E.M. Radcliffe

E.M. Radcliffe, 91, of Memphis, died unexpectedly Monday, October 31, 2011, at his residence. Born on March 24, 1920, in Matthews, Missouri, his professional path started at an early age when he was politically active at the county level. He served as the Deputy County Tax Collector and the Circuit Court Clerk for New Madrid County, Missouri. In the early 1950's, E.M. began working for the Florida Brothers Real Estate Company in Osceola, Arkansas. From that point he immersed himself in the world of agricultural real-estate. E.M. founded several successful companies. He was appointed Colonel in the Honorary Staff of Missouri Governor Warren Hearnes in 1965. Throughout his career, his main interests concerned farming operations, real-estate ventures involving farmland, mortgage banking, and retail and commercial development. He was also involved in developing a vineyard and a golf community. He was inducted into the Memphis Society of Entrepreneurs in 1993. An avid tennis player, E.M. continued playing the sport up into his mid 80's, organizing his group's matches even after he was no longer able to play. He was a member of the University Club of Memphis and the Memphis Hunt & Polo Club. Having served as chairman and co-chairman of the Memphis Symphony Ball and as a member of the Men's Committee of 100, his charitable interests included the Memphis Symphony and the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. He was a congregant of Saint John's Episcopal Church in Memphis. Mr. Radcliffe is survived by his two daughters, Mary Lynne Radcliffe of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Anne Radcliffe Rogers of Springdale, Arkansas; four grandchildren: Lauren H. Sentuc of Paris, France, Geoffrey R. Howard of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Harrison R. Craft and Olivia E. Craft of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and three great-grandchildren: Etienne, Emmanuelle, and Raphael Sentuc of Paris, France. Services will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. this Thursday, November 3. A Private graveside service and interment will be in Sikeston Memorial Park in Sikeston, Missouri, on Friday, November 4. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Johns Episcopal Church, 3245 Central Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38111, 901-323-8597. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400.