Birth date: Jun 22, 1936 Death date: Jan 29, 2015
Judge Charles O. McPherson, 78, passed away January 29, 2015. He graduated from Memphis State College February 1964 and graduated from the very first law class at Memphis State College (now University of Memphis) in May 1965. He w Read Obituary
Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Judge Charles O. McPherson.
Judge McPherson was a great Scoutmaster, leader, and mentor to the boys of Troop 75. I have good memories of his fun-loving nature and was always impressed by his commitment to the Troop and the boys. He made a meaningful impact in the lives of many. My condolences to the family.
I was saddened to hear of The Judge’s death. My son’s and my experience with him for years at Troop 75 back in the eighties was the best scouting experience for my son that there could have been. We called him, affectionately, as “DI Teddy Bear”, and that is what he was. He came across “DI style”, but the boys knew he was bluster with a heart behind it that cared and loved them all. His love of nature and scouting and young men that he helped and cared for were unsurpassed. I have very little knowledge of him professionally, but feel sure that that side of him was just as honorable and thoughtful and fair as he was with the many, many hundreds of scouts he cared for.I will tell one tale of scouting that should be heard. When was a scout, a few hundred years ago, I had a scout master experience that was far from the likes of The Judge. The man was, indeed, an ex DI, and he had the notion that the scouts were supposed to be like a military organization complete with discipline in ranks, push-ups for errors, marching drills and inspections. Merit badges were virtually hard as nails under him, especially First Aid, which was, under the man, near on to becoming a Corpsman–and he was–well, tough as nails–and, I saw many, as I did, come and then go–for in fact, we were little boys–and not the Hitler Youth. I discussed this unfortunate experience with The Judge once in private, and he was very upset. “(Expletive Omitted)! It’s not supposed to be that way! First and last of all, scouting is supposed to be “FUN”! You teach the boys what you can, and the young ones come along, and if you keep them long enough with the fun, you give them little doses of what it right and what is good to know and how to do this and that. But, the scouts are not the military–for they are for teaching boys how to fight, and, if necessary, how to kill. But the scouts teaches boys how to love, and to care and to be good men of peace and honor.”Well, I wrote that as a quote, and I am sure it is not a quote, but it is what I remember most about the Judge, and it what I know he said to me personally. It is the private speech he made to me once that made me realize how good a man he was. And though I haven’t seen him in many years, the knowledge that he is no longer with us means he will be missed–no, he is missed.Clay Hall, PE Former Acting Asst. Scoutmaster Troop 75
Judge Charles O. McPherson was my court room neighbor for six years. I was judge of Division 1 and he was judge of Division 2 of the Circuit Court in Shelby County. We visited and had lunch together every day. These were happy days. When I went to the Court of Appeals, he spoke at my swearing in. He was truly one of the best friends of my lifetime. There was no one else quite like him. He was witty, wise, studious, and confident. He was born to be a lawyer and a judge, and he excelled at both. Nancy was the light of his life. He was always proud of her and his two boys. I cherish the time that I knew him.
What a great man! He will be missed by so many people. Nancy, wewl keep you and your family in our prayers!
The Judge was one of the best attorneys I ever had the pleasure of working with. After he retired from the bench, I worked with him at Spicer Flynn and followed him to Leitner Williams. He was a wonderful man. He will be missed, but I know he is rejoicing with his God in heaven and telling lots and lots of stories!
I am blessed to have enjoyed 27 years of friendship with Chuck through the Tn. Judicial Conference. Although, my home on the eastern border was a long way from his home on the west, I always looked forward to seeing his smiling face and joyful countenance. Moreover, Chuck was a good man and an outstanding, hardworking jurist. The people of Shelby Count have lost a community treasure… and the judges of this state have lost a great friend. Justice Gary Wade
