Herb Emory Obituary

Capt. Herb Emory, who helped millions of WSB listeners and viewers navigate Atlanta's roadways, died Saturday, April 12, 2014.

A remembrance by colleague Doug Turnbull: Captain Herb's Three C's among the many sayings that shape WSB Traffic

Thursday, April 12th, was the four-year anniversary of WSB Traffic legend Captain Herb Emory's flight to Heaven. The Georgia Radio Hall of Famer tragically died of a heart attack, after helping crash victims out of a car and then directing traffic in front of his house. Emory's passing, considering his heart for both community service and Atlanta traffic, was both poetic and inspirational. The WSB Traffic Team had lost its guide, face, dad and standard-bearer. WSB listeners and viewers lost their friend and traffic muse. I lost a mentor, father figure and best buddy.

As sad as that Saturday in 2014 was, Captain Herb's legend truly is larger than life. His folksy brilliance, gregarious laughs, and traffic framework guide us and make us smile to this day. Let's remember some of his quotes and traffic tips that still influence us. (Click the link to read the full article)

Click on the Guest Book to read the memories of Captain Herb Emory from Atlanta and beyond

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Apr. 13, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Herb Emory

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1068 Entries

We drove down to Atlanta from Saint Louis MO to attend the public service at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. I got lost getting to the church but we finally found it.It was amazing at all the people who turned out to pay their respects. We had always listened to WSB over the many trips we took to visit relatives in Jacksonville FL My brother had always been a huge fan of Captain Herb.We found out when we arrived that we had become one of the WSB listeners from the farthest drive to attend.I glad we came down that weekend.God Bless his family and all of those listeners thru his career.

Tom and Jim Jr Hobbs

May 2, 2016

You would truly have to be a father to understand the appreciation that Mr. Capt. Herb Emory was shared with us. I am, we are eternally grateful that you were placed in the right place at the right time. Through you Jehovah God performed another great work. Thank you for being you. RIP My Friend

Manuel McFarland

December 12, 2015

Sorry for the loss of Captain Herb we still can still hear him doing the traffic. we love you Buddy!!

Brian Baker
Brian Security

Brian Baker

May 31, 2015

as a field engineer who travel through Atlanta frequently, I love to hear him tell us the right way to go. having been transferred to Florida I always try to find a voice like he is to guide me through the many cities. I never did. when I did have the chance to go through Atlanta in the last few months, I would tune into WSB to hear him. I thought that maybe he had retired. curious this morning I looked him up only Internet only to find that he had passed away. I was so shocked. like many other people, I'm sure they are is just as empty as I am.just like losing Paul Harvey.,losing captain herb is just a great loss.my blessings go out to his family....Mike Curtis Mercury Marine

charles curtis

April 20, 2015

Dear sweet Herb. I thank God for every memory of You! WE WILL NEVER FORGET

July 12, 2014

I Still Can't believe he is gone :( I hope the family is doing as well as they can God Bless

Waylon Bailey

June 11, 2014

I still miss Cpt Herb. He added personality to the traffic and made it bearable. My prayers are for his family and friends.

Mary Wheeler

June 3, 2014

Offering my deepest condolences. ( Ps 46 : 1 )

May 26, 2014

Capt. Herb is already missed by so many! I truly enjoyed his traffic reports because they were really helpful especially in the Lithonia area. I also enjoyed listening to him around the Christmas Holidays his music choices were grand! RIP CAPT!

Chryll Jeffrey

May 21, 2014

I really do miss Captain Herb Emory, I think Mark Arum and the crew are doing a great job. I beleive that captain Herb is a real happy camper. I beleive is saying Great job too Mark Arum and company. Great work too each and everyone. My Prayers go out too captain Herb Emorys family. Love each and everyone@ wsbtv ATLANTA, GEORGIA.

Pat Buice

May 17, 2014

Two iconic voices, Captain Herb and Royal, always appreciated and sincerely missed.

John Ziemer

May 16, 2014

Much love

May 15, 2014

My husband is a truck driver & always listened to Capt.Herb. He will be missed.

Angie Chambers

May 14, 2014

We will keep the lights shinning for you Capt. Herb


RIP Sweet Soul

Kathi Varenhorst

May 11, 2014

My words won't make this better. But know that Herb will always be with you and family.He will guide all of you if you just call upon him. Atlanta drivers will
Deeply miss his humor. And his calls on the radio. I will miss youCapt. Herb fly high & watch us all. RIP KIND SOUL???

Kathi Varenhorst

May 11, 2014

Georgia will continue to miss your energy and voice, thank you for all your support. May God bless and protect your love ones.

Melisa Estrada

May 1, 2014

I am one of the many listeners that never had the honor of meeting youI in person, I was blessed to have had your voice come thru .my car speakers. May God now be with your family and I look forward to the day that I will be able to meet you in heaven Good bless. Anita Brodrick

Anita Brodrick

April 30, 2014

Enjoyed listening to you over the internet. Both of my sons live in Atlanta.

John

April 30, 2014

We miss you so much Capt. Herb. May God rest your soul. Thank you for all that you did for Atlanta and all of Georgia for many years.

Lisa Marks

April 30, 2014

You really do not know how much you miss someone until they are gone. Rest in Peace Herb and God Bless.

Jeff Brown

April 30, 2014

Never really know how incredible someone is until they're gone. Miss you Capt.

Kelly Green

April 29, 2014

Oh my aching heart. Captain Herb was truly a good man and I started out every work day with your traffic report. Thank you for all you did for everyone. My deepest condolences to the Emory family.

Davina Brees

April 29, 2014

Miss you buddy. You were one of a kind!

EMILY HURST

April 29, 2014

God speed. Still hard to believe seems like you are just out and will be back. Not the same but your team is giving it everything while their hearts are heavy. Bless your family, watch over them.

Pat Thomas

April 29, 2014

Listened for years. Made my travel much more pleasant. So sorry for our loss. Met him is Dawsonville at GRHF.

Linda Townley

April 28, 2014

sure do miss you early in the morning CAPT.HERB
Mildred Sutton

April 28, 2014

What a great person and friend! Praying for your family and friends...we are all hurting and will be for along time. God speed my friend!

Ed Hendry

April 28, 2014

Just like Bob hope..."thanks for the memories" Thomas Bayer, douglasville, ga

thomas bayer

April 28, 2014

I have really missed you i know you r keeping everyone straight in heavan

Robert Brown

April 27, 2014

Glen E Taylor

April 27, 2014

God is a busy guy, Heaven has a lot of traffic and they needed Capt. Herb to sort things out. Prayers for peace, comfort and healing for His Family. Looking forward to Capt. Herb's traffic reports on the big highway up there.

David Benjamin

April 26, 2014

RIP BIG GUY YOU WERE THE BEST

JIMMY&PATTY POWELL

April 26, 2014

C.A.V.U.'s (Pilot talk for: "Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited") Captain Herb all the way to Heaven!

J. Pryor

April 25, 2014

Prayers to the family. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. He is in a better place. God bless the family, friends, and fans.

~ Paige Weeks

April 25, 2014

We love you captain

John Plummer

April 25, 2014

Rip u being missed bad

John Plummer

April 25, 2014

RIP Sir. You will be greatly missed.

Randy Gann

April 25, 2014

Although I never commuted anywhere during the 25 plus years I've lived in the Atlanta area, there was always a sense of comfort to hear Captain Herb's voice and his funny little sayings. I will miss him and remember him always. Fly high Captain!

Barbara Gilland

April 24, 2014

I will miss the unique manner in which Capt. Herb would transition to a fellow reporter..."Over to you Kim McCartheeeee." I am quite certain that Capt. Herb has the #1 aerial view of Atlanta traffic from way up there in Heaven. He is and will be missed by many. Stan Crais, Dahlonega, GA

April 24, 2014

Captain Herb will be greatly missed!! I have listened to him for years! My heart is still heavy about this tradedy. May God Bless his family & friends. His "Shoes" will be in the hall of fame... as they will be hard to fill. There will never be another so passionate for others!!! Capt Herb you ride in our hearts everyday!!

April 24, 2014

I miss Capt. Herb every morning and evening on my drive to and from work. Me and my daughter always looked up in the sky for your helicopter telling us how to get home. My thoughts and prayers are with the Emory family and the WSB family. Capt. Herb is missed everyday! He will never be forgotten!

Jennifer Kohler

April 24, 2014

It's not the same listening to WSB anymore. WE miss your voice and feel good feeling you always gave the listeners. RIP Captain..You will be greatly missed!

Bree Goodwin

April 24, 2014

We where blessed to have had Herb for a brother. He was that individual you would love to have as a neighbor. He surely will be missed. God Bless You All during this painful, stressful time.

Michael DeCilla

April 24, 2014

We will miss you Captain Herb. May those who loved you draw strength from the fact that you were loved by so many.

Charlotte Ford

April 24, 2014

My morning drive is not the same. RIP Captain. You are missed...

J Perry

April 24, 2014

You will be greatly missed. God bless you and your family. The Atlanta area was blessed to have you and will always miss you.

Annemarie Obsitnik

April 23, 2014

Thank you for keeping us informed all those years. We were blessed to have had you.

Thomas Towery

April 22, 2014

My deepest condolences are with you during your loss.

~..~ Drennon

April 22, 2014

The traffic voice will never be the same. That was the voice I grew up on. God bless his family. Thank you for all the years. You will be missed and remembered.

Jennifer Hiott

April 22, 2014

You'll be missed thank you for all your years of service

Katie Bashe

April 22, 2014

Sorely missed. Traffic reports will never be the same. Oh the achy toes of Atlanta. We'll miss you Captain Herb. RIP

Phyllis Horton

April 22, 2014

He was an amazing person who will live forever with all of us.. Hi legacy will live on through those people he worked with and mentored as they continue to strive for the high standards he lived by.Thankyou to Captain Herb, Karen and all the WSB family for what you do for all of us.

Laura Greer

April 22, 2014

Fue mi amigo todos los dias, cuando lo escuchaba en el radio. Siempre le ponia atencion para mejorar mi Ingles, el era mi maestro en pronunciar algunas palabras. Que Dios lo bendiga hoy y siempre.

Jose Hernandez

April 22, 2014

Never met you,but I know "that voice" and have missed it soo much this week, cried for a week, you are missed !!! Traffic reports will never be the same....rest in peace

Kelly

April 21, 2014

Ever since I learned of Herb's passing, I've spent a good deal of time reading and listening to what those who knew him had to say about the way he lived his life. As a longtime WSB listener, I had an inkling of what a great guy the Captain was before he passed. Since then, I have gained an even better understanding of what it means to serve others and be a good friend. Captain Herb has inspired me to resolve be a better person. Hugs, laughs and smiles will mean more to me now. Thank you for that, Captain. And I thank your friends and loved ones for sharing your story with us.

Kyle Taylor

April 21, 2014

Every morning, every afternoon, every time I got in the car. Cap'n Herb was there. I never met him and yet I recognized his voice immediately and was so grateful for his guidance through all the perils of Atlanta traffic. Thank you to WSB for broadcasting his memorial service. I loved hearing stories about the kind of man he was. We love you Cap'n Herb. We miss you. I will hold your wife Karen, your colleagues and friends in my prayers… may perpetual light shine upon you, may you rest in peace … and may the angels sing you into heaven.

Linda Rozakis

April 21, 2014

Thanks for all you did for those around you. Not many leave a legacy that even shocks his friends and family!

April 21, 2014

We're going to miss you Captain Herb. Rest In Peace ! - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/atlanta/herb-emory-condolences/170623354?page=2#sthash.jBVQJRjl.dpuf

April 21, 2014

RIP

Nicolette Gresham

April 21, 2014

Prayers to Captain Herb's family. He will be greatly missed in the Atlanta area.

Lee Pritchett

April 21, 2014

RIP Captain Herb. You will be missed. God bless you and your family.

Frank Jennings

April 21, 2014

Thank you for loaning your husband and daddy to the public for so many years. You all are super to not be angry when he was gone so much in helping. God bless you and please know how much Capt. Herb is missed and you are loved.

Iris Fry

April 21, 2014

I had the privilege of working with Cap'n Herb for a couple of years. He was the kind of guy you wanted to do your best for. Definitely an inspiration for me, but there will never be another like him. He'll be sorely missed. God bless Karen and all of Herb's family and friends.

Mark Overby

April 21, 2014

My sympathies go out to Captain Herb's family, friends and co-workers, who seem to have may as well been family. I grew up hearing his voice every morning on the way to school, and as an adult on my way to and from work each day. He is one of those folks that I'll always associate with the city of Atlanta and he is missed!

Ashley Gleason

April 21, 2014

Captain Herb added a little lightheartedness to the serious subject of Atlanta traffic and kept us all informed. We'll miss his voice and humor. And Christmas won't be the same. He was one of the good ones.

Cathy

April 21, 2014

My dear friend Herb, I got to met him and his wonderful wife Karen many times through our great mutual friend butch lowery! He was the loveliest, fun man , we loved his company, we will miss him and our prayers and thoughts are with Karen, his family and friends, god bless Herb

Ray Williams

April 21, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family but remember Herb touched the lives of soooooo many people and we will never forget. Love to you all!

Ellen O

April 21, 2014

He will be truly missed. Atlanta will never be the same.

Michael Krantz

April 21, 2014

I'll miss his voice...

A Loyal Viewer and Listener

April 20, 2014

My husband worked in Atlanta from 2000 to 2010. He traveled from South Carolina to Atlanta daily. We moved to Atlanta in 2006 and I listened to him daily. In 2007 we started driving a truck and don't come through Atlanta much. But I can't imagine the day to day drive without him. He was a part of everyday day just like getting ready for work was. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Until we met again Capt. Herb.

Royce and Tammy Dotson

April 20, 2014

In some ways, being a WSB traffic reporter may seem like long hours on a job that just goes on & on with little thanks... But on an average day in Atlanta, you may save half a million people half an hour... What's that worth??? Well 250,000 hours is three cumulative LIFETIMES saved from being lost in a traffic jam... EVERY business day. Congratulations for being such a help and service to Atlanta ... We will be listening next week' as you lead the way... And when you go home tired at the end of the day, remember three lifetimes of thanks with your pay.

Joseph S.

April 20, 2014

In some ways Captain Herb was Atlanta's Good Shepard for traffic. His voice & talents showed us which way to drive, day to day... and for many who knew Herb, his example of cheerful service showed a way to live as well.

Joseph Steinhauser

April 20, 2014

"So sorry for your loss may you be strong and have faith that your loved one is in God's memory.

Aikens

April 20, 2014

I have listened faithfully since 1992 to my dear friend Capt. Herb which is when I moved to Atlanta. He became Atlanta to me guiding my every move as I learned my way around my new home. In doing that, he became a big piece of my home. Thank Capt. For everything. Thank you Emory family for sharing him with us. Godspeed my dear friend. You are so missed.

Christa Hoffman

April 20, 2014

Capt Herb you will be missed by everyone In metro Atlanta, I was at a training session a few years ago at the HERO Hq and the instructor asked where do we get great traffic info from and the whole class said Capt Herb who else, never be another one like him..Rip capt herb you will be missed

traffic tropper package handler

April 20, 2014

Rest in Peace My dear fellow We will all miss you being on the Air and making us all get home safe in this great traffic of ours in the Atlanta,Ga area?

Walton Fisch jr

April 19, 2014

I started listening to AM 750 early 2001 and always enjoyed the traffic team and hearing Captain Herb especially if I was stuck in the traffic or early enough to avoid it. I'm sure he enjoys the streets of gold better than ours of asphalt. Will be missed.

Traffic trouper Bluegrass Brandon

April 19, 2014

We're going to miss you Captain Herb. Rest In Peace !

Thomas Zoller

April 19, 2014

Captain Herb was a bright light who cared more about helping others than doing things for himself. I was sadden to hear about the passing of Capt. Herb. I had never met him but enjoyed hearing him talk on the radio doing his traffic reports. He helped me to navagate Atlanta traffic so that I would always arrive safely to places I was going. I will miss hearing him on the radio. I pray for his family that God will give them strength to make it thru this difficult time. God Bless You All!

Ronda Robison

April 19, 2014

Capt. Herb was a great person and he will be missed every time you turn your radio to wsb you will be waiting for his voice no one will ever fill his shoes. He was a also a racing fan and vhad some the best pics of a lot of the old time driver he shared those with me once when he was on a remote I will miss you herb. Rest in peace

Stan Edwards the aplachian fiddler

Stan Edwards

April 19, 2014

If tears could build a stairway, And memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven And bring you home again.

Sundar Jagan

April 19, 2014

I miss you so much. You were always my kind of "Santa."

Lisa Bassett

April 19, 2014

Capt. Herb was always on the radio. I started to wonder if he lived at WSB. I listened to him every morning on my way to work. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a bright shinning light.

Casey Foster

April 19, 2014

Captain Herb could always make you laugh as he got us through traffic. He will be missed. May God be with his family during this time of sorrow

Peters

April 19, 2014

Just want to say how so sorry about Capt. Herb Emory. Know he's in a better place. No more nights, no more pain, no more tears, never crying again. Knowing he'll be there will make it easier for his family to go home. Just look for him, for he will be there too. Thoughts & prayers R with the family. God bless them all. God will get them thru this. God is good. There will never ever be, another capt. Herb Emory. He's Ireplaceable. He was an original One of a kind. Thank God for people like him. God bless you all. Thanks Capt. Herb Emory for all you've done. Mary & Family.

April 19, 2014

Angles do fly May peace be with out

Wayne Northcutt

April 19, 2014

I have never cried so much, for someone I never knew personally, than I have this past week.

RIP Captain Herb. Atlanta traffic will never be the same.

George E

April 19, 2014

Oh no my aching heart. We used to drink beer while listening to the morning show and me and friends would have a drink every time he said "OKAY?" Losing Keith McCallum was tough but this is parallel with losing Munson. I look forward to the Captain Herb Toys For Tots drive this year. Prayers to his family and the WSB TTT.

mister roberts

April 19, 2014

Atlanta will always remember you Capt. Herb. You will be greatly missed.

Andrew Herbick

April 19, 2014

Captain Herb, I am like thousands of people in the Atlanta Metropolitan area in that I never met you, but it seems like I did. I relied on your traffic reports each and everyday both mornings and evenings for years to get me around I-285 from Lithonia to Sandy Springs. When ever I heard your signature comment “Oh my aching toe” I knew there was a traffic problem and I listen very closely for the location.

I will be forever grateful for what you done for the motorist in the Atlanta area. May the Peace of Christ be with you.

Bob Foster

April 19, 2014

When I lived in Atlanta, I listened and depended on Captain Herb and his team give the traffic reports. They always did a wonderful job. I will never forget "that voice". He will be missed by many.

Toni Jeffries

April 19, 2014

My condolences to Capt. Herb's family. I'm going to miss his familiar voice doing the traffic reports. May God give you the strength to endure this difficult time (Isaiah 57:15). My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dawn Palmer

April 19, 2014

We will miss you Captain Herb. How will we ever get around Atlanta without you! You were our eye in the sky and now you are with the Angels in Heaven!

Susan O'Neal

April 19, 2014

Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your Family!

Jane Louse Foster

April 19, 2014

Atlanta will never be the same without the wonderful Captain Herb Emory. Even though my commute to work didn't include getting on the major roads or interstates, I always had to listen to see what might be impacting the city. Any time our relatives came from out of town, we would always tell them to listen to WSB AM on the way in for Captain Herb's traffic report so they could make adjustments in their routes if needed. I also loved the NASCAR shows and the children calling on Christmas Eve to talk to Santa. What an amazing man who did so much for so many! Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Emory family. May you feel God's comforting arms around you each day. Thank you for sharing Herb with us. God bless you.

Connie Buckelew

April 19, 2014

Capt Herb - When I moved to Georgia and got a job in Atlanta, my family said as I started out on my 48 mile trip into town, turn on WSB radio and pay attention to Capt Herb, you'll do fine. It has now been 10 years of safe travels thanks to you and your awesome team. Rest in Peace - friend you were always a guardian in the sky - Traffic Trooper Aunt Bea

April 19, 2014

Atlanta traffic will never be the same. God be with the Emory family.

Cheryl Cole

April 19, 2014

I never had the honor of meeting Capt. Herb; but I will never forget him. Deepest sympathies to his entire family.
God bless you all.

Monte Freeman

April 19, 2014

I miss listening to you on the radio Captain Herb. My thoughts go out to you and your family.

Nacy

April 19, 2014

I'll miss you on the radio Captain Herb, In fact I already do. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

April 19, 2014

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