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Larry-Douglas Embury Obituary

Longtime Fox Theatre organist Larry-Douglas Embury had a penchant for panache.

He favored sequined tuxedos and bright red shoes, welcoming regular Fox Theatre guests with a smile and a first name. He knew wielding the power of "Mighty Mo," the venue's massive, iconic organ, was a musician's dream. And he enjoyed every second of it.

"He was a very flashy kind of performer," Fox Theatre President and CEO Allan Vella said Saturday.

The Fox's organist in residence since 2002, Embury died Friday, Feb. 19, 2016, at his home. His age was unknown. Read more on ajc.com.

RELATED: Who has played the Fox Theatre 'Mighty Mo' Organ?
RELATED: Fox Theatre statement on the passing of Larry-Douglas Embury
Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution from Feb. 20 to Feb. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry-Douglas Embury

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37 Entries

Gary Miller

July 12, 2020

I grew up in the SF Bay Area back in the 70's I would go up and listen to Larry at the Daly city restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights then on Tuesday and Thursday nights I would listen to Larry at the Redwood City restaurant. I studied with Larry for a short period of time. Larry had a very special talent as a showman he will be greatly missed.

Henry Bielefeld

December 9, 2017

I went on line tonight to tell Larry that Classic Arts program here in Eugene, Oregon had been playing a number of his organ solos recorded at the Fox Atlanta Theater. I was shocked to learn of his passing. Larry was the organizer of the first organ club my wife,at the time, and I joined in San Jose,CA in the late 60's or early 70's.

We first met Larry when he made the rounds playing the restored theater organs at various pizza parlors in the San Jose area.

Both my wife and I took lessons from Larry and considered him a wonderful friend. My wife has since passed on and I will miss Larry, his playing, and his friendship.

In the past, when I've written him I told him how much we enjoyed his playing but were appointed that rather than seeing him at the console of the "Mighty Mo" all we ever saw was a kaleidescope.

Pizza & Pipes Campbell,ca

Ron Brandon

April 10, 2016

Brittany Davidson

April 6, 2016

Larry is one of my family members, his mom and dad where amazing!! my anti Mable and Ant Vita always sending larrys cds, and cards, before thy had passed on. I have been trying to contact him for a few months but got no call back now i know why RIP Uncal.TO family members. Or close friends Please email me thank you [email protected]

Verleen Baerg

March 10, 2016

This was so sad to read. I first heard Larry-Douglas at the Fox Theatre. He visited our church Second Ponce de Leon Baptist several times and complimented me on my organ playing and said he enjoyed watching our service on TV. That was my introduction to Larry-Douglas. Since then I visited him in his home and it was such a delight to listen to his stories. He was a great entertainer, musician, and above all, a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed!
Verleen Baerg

Jamie Buckley

March 9, 2016

Rest in Peace Uncle Larry, we love you, you will be missed

Helen and John Sullivan

March 7, 2016

Larry, we are so glad our paths crossed through my son Steven Buckley. I will always enjoy your music through the CDs we have been privileged to own. God bless you and give you peace in heaven. Enjoy the company of your Mother once again. Love John and Helen Sulivan

c m

March 4, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 2, 2016

General Mccaugher-Grant,Washington

Larry at Daily City 1970s.

David Diffenderfer

February 29, 2016

David W. Diffenderfer

February 28, 2016

I followed Larry through the bay area of San Francisco Pizza and Pipes establishments and later he was my organ instructor. I will miss him greatly.

Ruth Schenkenberger

February 26, 2016

I was honored to call Larry my friend. He was gracious to accompany me in services with my dad. Enjoyed visiting his cottage for sing alongs and homemade apple pie. Will miss you dear friend.
Ruth Schenkenberger

Darcy Douglas

February 25, 2016

I always enjoyed Larry's performances and excitement at the organ. He will be missed!!! I am sorry for your loss.

R.Gaines

February 25, 2016

To: The Embury Family.
I am sorry for your lost. May your love for Mr.Embury and the loving memories he shared with you. May you have comfort and strength to endure the difficult days ahead.

TN

February 24, 2016

As you celebrate a life well-lived, may your hearts be filled with joy and laughter,as you recall all the "happy" times you shared together.
(James 4:8)

Richard&Glenda Jackson

February 24, 2016

We will miss you! Your generous spirit and smiles will stay in our memories. Volunteering at the Fox will never be the same without Larry and the Mighty Mo. Our condolences for those he left behind.

February 22, 2016

Mt sincere condolences to the family.

c Mitchell

February 22, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Judy Blum

February 22, 2016

I have many A+ memories from my many years at the Fox. One of them has to be Larry-his sweet smile and his beautiful music. RIP Larry

Gary Johnston

February 22, 2016

Larry was also an excellent pianist with a penchant for arranging songs.

Mamie Harper

February 22, 2016

Thank you for all the wonderful memories of marvelous plays, etc., my family has enjoyed over the years. Your music brought joy and fun to everyone. May God comfort all who loved you. We will miss you.

February 22, 2016

God bless the family of Larry=Douglas Embury.

Douglas Thompson

February 22, 2016

Rest in peace Larry

February 22, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. I did not know Larry personally, but he was loved by many and a sharp dresser. May our heavenly Father wrap his loving arms around you and your family during such difficult times. Losing a loved one in death is never easy. Please know that our heavenly Father see's the pain death causes so he promises to end it forever. (Isaiah25:8)

Rex,GA

K Kendrick

February 22, 2016

Thank you for sharing your gift and Mo with Atlanta! You will be missed.

JD Moore

February 21, 2016

The Fox family lost an icon when Larry became ill. I loved working as stage guard when he played. He always wanted someone there who enjoyed his music and would clap very loudly after each song. Deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends. RIP Larry! You treaded a golden organ for a golden harp.

Jane and Jay Schindler

February 21, 2016

Sincere condolences to Larry's Family and Friends. My husband and i knew him from our volunteer ushering at The Fox. Larry was very talented as an organist, and brought a unique contribution of entertainment for Fox Patrons. I'll remember him especially for his bright smile as he cordially greeted the ushers before performances. Blessings for Comfort, Peace, and Love.

Gail Rodencal

February 21, 2016

I enjoyed working with Larry Douglas Embury while I was at the Fox Theatre.
I was sorry to hear of his passing.
My condolences to his family, he will surely be missed.

Pat J

February 21, 2016

Please accept my condolences.

Stephen Ashley

February 21, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to all of Larry's family and friends. I didn't ever have the pleasure of ever hearing him play in person, but I do have some of his very enjoyable recordings in my sound library.
Steve Ashley - Hot Pipes Broadcasts and Podcasts

D.R. Pullin

February 21, 2016

Fond memories of music in Idaho.God bless you and yours at this time.

Betty & David Barrett

February 21, 2016

My husband David and I met Larry in Silicon Valley CA. We've been good friends for 30+ years. What a sweet, fun-loving, innovative, brilliant organist and pianist he was! No matter what life's challenges, Larry always persevered. We were thrilled for him and for the Atlanta Fox Theatre patrons when he became the organist in residence there. If you've been to any of his performances, or talked with him about music in general, you'll understand his energy and creativity are born of wanting to share something beautiful with you and put a smile on your face.

Lucillle Gould

February 20, 2016

Dear Family, of MR. Embury, i'm so sorry to hear about your love one, i love you all very much to the point that i share that tremendous pain that was brought to your soul, to lose someone you cherish and love so much,but mere words cannot convey the over- whelming feeling of numbness, and despair that can result from such tragic,unexpected losses. Grief is very intense. We are never totally prepared for the death of a loved one,we never get over a loss,we just get used to it. May be we can look at it this way that our love one is away on a trip. Try to maintain a positive view point, and with that though, i leave you to read Proverbs;17:22.

Katrina Franklin

February 20, 2016

Always enjoyed the performance prior to Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker performances. What a gifted performer, he will be greatly missed!

Brian Frey

February 20, 2016

During my tenure with TOTS, I was always so excited to see Larry play before our shows. Knowing that I loved the Pipe Organ, he would always play FULL ORGAN for me and I loved him for it. I remember very well turning pages for him when we rehearsed his playing for the Sound of Music...a memory that will live with me forever. Rest In Peace dearest Larry...Thank you for the music!

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