Christopher James Embrey, known by his friends and family as “Smiley,” was born on Saturday, January 17th, 1970, in Butler, Missouri, to Rebecca Louise (Hon) (Embrey) Heckadon and Sam Gene Embrey. After years of battling heart disease and congestive heart failure, Chris passed away at Lee Summitt Medical Center on January 21st, 2025.
Chris attended and graduated from Butler High School in 1988. After graduation in 1988, he joined the US Navy, studying communications and working as a machinist's mate. Chris was stationed on the USS Constellation ship, which was later decommissioned. Christopher achieved the rank of E-4 Petty Officer Third Class in the Navy. During his time in the Navy, Chris served his country and, in the process, visited different countries and many other places in the States. Upon finishing his active duty in 1992 and discharging from the Navy, Chris moved from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was stationed, back to Butler, Missouri, with his two children. Later, Chris moved to Rich Hill, Missouri, where his children attended and graduated from school.
Chris was a hard-working man who had worked many jobs throughout his life. He was known for being able to do a little bit of everything and “knowing enough to be dangerous.” Chris loved watching NASCAR and dirt track racing with his children and watching the Chiefs play. He also loved arrowhead hunting with his children and friends. Chris loved listening to many different rock music genres, and you could always catch him playing his music as loud as possible. He was also known for always having a smile on his face, no matter what. Chris bought a plot of land in 2019 and, from there, built his home from the ground up. He spent his remaining free time working on his house and working on the dream of rebuilding his Ford Ranchero.
Chris is survived by his beloved children, Heather Embrey (Sawyer Helm) of El Dorado Springs and Kevin Embrey (Erica Resz) of Nevada; many beloved grandchildren; Stepfather Jerry Heckadon of Appleton City; siblings Vickie Ross (Boone) of Rich Hill, Ginger Handy (Joe) of Rich Hill, Sammy Embrey of Rich Hill, Sandra Cole of Butler, Clint Grosshart (Brenda) of Adrian, and Michelle Embrey of Columbus, KS; his beloved dog Chopper and cat Sly; and many other family member along with many friends from all walks of his life.
Christopher is preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca (Hon) Heckadon, and his father, Sam Embrey.
-Courtesy Heuser Funeral Home
