Emory Ruffin Florey - Obituary

Emory Ruffin Florey passed away peacefully at home on January 3, 2026, with family and friends at his side.

Emory was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He spent his early childhood in Vincent, Alabama and Harpersville, Alabama. The family then moved to Birmingham where Emory attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Homewood and participated in the youth programs. There he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. At Shades Valley High School he was active in the drama club. He went on to attend Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Building Construction. His attention to detail, honesty and integrity earned him respect in the industry.

After retiring, he moved back to his beloved farm in Harpersville, Alabama where he developed the property for fishing, hunting and relaxing. During this time, he was diagnosed with a debilitating muscular disease. He slowly lost his mobility but never lost his “top of the world” attitude.

Emory was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Edward Florey and Margaret Ruffin Florey, and his brother, Henry Edward Florey, Jr. Emory is survived by his wife Lynn Florey; children Jef Florey (Regina) of Spanish Fort, AL and Kathryn Florey of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren Mary Ann Florey, New Orleans, LA and Cecilia Florey, Denver, CO.; sister-in-law Paula Tompkins; nieces Sally James (Steven, Ellis and Mattie), Hayden, AL, Betsy (Russ) Long, Bay Minette, AL and nephew Henry E. Florey, III (Cindy), Fairhope, AL.

A memorial service for Emory will be held at the Florey Farm on May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Harpersville, Alabama. The service will be moved to Harpersville United Methodist Church in the event of rain.