George W Emerson Jr.'s Obituary
Obituary for Judge George W. Emerson, Jr.
We honor and celebrate the life of Judge George W. Emerson, Jr.—a man of deep faith, unwavering devotion to family and friends, and a legacy of service, integrity, and love.
George was born on August 3, 1954, in Humboldt, Tennessee. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1972, then went on to earn his degree from Memphis State University in 1977, followed by his law degree from Memphis State’s Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 1980.
His legal career was marked by dedication and excellence. He began as a law clerk for Judge William B. Leffler, then practiced law for over two decades before being appointed as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Tennessee in 2006—a role he served with honor until his retirement in 2020.
But beyond the courtroom, George’s heart belonged to the people he loved. He was a man who cherished his community—whether it was his golf group at Ridgeway Country Club, his Friday night dinner crew, or his annual golf trips with his fellow judge buddies. He found joy in the simple pleasures: a good round of golf, a great meal at Jim’s Place Grill, and traveling with his beloved wife to places like Pensacola Beach, Seagrove, and Palm Springs.
George knew both love and loss. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pamela Torkell Emerson, in 2009, as well as his parents, George Sr. and Bertha Emerson. But in 2012, life brought him love again when he met Francie “Francina” Costa Emerson. Their connection was immediate and mutual, and in 2013, they began a new chapter together, blending their families and building a life full of laughter, support, and deep affection.
Together, they nurtured a growing family that became George’s greatest joy. He was a proud father and grandfather, always present, always supportive. His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren:
- Courtney Clothier McLaren and her husband Michael, with grandchildren Mack and Eleanor
- Drew Clothier and his wife Courtney, with grandchildren Carson, Olivia, and Claire
- Lauren Ridley Fraser and her husband Andrew, with grandchildren Mari, Hope, and Jude
- Ryan Ridley and his wife Abbie, with grandchildren Nellie, Lucy, and Johnny.
George also leaves behind three devoted siblings, Ronnie Emerson and his wife Michele, Lisa Emerson Aitken and her husband Richard, and Gary Emerson, all of whom he loved dearly.
George’s life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and grace. He was a man who led with quiet wisdom, who listened more than he spoke, and who made everyone around him feel seen and valued. His faith guided him, his family grounded him, and his friendships enriched him.
Though we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived—a life that touched so many and left a lasting imprint on all who knew him. George W. Emerson, Jr. will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his kindness, his humility, and the deep love he gave so freely.
After a sudden battle with pancreatic cancer, George passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, surrounded by family. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forward his legacy in the way we live, love, and serve others.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of the following organizations:
- Baptist Reynolds Hospice House Donate- Select the “Baptist Reynolds Hospice House Specific Purpose Fund”- https://bmhgiving.org/ways-to-give/donate
- Church of the Incarnation https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZA7W/home
- Hope Church https://hopepres.onlinegiving.org/donate/guest_donate?#!/
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZDH7/campaign/C-119N0
Arrangements:
Saturday August 9, 2025
10:00 AM Visitation - Church of the Incarnation
11:00 AM Funeral Service - Church of the Incarnation
Following the Funeral - Reception - Ridgeway Country Club
Church of the Incarnation
360 Bray Station Rd.
Collierville, TN 38017
Ridgeway Country Club
9800 Poplar Ave.
Germantown, TN
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