Born in the deep east Texas town of Pineland on February 9, 1938. Parents were William Bradford Eicke, Sr. and Lura Mae Strickland Eicke. Emily was named after her favorite great aunt Augusta (Gussie) Runge. Emily died, January 23, 2026. Emily was preceded in death by four siblings: Margaret Louise Eicke Childs, William Bradford Eicke, Jr. (Bud), Cecil Emil Eicke and Colonel George Douglas Eicke. The family moved to Beaumont where Emily graduated from Beaumont High School. She then attended Lamar College. During her studies at Lamar, Emily met the love of her life, Herman David McClinton, Sr.. Herman was the manager of Pig Junior diner, a local hang out for college students.

They married in Beaumont on May 30, 1959. After marriage they moved to the Spring Branch area of Houston. Emily worked in the insurance industry, a job she thrived in, while Herman began a career with Texaco. Together, after owning three Texaco service stations with relatives, they opened White’s Home and Auto in Tomball, Texas in 1970.

Numerous young adults were mentored by Emily and Herman while working at White’s Home and Auto and then Western Auto. Many of those men still call Emily their mother. She expected the best from all. Her tenacity paid off in the fact many opened their own businesses.

That partnership transformed into the current D-S Lawn and Automotive owned and operated by son, Herman David Mc-Clinton, Jr. and son-in-law, Stephen Frost Smith. The McClinton family has proudly served the Tomball community for over 55 years.

Emily is survived by her husband of 66 years, Herman David McClinton, Sr. and brother Paul David Eicke. Daughter, Kim McClinton Smith and husband Stephen and son Herman David McClinton, Jr. and wife Melinda.

One of her greatest joys was time with her grandchildren; Kristopher Frost Smith and wife Christine, Kaitlin Emily Smith, Amanda McClinton White and husband Randy, Herman David McClinton, III (Trey), and wife Megan. Great grandchildren are Owen Smith, Rhett Smith, Kylie White and Wade White. Numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends mourn her loss.

Emily found solace roaming the piney woods at the family farm, Green Acres. She often sat on the porch of the farm houses listening to the birds and counting the pine trees. Herman and Emily created a loving environment for four family generations hosting numerous events down that long red clay road.

Emily was a voracious reader, often reading a book a night. Her quick wit and observational skills let others know just what she was thinking! During her retirement she spent many hours volunteering in the gift shop at Tomball Hospital.

Emily and Herman are proud members of Tomball Methodist Church. Emily enjoyed attending the Tomball Study Club.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 9:00 am at Tomball Methodist Church, 1603 Baker Drive, Tomball, Texas 77375. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer’s Association would be greatly appreciated.