Thomas "Tommy" Jackson Emerson

Thomas (Tommy) Jackson Emerson died peacefully at home on November 3, 2023. Tommy was born on July 10, 1939. He was the third son of Sheriff John W. Emerson Jr. and Nannie Maude Dunlap Emerson of Siler City, NC. Tommy lived his entire life and died on “Emerson Hill”, the home he grew up in. The home place is located on top of one of the highest hills in the area and provides magnificent views of the Uwharrie Mountain range to the west and the lights of Greensboro to the north. In recent years, he loved to point out the water towers to any visitors. 

He first met Anna Marsh Emerson at the youth group at First Baptist Church in 1956 and soon the captain of the football team and cheerleader began courting. Tommy married the love of his life in August of 1960. 

After graduating with honors from North Carolina State College in January of 1961 with a degree in Agricultural Education, he taught in public high school as a science, biology, and chemistry teacher, then worked as a manager at CC Routh Mills in Bonlee, NC. Tommy began working for Farm Credit Association in 1967 and his career there as a successful businessman spanned 32 years. Tommy retired in 1999 as President and CEO of North Central Farm Credit Association headquartered in Greensboro, NC with branch offices in 15 Piedmont North Carolina counties. 

Tommy loved Chatham County and he was an active member in the community. A man of strong faith, he was a member of First Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the Board of Deacons, chairman of the Board of Trustees, and a Sunday School teacher. A few of his many community service activities included plowing and harvesting the local community garden, serving on the Wrenn scholarship committee, and as an officer in the local Ruritan civic club. Tommy was a proud mason and served as Master of the Lodge of Siler City Lodge Number 403 AF&AM.

Until his final days, Tommy remained interested in political affairs. In 2000 he was elected to the Chatham County Board of Commissioners and served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Tommy was active in agri-business affairs both at county and state levels and served on the Farm Credit Bank of Columbia Benefits Committee where he helped monitor pension and other benefits for retirees. In 2008, Tommy was appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to serve on the Board of North Carolina Agricultural Finance Authority. 

North Carolina governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.  In January of 2013, Tommy was presented with this honor by Governor Perdue. 

More than any other achievement in his life, Tommy loved his family. He was a loyal husband, loving father, and always a man of his word. He loved all animals, especially horses, cows, donkeys, and dogs. Tommy saw the world as a mission field and never failed to help someone in need.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Dunlap Emerson. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anna Marsh Emerson; four children, Dr. Grace Emerson Terrell (Tim) of High Point, NC, Thomas Jackson Emerson, Jr. (Pam) of Fancy Gap, Virginia, Pam Emerson Zich (Ron) of Siler City, NC, and Melody Leigh Emerson of High Point, NC; a brother, John Hudson Emerson of Cary, NC;  seven grandchildren Katy (Mike), Jimi (Savanna), Robyn (Sid), Tommy, Ronnie, Amanda, and Emerson; a great-granddaughter Gabby; several nieces and nephews; and too many friends to name.

His service will be held on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at 11 o’clock at First Baptist Church in Siler City, NC by the Rev. Allen Admire. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church Roof Repair Fund, 314 N 2nd Avenue, Siler City, NC 27344.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Emerson family.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com