George Raymond Empson III

1937 - 2025

George Raymond Empson III
George Raymond "Ray" Empson III, beloved husband, father, friend, and leader, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, in Stamford, Connecticut. He was 87.
Born on August 21, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee, to George and Selden Empson, Ray's early years were spent on the move, as his father's work took the family to cities and towns across the South and Northeast. A natural athlete from an early age, Ray, too, was always on the move, whether on the field, court or track. He never met a sport or activity he wouldn't try, and developed an abiding love of the outdoors.
By the time he graduated from Nichols School in Buffalo, New York, in 1955, he had earned numerous academic and athletic awards, including nine varsity letters, and had set school records that would stand for decades. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into Nichols School's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.
Ray went on to attend Princeton University, where he graduated in 1959 with a degree in English. At Princeton, despite weighing just 140-lbs, he was a standout member of the football and track teams, earning seven letters and placement on the All Ivy League Scholastic Football Team. While his claim to have been offered a tryout with the Cleveland Browns was not able to be confirmed by the time of publication, he was nonetheless remembered by teammates and friends for his grit, determination and speed.
Following his undergraduate studies, Mr. Empson served in the Army Reserve and earned his law degree from Harvard in 1962. His career began with positions at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy - where he represented the New York Stock Exchange and the Rockefeller Family - and the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. He later transitioned into finance at Chemical Bank, ultimately rising into a number of senior leadership positions, including Chief Financial Officer of Buster Brown Apparel, as well as President and CEO of Gerber Childrenswear, Alexander Julian and Bike Athletic.
After leaving the for-profit sector, Mr. Empson would have a long and successful "second career," dedicated to public-minded service in leadership roles at non-profit organizations. He spent the ensuing years promoting conservation and environmental education as the President of Keep America Beautiful and as Chairman of the Arbor Day Foundation, before going on to serve as the President of the SeriousFun Children's Network, the global community of camps and programs for children living with serious illnesses.
A long-time resident of Darien and New Canaan, Ray was a volunteer coach for youth sports teams and other local organizations, and was a regular at local golf courses. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Gay Morris Empson; his brother, Walter Empson; sons, Josh and Rip Empson; daughter-in-law, Rachel Klauber-Speiden; and grandchildren, Lucinda and Becket Empson-Speiden.
A true gentleman to the end, Ray's enduring warmth, kindness and grace will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and will be remembered always.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of Ray's enduring commitment to environmental stewardship.