian McGuire all of Tulsa, OK. Additionally, he is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews all who he loved dearly.
Britt's memorial service is February 22, 2025, 11:00 am at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK.
In leu of flowers, please make a donation to the Tulsa Tech Education Foundation, https://www.ttef.net/ .