Chip Emerson

EMERSON, Chip

Chip Emerson, 76, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lisa Ford and daughter, Abigail Emerson. John Roy Emerson was born in Memphis, Tennessee. His family moved to Knoxville which was home for many years.

Chip attended the University of Tennessee. He joined the Navy Reserves in 1969 and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He specialized in communications while serving. He returned to Knoxville and began his career in radio sales working for several local stations, including WKGN and WIVK. Chip started an advertising and public relations agency, Media Dimensions, during the World's Fair. He specialized in commercials, video production and public relations. He sold his agency and moved to Atlanta in 1988. Chip continued as a marketing consultant helping clients with their web presence and sales.

When in Knoxville, Chip was the owner of a popular campus bar on the Strip, The Place. It was a well known spot for student's late night adventures and live music. He had a love for music of all types which he passed on to his daughter. He followed all University of Tennessee sports and to his dismay was unable to pass that passion on to his daughter.

In 2023, Chip was inducted into the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association for his service to elevate and strengthen the association. He was a lifelong avid golfer which is another love he and his daughter shared. Chip served on the Board of Governors at Dunwoody Country Club and on various committees. The community of Sandy Springs is also where he actively served and volunteered. Heritage Sandy Springs was his focus for many years. He was on the Advisory Board of the City Springs Theatre Company.

From Tahiti, Australia, China, Europe and most recently Japan, he enjoyed travel adventures with his wife and daughter. Chip was simply one of the good guys. He always had a smile, was incredibly kind and never met a stranger. He was a wise, fun and all-around best dad.

Chip was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary Emerson; his sisters, Mary Ellen Blount and Pat Chandler. He is survived by sisters, Gayle Dwyer and Cindy Morris.

The Celebration of Life will be held at Dunwoody Country Club on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, 1600 Dunwoody Club Dr., Atlanta, GA 30350.

In honor of his wife's volunteer efforts and his commitment to Sandy Springs, his family requests any donations be made to The Sandy Springs Society, P.O. Box 720074, Sandy Springs GA 30358.