George E Blancett

George Edward Blancett, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2026, in the loving care of Marcelle, his wife of 71 years. Born in Memphis on October 1, 1934, George lived a full life dedicated to service, benevolence, and his community.

A gifted athlete in his youth, George was later inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame for his boxing accomplishments. He also was All Memphis as a football player during his high school days. After graduating from Humes High School in 1954, he married his high school sweetheart, Marcelle Benefield Blancett, before serving in the U.S. Army in Germany.

Upon his return, George earned his bachelor's and law degrees from Memphis State University. He began a distinguished legal career that included time in private practice and an appointment as a City Court Judge in 1974. He dedicated three decades to the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court, where he rose to become Chief Referee and Chief Legal Officer. In recognition of his profound impact, a courtroom was permanently renamed the Honorable George E. Blancett Courtroom in 2007.

His lifelong commitment to volunteerism was recognized nationally in 1989 when President George H.W. Bush named him one of the "1000 Points of Light." Alongside his wife, George organized community programs that provided opportunities and mentorship for hundreds of local youths. He and Marcelle also founded Room at the Inn, which provided warmth for the unhoused when weather conditions were unsafe.

George and Marcelle were long time members of Lindenwood Christian Church and Decatur Trinity Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Clara Blancett, and his brother, Bobby Blancett. He is survived by his wife Marcelle; his children Teresa Blancett Ray (Michael), Jeanice Blancett, and Cary Blancett (Denise); five grandsons, Les Graves (Cathy), Logan Graves (Casey), Jordan Blancett (Calla), Jonathan Blancett, and Jackson Blancett (Lucy); and four great-grandchildren, Harrison Graves, Sullivan Graves, Jennings Bell Blancett, and Frances Marcelle Blancett.

Visitation will be held at Memphis Funeral Home at 5599 Poplar Ave in Memphis, TN on Tuesday, April 28, at 1:00 PM, with services to follow at 2:00 PM. Internment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Restoration House Boxing Academy.