2026 MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS

Memorial to

Charles B. “Charlie” Rucker, Jr.

As prepared and presented by Robert N. Meeks, Esq.

Mama says death is just another part of life. I too wish it wasn’t so. Charles Bailey Rucker, Jr. was my friend. Charlie, as he was known to his friends, was respected and well-liked among all who knew him. Charlie and I were in the initial judicial commissioner program, and we occasionally traveled together to Nashville and other destinations in the great State of Tennessee. I cannot ever recall going anywhere with Charlie without someone walking up to him, knowing him, and exchanging pleasantries. I never heard any lawyer speak ill of Charlie, and I can only present his life to you today with the highest professional regards, without hesitation or reservation.

Charlie was first licensed to practice law in Tennessee in 1960, and his bar number was 000720. My bar number is 015563 and I pulled the building permits for Noah’s Ark.

Charlie was a gentleman country lawyer of the finest order. As one brief example, last week, I spoke to a former Hamilton County employee who told me that Charlie selflessly helped him with an altruistic matter involving an aged relative.

As a gentleman country lawyer, Charlie was knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and loved by his peers. I remember the like well. Robert Summit, Sam Payne, Mike Carter, Ron Durby, and my friends Alan Beard and Mitchell Meeks. There are and have been many others.

I miss Charlie. I miss my friend and I know that wherever he goes in heaven, he will meet someone that he knows, someone that he helped.

To his family and his friends, be comforted by his life, until you meet again.

Charles B. (Charlie) Rucker, Jr., 88, of Chattanooga passed away Wednesday,

February 19, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

A resident of Chattanooga for over 65 years, Mr. Rucker was a graduate of Cumberland School of Law.

For many years he practiced in real estate law and worked for various title companies. At the time of his retirement, he served as a Magistrate Judge for Hamilton County.

Mr. Rucker was a longtime member of Oakwood Baptist Church where he had served the church in various leadership roles over the years.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest Carter.

Mr. Rucker will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia W. Rucker; son, Stephen (Jaclyn) Rucker, Rock Spring, GA; 3 granddaughters who were the delight of his life, Annie, Kate, and Ellie Rucker; special niece, Chrissi Devin and many other loving family members.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31st day of March 2026, that Ralph Charles B. Charlie Rucker Jr.’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be filed in the archives of the Chattanooga Bar Association and be enrolled in the Memorial Resolution Book of the Circuit and Chancery Courts of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and that a copy be presented to his family as a token of the esteem and honor in which he has been held, as an expression of our very deep sympathy and our mutual loss.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Ralph Moore “Buddy” Killebrew, Jr.

As prepared and presented by Jeffrey V. Curry, Esq.

Ralph Moore (Buddy) Killebrew, Jr. died on February 15, 2025, at his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Moore Killebrew and Evangeline Ann Costa Killebrew.

Buddy Killebrew was a life-long resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He graduated from the Baylor School and attended the University of Tennessee where he earned a BA-Economics in 1975, and he continued his education at the University of Tennessee – receiving a MBA-Finance and JD in 1982.

Buddy Killebrew was a partner in the local law firms of Witt, Gaither & Whitaker and Shumacker, Witt, Gaither & Whitaker and in the national law firms of Husch Blackwell and the Polsinelli law firm. In the couple of years prior to his passing, Buddy Killebrew practiced as a solo practitioner in the firm of Killebrew PLLC.

As an attorney, Buddy Killebrew worked on several large, complex and sophisticated business deals. He had a unique ability to take a multi-faceted transaction and break it down into smaller and organized parts and then to explain it to his client and colleagues who were working with him. Hard work and long hours were no problem for Buddy Killebrew as he was often the “first to arrive and the last to leave”, but he never expected anyone on his team to work harder than himself. Clients of Buddy Killebrew could rely on him to “get the job done” – to get the transaction

structured, the agreements drafted and negotiated and the deal documents prepared and delivered at the closing.

In his personal life, Buddy Killebrew was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hiking and fishing. He placed a priority on his faith and was active in his church, New City Fellowship, where he participated in men’s Bible study groups and as part of the music ministry. He cherished his relationships with both his family and his friends. He was adored by his grandchildren who affectionately called him, “Bubby.”

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Frazier; his granddaughters, Izzie and Annie Frazier; his siblings, Debbie Mallard, Chris Killebrew and Carol Meyers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anyone who was acquainted with Buddy Killebrew knew him to be effective legal counsel, a steadfast friend, a willing listener and a source of humor and interesting conversation. He was simply good company.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31st day of March 2026, that Ralph Moore “Buddy” Killebrew, Jr.’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Gary Marshall Disheroon

As prepared and presented by Stephen Powers, Esq.

Gary Marshall Disheroon was a very well-liked and respected member of the Chattanooga Bar who focused his practice on civil litigation beginning in 1976. He graduated from Chattanooga High School and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1973. He received his law degree from Memphis State University in 1976 and passed the Tennessee bar examination that same year. He was admitted to practice in all state courts in Tennessee and in various United States District Courts. In addition to his law practice, Gary served as City Court Judge for the City of Red Bank for many years beginning in 1988. He practiced law with Billy Bruce Guthrie and Paul Sorrick in his early years of practice, both well-known and accomplished plaintiff personal injury lawyers. Later, he worked out of the law offices of Brown and Griffin, enjoying heightened success with Chink and Gene before Chink assumed his position as Circuit Court Judge, Div. IV, in Hamilton County.

In the early 1980’s, I came to know Gary through my personal injury defense work. He impressed me with his diligence and his passion to represent his clients zealously within the bounds of the law, capably fulfilling his charge and lawful duty. Gary had a warm, engaging personality, and beyond his personality he loved dogs and hunting, particularly quail hunting, which raised his standing with me immeasurably! Gary hunted quail with Chink Brown, Jim Standifer, Ray Hall, and many other dedicated bird hunters. Their hunting trips ranged from Texas to Dayton Mountain, and they had the dog power to pocket more than a few birds whenever they turned their dogs loose. Gary’s love for his dogs, especially Brittney Spaniels, and his respect for their abilities, and their reciprocal love and affection toward him, were of the highest order.

In 1988, my firm, Hutcheson, Moseley, Pinchak and Powers, was searching for an experienced litigator to assume some of our workload. We needed someone with experience in our local courts and whom we felt would get along very well with our clients. Our practice involved labor relations and employment law on the management side, product liability and personal injury defense, and the defense of many types of commercial and business law cases. A lawyer with unquestioned, and unquestionable, integrity was our first criterion. We contacted Gary, brought him to the firm, and made him a named partner. He certainly did not disappoint us, although I did have to work a bit too hard to relieve him of his dislike for insurance companies and “big business,” the sources of his income after joining us! Gary was working with us in April 1991 when he was involved in a life-changing head-on collision with a tractor-trailer in the S-curves on Highway 27 at the 4th Street Exit here in town. Some level of detail about this accident is warranted because it defined much of Gary’s life thereafter.

Gary was northbound on 27 driving his Nissan pickup truck hauling a 4 -wheeler in the bed. He had been turkey hunting that morning with my dad and me and had just left my house heading home to get ready for work. As he approached the 4th Street Exit, a southbound tractor-trailer traveling much too fast attempted to negotiate the S-curves but overturned, laying over on its left side and sliding down the guardrail, blocking both the southbound and northbound lanes. Gary’s truck collided with the tractor-trailer and began overturning on its left side. The 4-wheeler was thrown from the truck bed and came to rest upright, headed southbound, next to the pickup truck. Gary’s door was thrown open, and his head and upper body were hanging outside the truck. Miraculously, the 4-wheeler caught the pickup truck and Gary’s head did not strike the pavement. Gary, however, sustained multiple injuries, including a spinal injury that never could be exactly defined but which proved to be physically disabling despite all efforts from numerous spinal injury specialists. Gary attempted to recover and return to the practice of law and to his service as Red Bank’s City Court Judge. He was very, very limited in what he could do and the length of time he could do it; thus, he eventually had to leave the practice of law and likewise was never able to enjoy the outdoors as he had done all of his life before this tragic accident.

Gary was 40 years old when he sustained his life-altering injuries, and he endured chronic pain and disabling health conditions for the next 34 years. His first 15 years of practicing law and sitting on the bench in Red Bank were quite rewarding. He enjoyed great relationships with his law firms and lawyers generally. He enjoyed even greater times and relationships with his hunting buddies and most assuredly with his dogs, always having a twinkle in his eyes when he would tell of a buddy who had missed an easy bird or how one of his dogs had to work overtime to retrieve his buddy’s bird. He absolutely loved his family and cherished their close relationships. He was very easy to get to know---what you saw was what you got---and what you got was a man who would do anything for you (if it passed the muster of ethics and professionalism!) and whom you could trust always to do what he said he would do.

Gary was born on February 7, 1951, and passed away at age 74 on February 22, 2025. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jimmie Lee Sanders Disheroon, and is survived by his father, Preston Disheroon, who will turn 98 years young on July 19. Gary is also survived by his sister, Gwen Disheroon, whom he loved dearly and who is with us here today.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31st day of March, 2026, that Gary Marshall Disheroon’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Mitchell Lee Meeks

As prepared and presented by Mark Whittenburg, Esq

My name is Mark Whittenburg. I am honored to have been asked to prepare and deliver a MEMORIAL RESOLUTION for my friend and law partner, Mitchell L. Meeks, who passed away March 21, 2025.

Mitchell was born in Tampa, Florida, in 1959. After graduating from high school, he attended Tennessee Temple University from 1978 - 1982.

After Mitchell graduated from Tennessee Temple, he attended Wake Forest School of Law, where he earned a J.D. in 1985. After graduating from Wake Forest he accepted a job in California and practiced law there prior to returning to his hometown of Tampa, Florida in 1991.

I first met Mitchell through my long-time law partner, Glenn Copeland. Glenn had taught Mitchell in a business law class many years ago at Tennessee Temple University.

While practicing law in Tampa, Mitchell had contacted Glenn and expressed an interest in moving to this area. Mitchell came to Chattanooga and met with us and things quickly fell in place. Mitchell joined our firm in 2004, and remained with us for the rest of his life.

Nobody I have ever known worked harder practicing law than Mitchell. He handled a large variety of cases ranging from minor traffic offenses to personal injury cases, and also focused on estate planning and probate cases. He had a heart for young people, especially the down and out, and assisted many of them in Court cases without receiving a fee for his time spent with them.

Our firm continues to benefit from many of the clients Mitchell assisted with their cases during the time he was with us.

Mitchell is survived by his wife, Mimi, and their two children, son Jarrod Meeks and wife, Chasitie, and their son, Cooper, and his daughter, Victoria Bear and husband, Jacob Bear.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31^st day of March, 2026, that Mitchell Meeks’ good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Alfred Christian “Chris” Lanier, III

As prepared and presented by Neal L. Thompson, Esq.

Alfred Christian “Chris” Lanier, III, 73, a Chattanooga Attorney for over 48 years, passed away on March 20, 2025. Chris was a graduate of Vanderbilt University and the University of Memphis School of Law. He served as an attorney for his community since 1976 practicing with Neal L. Thompson and Mark G. Rothberger before retiring in 2023. Chris was a member of the Chattanooga Bar Association and the Republican National Lawyers Association. He was an accomplished pianist, who began playing at age 5, and continued up until his passing.

Chris was the past president of the Chattanooga Jaycees, and member of the Toastmasters Club. He was the President and State Chairman of the Hamilton County Young Republicans. He was also a past President of the Citizens Taxpayers Association of Hamilton County. Chris was very active in Hamilton County politics. Chris had a prize photograph of himself with Ronald Regan taken in 1980, when he was President of the Vanderbilt Chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Christian II and Mary Louise Owens Lanier. His wife, Pamela Rocke Lanier passed away July 10, 2025. He is survived by his daughter, Grace Jordan (John) Branum, his brother Thomas Young

(Jan) Lanier, niece Elizabeth Statler and nephew Lawrence Lanier.

Chris was an honest and moral man. He was well respected in his community by both Attorneys and Judges in the Court System when he appeared in Court representing clients on various cases in his general practice of law. At age 31, Chris obtained a $1,000,000.00 settlement from an insurance company for a bodily injury case. He has had numerous cases appealed and published by the Tennessee Criminal Court of Appeals, the Tennessee Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Several changing the case law on the issues that he appealed. All done as a solo practitioner, in the same office with his friends, Neal L. Thompson, Mark Rothberger and his loyal secretary, Barbara Shipner, who was hired in 1984.

Chris is sadly missed by his daughter, Jodie, secretary of 39 years, Barbara Shipner, Receptionist, Suzanne Strauss. Also, friends Karen Petosa and Ruth Delange.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31st day of March, 2026, that Alfred Christian “Chris” Lanier, III’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

William Robert “Bill” Heck

As prepared and presented by Honorable Russell J. Bean

Bill was born on March 1,1944 in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the son of William Ernest Hageman and Bill’s mother was Maxine Buck. At a young age, Bill’s mother divorced and was remarried to Clarence Chuck Heck and the family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Bill graduated from Brainerd High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1968.

After college Bill enlisted in the Army and officially changed his sur name to Heck. His official name then was William Robert Heck. You might guess his close friends affectionately and jokingly called him Billy Bob but to all, he was Bill.

While in the Army Bill earned an Officer’s Commission. In 1971 he was Honorably Discharged from the Army and returned to Tennessee.

He then attended the University of Tennessee Law School and graduated from there in 1974.

Bill returned home and began a near 50 years of the practice of Law in Chattanooga, Hamilton County and surrounding areas. His vision was clear; he wanted to be a criminal defense lawyer. He hit the ground running and almost immediately had a large criminal defense practice.

He became one of the most formidable and respected criminal defense lawyers in the area.

What set Bill apart was not just his legal abilities, but his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was street smart.

Colleagues, such as myself, and opponents alike respected his preparation, his court room presence and his ethical standards.

The Heck brothers were well known and respected within the Chattanooga area.
His brother, Richard Heck, was a Chief Detective with the Chattanooga Police Department and gained fame by solving the murder case involving football star Bobby Hoppe. Dick has also passed on, but his legend also remains.

Bill’s passion extended beyond the court room, he lived a full social life.
He was a mentor, a storyteller and had a larger-than-life, colorful personality. He would hold court at the local restaurants and pubs. I personally sat in David’s on Vine listening to him along with his friends, Bill Castel of the Chattanooga Time and County Commissioner Flop Fuller, as they spun yarns, some being true.

Bill appreciated grandeur; he flew first class; drove luxury cars and took exciting trips. He loved the ocean and took many vacations scuba diving in the Caribbean.

Even with this busy life, he was an occasional husband and had wonderful children and grandchildren.

Bill passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia after battling an extended illness. His children were at his side.

He is survived by son John Heck and daughter Dr. Stephanie Heck and 5 grandchildren.

Gone, but his legacy lives on.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31^st day of March, 2026, that William Robert “Bill” Heck’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Charles “Chuck” Patrick Dupree

As prepared by Patricia Best Vital, Esq. and presented by the Chattanooga Bar Association

I am honored to speak in memory of Charles Patrick Dupree – known as “Chuck” by his friends and colleagues -- who departed from his earthly journey on or about July 5, 2025. I primarily came to know, respect and appreciate Chuck through his late wife Chattanooga City Councilwoman Carol Berz. My memories and comments here are given through the prism of my many interactions with Chuck and Carol in numerous professional and personal forums over a number of years.

Chuck achieved his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and went on to achieve his Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) Degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, now known as the Winston College of Law. He began his law practice in 1974, serving clients in Tennessee State and Federal Courts as well as U.S. Federal Trial Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He litigated a wide variety of criminal defense cases and civil rights cases and defended verdicts in appellate courts. He also represented individuals whose civil rights had been violated by policing agencies and governmental entities.

Demonstrating additional breadth in his practice skills, he also represented companies and individuals in aviation, licensing and other airplane-related issues. He worked closely with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as a panel attorney for that Association’s members. Chuck remained active throughout his practice in many civic associations and causes, including neighborhood associations, local and state ACLU chapters and veterans’ groups. Additionally, he often provided legal services and advisement to neighborhood community groups and state and local criminal defense organizations.

Chuck and his practice, known as “Charles Dupree Law,” shared office space with “Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC,” an alternative dispute resolution service founded by Chuck’s late wife, Carol, and carried forward today by their daughter and successor Chattanooga City Councilwoman Jenni Berz. Those offices remain located in Suite 1200 at 5708 Uptain Road in Chattanooga TN near the East Gate Town Center.

I personally cherish memories of Chuck and Carol welcoming me into their East Gate offices during many occasions when I attended mediation-focused seminars and events there. They always put forth great and united effort to make me feel appreciated, valued and heard in their welcoming environment. They also generously opened their lovely Brainerd area home to me, mediation colleagues (including my late husband Leo Vital who had received Tennessee Rule 31 Civil, Family and Domestic Violence Mediation Training), and others.

The team of Chuck and Carol exhibited unmatched natural skills of being welcoming and non-judgmental while simultaneously exercising keen experience-honed insights into the needs of their fellow humans. I particularly appreciated their abilities to recognize the stressors upon others of life’s rigors including but not limited to family dynamics, climbing ladders of personal and business growth and success, and life in general.

I highly value and miss the contributions of Chuck and his late wife Carol to my life and to the Greater Chattanooga community and region. I ask all in attendance at this Service today and those who may be reading the print version of my remarks to join me in paying tribute to Charles Patrick Dupree, who led his life focused on the betterment of himself and others. Thank you.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31st day of March, 2026, that Charles “Chuck” Patrick Dupree’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Honorable Walter Williams

As prepared and presented by Honorable John W. McClarty

Retired Chattanooga City Court Judge, the Honorable Walter F. Williams, was born on July 20, 1952, and passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 73 years old. He was proceeded in death by his beloved grandmother Florence Housch Lee, who helped raise him, and his mother Velma Lee Barnes. He is survived by his loving wife Gwendolyn, daughters Hillary (Dana) and Heather, grandson Trey, brother Jackie (Pinky), sister-in-law Gracie Gurry, brother-in-law Ronald (Patricia) McIntosh, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones as well as members of his community.

Born in Chattanooga, Judge Williams grew up in the Westside Housing Projects; by all accounts, he was a highly intelligent and precocious child. At the age of 7, he announced that he was going to become a judge in Chattanooga. This was at a time before the Civil Rights Act when the South was still a segregated society, when there were no Black lawyers or judges in Chattanooga. He was inspired, however, by his uncle John Housch, who was a practicing attorney in Washington, D.C.

Judge Williams graduated at the top of his class from Howard High School in 1970. He earned scholarships and worked his way through Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He earned Phi Beta Kappa recognition and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a double major in Political Science and Business in the spring of 1974. That fall, he entered Howard University School of Law and graduated three years later with Honors and as an Earl Warren Fellow. He also received a certificate in Drug Abuse Counseling from the University of Miami School of Medicine.

On June 4, 1977, Judge Williams married his college sweetheart, Gwendolyn McIntosh. They met in 1972 at the Regional Conference for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she was Miss Black and Gold for the Alabama District. He volunteered to be her escort and that began what became a 48-year partnership yielding two amazing daughters and a grandson.

After graduation from law school, Judge Williams first practiced with the Internal Revenue Service in Atlanta, Georgia. However, in 1980, at the request of John W. McClarty, then a sole practitioner with a growing practice in Chattanooga, the two united to form what was to be the first minority law firm in East Tennessee. Judge Williams and current Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge McClarty represented clients in personal injury, corporate, estate, municipal, debtor-creditor and criminal trial practice cases in Chattanooga and surrounding cities/counties. Judge Williams also taught Marketing and Business Law as a full-time Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In 1991, after 14 years of practicing law, Judge Williams achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a judge in his hometown of Chattanooga by winning his first political race, obtaining 56% of the vote and being elected Judge of the Chattanooga City Court for an 8-year term. At this time, he was the only African American elected judge in East Tennessee. Judge Williams’s judicial “no-nonsense” approach and unusual alternative sentencing gained him national attention along with numerous awards and honors. He was featured on the initial segment of CBS’s “Street Stories,” hosted by Ed Bradley; he also appeared on CNN, the 700 Club, and in JET, NEWSWEEK, READER’S DIGEST, SOUTHERN LIVING, and other national magazines and publications.

Records in Chattanooga City Court reveal that during his initial two-year period of time as a judge, there was a reduction in the number of repeat offenders in his court by 50%; through Judge Williams’s hard work and modernization efforts, the court increased excess revenues above expenses, from $500,000 in 1991, to more than $1.3 million in 1999.

Judge Williams also created the first Environment Court docket in Chattanooga to assist in cleaning up the city.

In March 1999, Judge Williams was re-elected to a second eight-year term, this time capturing 70% of the vote. He retired from the Bench in 2003 to return to the practice of law. He became a senior partner with McKoon, Williams, Atchley & Stulce, PLLC, where he served until his retirement in 2015.

Judge Williams’s life motto came from an old song: “If I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my living shall not be in vain.” True to his belief that education is the key to success, he proudly reported that more than 890 defendants obtained their high school diplomas via the GED test during his time in office, with an additional 500 still under the Judge’s mandate to do so at the time of his retirement from the City Court’s Bench. Judge Williams was also instrumental in directing more than 300 students to further their education at Chattanooga State Technical College, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and other schools.

Active in numerous community organizations, Judge Williams served on the boards of the Tennessee Aquarium, Valley Capital Corporation, the Ronald McDonald House, Friendship Haven Home for the Elderly, and the Baylor School Parents’ Council. He also served as Chairman of the Westside Community Development Corporation Board, the Board of Trustees of the Hamilton County Governmental Law Library, and the Board for Kingdom Partners. In addition, he was a Life Thousandaire Member of the Morehouse College National Alumni Association.

Strong in his religious convictions, Judge Williams was a deacon at First Baptist Church in Chattanooga.

Judge Williams held memberships in numerous organizations, such as the National Bar Association (Judicial Council), American Bar Association (Judicial), Tennessee Bar Association, Chattanooga Bar Association, and S.L. Hutchins Bar Association, where he was a Founding Member.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31^st day of March, 2026, that Honorable Walter William’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Alan Ray Beard

As prepared and presented by David W. MacNeill, Jr., Esq.

My name is David W. MacNeill, and I am honored and privileged to write this Memorial for my friend, colleague, and mentor, Alan Ray Beard, Esq., who departed this world on October 3, 2025, taking his last breath peacefully surrounded by his wife and children.

On December 20, 1955, Alan Ray Beard was born to Buford and Inez Beard. Alan had three siblings and enjoyed a childhood surrounded by his family. Alan was fond of adventure and enjoyed a life full of memorable experiences which he would often remember fondly, recalling moments in his life in a humorous and amusing way. He had an amazing penchant and gift for storytelling. Alan had no trouble captivating anyone in earshot of one of his many tales of the distant past. But what made those stories that Alan told so wonderful was not so much their content, but it was the joyful and humorous way in which they were recalled, a recollection that was informed by Alan’s loving kindness and generosity. It could be

said of Alan that when he departed this world, a vast library of history, knowledge, experience, wit, and humor departed with him.

When he was a young man, Alan suffered from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident. This was the event in Alan’s life that motivated him to pursue a life of meaning and purpose. Alan recovered from his injuries, which had made him bedridden for a time, unable to move, and provided him with plenty of time to reflect on how he would move forward in his life. Alan joked often that had that happened to him as an older man, he would not have had the ambition nor the inclination to recover in the way that he did.

He certainly rose to the challenge. After graduating from Lockport Central High School, he spent several grueling years laboring in the local steel mill in the town he grew up in. Alan said of the steel mill that it

taught him rather quickly that he was meant for more exciting work. Considering his accident, and the lackluster future the steel mill would have provided, Alan joined the military to serve our country.

During his time in the service, he earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Southern Illinois University. He served two tours in the United States Army, including time as a JAG attorney at 101st

Airborne, where he served with distinction. Alan used to reminiscence about his time in the military as being so exceptional, as he would be jumping out of an airplane before dawn, and would be arguing a case in front of a judge later in the same morning.

Following his military service, Alan Beard was a family law and criminal defense attorney in Chattanooga. Alan’s approach to the practice of law was certainly informed by the discipline and scholarly demands imposed upon him by his service as JAG attorney. Alan said regularly that his service as a JAG Attorney was the experience that woke him up to the needs of the wider world. Alan was a fierce advocate for his clients and always said that his motivation for his steadfast devotion to his clients was informed by loving kindness and generosity, particularly of one’s time, and that if those values were foundational and never deviated from, then everything in one’s service to the client will be perfectly executed. It was said of him: "He was known for serving his clients with compassion and dedication, often going above and beyond to help those in need. His generosity extended beyond his work. Alan was a giver at heart, always ready to support his community and those around him."

Perhaps the greatest testament to Alan’s kindness, love, and generosity is his family. Alan was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather. Alan had the profound blessing of dying peacefully in his

bed, at home, in the presence of his wife and children, who were holding his hands as he departed this world. He passed from this earth in the most peaceful way that anyone could ever hope for, and it is because of the faithfulness and beautiful devotion of his wife, his children, his sister Sandy who cared for him until the end, and his brother Robert, who loved Alan deeply. Alan’s family is the greatest testament to his loving

kindness, charity, devotion, and love for his fellow creatures.

Alan was talented musician, he found joy in playing piano, guitar, and bass, and enjoyed escaping into the experience of playing music with his friends and family. Alan and his son-in-law, Ryan, and other members of his family, played in a band together. He especially loved taking his family out on the boat or spending time by the water. Trips to Pensacola Beach to visit with his mother and sister were among his favorite memories. Alan was the center of gravity for so many things and brought so much joy into the spaces that he occupied. There is no way to reckon the influence of Alan’s charity, nor is there a way to know how much good Alan has brought into the world. It is immeasurable. When Alan passed, he took with him so many precious memories.

His family said of Alan: "Alan lived a life defined by generosity, service, and love for his family. A talented musician, he found joy in playing piano, guitar, and bass. He especially loved taking his family out on the boat or spending time by the water. Trips to Pensacola Beach to visit with his mother and sister were among his favorite memories."

On a personal note, Alan was my best friend, mentor, and teacher. He took me under his wing as a young

student and taught me how to practice law. He extended to me the highest form of charity that a man can give to another: he taught me a profession. Most importantly, he taught me how to bring loving kindness,

charity, mercy, and beauty into the practice of law, and into every contact one has with the wider world.

His wisdom, advice, and counsel will be greatly missed. Most of all, I will miss my dearest friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Inez Beard; his sister Dixie Bruggeman; and his dear friends and former in-laws, Bob and Linda Gish.

He is survived by his wife, Yesenia Beard; his children Genette Dugger (Ryan), Stephanie Beard, and Wil Beard; his sister Sandy Mathews; his brother Robert Beard (Alecia); his grandsons Max and Leon Dugger; numerous nieces and nephews; his former wife JoLynn LaCroix and her husband Ray; and many friends who will miss him deeply.

May the Ancient and Eternal shelter you in the shadow of His wings, and may you rest in the peace of eternity, my dear friend. Until we meet again.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31^st day of March, 2026, that Alan Ray Beard’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Robert Lee Brown

As prepared and presented by Herbert L. Thornbury, Esq.

Robert Lee Brown was born August 8, 1939, and died November 9, 2025. He was born in Lawrence County, Tennessee, to Herschel and Wynell Brown, who preceded him in death.

He graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1957 and earned his undergraduate degree from Tennessee Tech University in 1961. He received his LLB from Vanderbilt School of Law in 1964.

Robert served honorably in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG Corps).

Robert began his career in Atlanta, Georgia, before relocating to Chattanooga, where he became President and owner of Legal Title and Escrow, Inc.

He revolutionized the timeline for real estate closings in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. When you called on Monday for an immediate time to close the next day, his reply was always the same, what time and where do you want to close.

He served as Past Chairman of the Real Estate Section of the Tennessee Bar Association and President of the Tennessee Land Title Association.

Throughout his career, Robert was a well-respected, humorous instructor and speaker for the Georgia Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the Tennessee Association of Realtors, the National Business Institute, and the Chattanooga Bar Association.

He was also an active member of the Chattanooga Civitan Club.

A dedicated businessman and community investor, Robert played a role in numerous real estate developments, including ownership and steward of the historic Chattanooga Bank Building, which is now, the recently opened Waymark Hotel, a collection of Hilton as well as numerous other real estate investments.

He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Chattanooga and was formerly a member of the Signal Mountain Methodist Church where his strong baritone voice, especially at Christmas was heard from the choir by everyone.

Beyond his professional achievements, Robert was known for his love of storytelling, his love of books, and his appreciation for gospel and classic country music.

He had a fondness for sweets, especially vanilla ice cream.

Robert is survived by his wife, Cheryl Brown; daughter, Deborah (Jay) Spencer; son, Clark (Jina) Brown; stepdaughter, Julie (Gil) Milton, stepson Ryan May, several grandchildren; and his beloved sister, Kathryn Sandlin of Lawrence County, Tennessee. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Burial (at a later time) will take place at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Per his wishes, his body has been donated to Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

Robert’s son, Clark Brown gave an eloquent description of Robert’s life better than any of us who called him friend. I quote in part:

“My dad had a knack for turning ordinary days into adventures, the kind where you never quite knew how you'd end up. One time we set off on his motorcycle for a camping trip near Lake Burton. I was probably 9. Dad’s heart was the age of the movie actor James Dean. We were zooming up those Georgia mountains back roads, wind in our faces, feeling free until blue lights started flashing behind us. Turned out, his idea of sufficient helmet protection didn't match the state trooper's assessment. We sat on that roadside waiting for my mother to rescue us. I was terrified, but when she arrived, all dad could do was grin. That was dad, great intentions but sometimes unexpected detours.

You knew, no matter what age, that dad’s best intentions could take a turn.

On the first day of canoe school on the Hiwassee River, we started with optimism and ended up towing a canoe with an un-patchable hole down a railroad track.

Or when a "controlled burn" of the family garden at season's end, jumped into the neighbor's woods. Suddenly everyone was frantically shoveling dirt and spraying water to contain an unexpected wildfire.

Road trips were their own adventure. The destinations made it all worthwhile: beach summers, Florida scuba diving, Rocky Mountain skiing, and especially family gatherings at the family farm in Lawrence County.

Dad was an exceptional storyteller, always willing to try something new and always ready to make ordinary days into something more. Predictability wasn't his style. And honestly, those unexpected turns taught me something about being willing to venture off the beaten path.

Dad supported many families and new businesses when they were buying a home or building a new office or store when they were short of cash. He often would accept an offer of what they could give to close. He would arrive home with shotguns, random parcels of land, and even once a Quarter horse that was stabled in Oklahoma. It wasn't just business smarts; it was his predictable generosity, that drove him to invest in people.

Like all families, ours held its share of complexity. I won't pretend otherwise. but I stand here to honor what mattered: the moments that taught me something, the qualities I've come to understand, and the presence that shaped more of me than I realized.

Dad showed up. He was there for soccer games on Saturday mornings, sitting in the bleachers. He came to parent-teacher meetings. When I went to college and medical school, he made sure I had what I needed. He made a presence a priority. That consistency, that support matters more than I understood at that time.

He loved his grandchildren, Sarah, Alicia, Anna, Brian, L-Jay, and Ray. He loved his wife Cheryl, my wife Jina, my sister Deborah, her husband Jay, his stepson Ryan May, and his sister Kathryn.

In his final chapter, Cheryl loved him through the confusion and decline of his last year, ensuring he never faced those difficult days alone. Her presence gave him the gift he valued most, connection, right to the very end.

Through my relationship with Dad, I learned that you could hold both love and complexity, that influence happens in unexpected ways, and that showing up even imperfectly creates something that endures.

His approach to life showed me that successful living isn't measured in comfort or predictability, but in the willingness to take the unexpected path, the connections made along the way, and the stories worth telling when you get there.

His influence remains in quiet gestures, in the way we show up for each other, in our own willingness to take unexpected paths and make something memorable from ordinary days.”

I want to thank Clark for sharing the memories of his dad.

Robert was a “lawyer’s lawyer,” a phrase of admiration by his peers. Many of us were proud to call him friend.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31^st day of March, 2026, that Robert Lee Brown’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Charles Gammons Wright, Jr.

As prepared and presented by Bonnie Wright-Woodward

It is an honor to say a few words in memory of my father, Charles Gammons Wright, Jr. He was a dedicated solo attorney who practiced law for more than fifty years. His fierce advocacy marked his career, and he strived to ensure that the most vulnerable in the community had legal representation, opening his door to anyone in need, seven days a week. He maintained a modest office on 11th Street and later next to the McCallie tunnels. He mentored many attorneys who describe him as a courtroom soldier, demonstrating unconventional determination. Many of his colleagues commented that his appearance did not change during his decades of legal practice.

Charles Gammons Wright, Jr. was born on December 31, 1942, in Gary, Indiana. He died on November 13, 2025, at the age of 82. He grew up on the University of Chattanooga campus and later earned degrees in psychology, Counseling, Philosophy, and Religion. He furthered his studies by earning a Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

While in high school, Charles participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He later served in the Army from 1964 to 1966, achieving the rank of Captain.

Charles began his law practice in Tennessee in 1972 and expanded to Georgia in 1987. His practice spanned many areas, including Divorce and Domestic Relations, Civil Litigation and Torts, Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, Federal and State Criminal Defense, Federal Litigation and Bankruptcy, and Probate and Estate Planning. His clients and others recognized Charles as honest, straightforward, understanding, professional, and compassionate.

His dedication to service extended into the community. He gave back through volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and supporting his grandchildren’s performance events. He was personally committed to healthy eating, running, lifting weights, and home repair. He enjoyed walking in the Chickamauga Battlefield with his wife, reading any self-education book he could get his hands on, and writing his self-published book about world conflict and non-violence.

Charles is survived by his wife, Mary Wade Wright, children Bonnie Marie Wright, Heather Elizabeth Wright, and Chappell Rebecca Wright, siblings Marlene Wright Comeaux and Frank Burton Wright, grandchildren, and a niece and nephew.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31^st day of March, 2026, that Charles Gammons Wright Jr.’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

Memorial to

Honorable Ronald W. Durby

As prepared and presented by Honorable Clarence Shattuck

What a unique and unusual career path? From a high school football field in west Tennessee to a judgeship in east Tennessee is the successful and meaningful route of one being memorialized here today.

Ronald W. Durby was born in Memphis to Henry and Mary Durby on October 31, 1942, and was the middle child, between two red-headed sisters. He attended Treadwell School (1-12 grades at that time) and graduated from Treadwell High School in 1960. He participated in the normal high school activities and was an outstanding football player and was also on the track team. Ron was recruited by several major colleges (including Ole Miss and Arkansas) despite Treadwell winning only a single football game his senior year. But when University of Alabama offered him a scholarship and the opportunity to play for the legendary coach, Paul (Bear) Bryant, it was readily accepted.

There was another type of recruiting going on at Treadwell. Ron was in the middle of the eighth grade when a family from Arkansas moved to Memphis with a daughter, Vicka Holt. She was assigned to the same homeroom as Ron, and by the 9^th grade, they had developed a serious friendship. They dated for six years and married on August 2, 1963, and formed a beautiful and wonderful lifetime team.

Upon graduation from high school, Ron enrolled at Alabama and Vicka at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). Ron’s first year at Alabama was not an easy one. Coach Bryant was a tough coach who demanded much from his players. At that time, freshmen could not play on the varsity, but played other freshmen teams in the south. An example of the coach’s attitude about winning and preparation, the freshmen team knew what to expect after a loss to the Tulane freshmen. Durby knew the next practice “was going to be bad” and after practice that day, 22 of the 58 guys left the team. Ron was red shirted for the 1961 season and was an important member of the team for his remaining eligibility.

Coach Bryant did not like for his players to marry. When Ron told him that he and Vicka were planning to get married, Coach took a pad from his desk and said, “I have you projected as a starter this fall, but I’ll have to change that now.” Ron, not intimidated, said, “If you scratch it out now, you’ll have to put it back when the season begins because I’ll be starting.” He and Vicka married that August and Ron was a starter at offensive guard, weighing 187 pounds (think of the weight of guards today) on the team that won the National Championship with Joe Namath playing quarterback. Ron had an excellent season and was chosen on the All SEC Scholastic Team.

After graduation, Ron coached football at Jasper High School while completing his M.A. Degree at Alabama. He then became an assistant coach at Morehead State when he received an offer to become an assistant at UTC in 1969 (the same year U.C. became part of the UT system).

Having coached on the college level for several years, he began considering a career change, mainly because of all the travel and being away from his family. He talked with Sam Payne (my law partner and U.C. alumnus) and me and decided to attend U.T. Law School and was accepted. Vicka (and the two children) was happy and enthusiastically approved his decision.

Ron, Vicka and the children moved to Knoxville, where Vicka taught in the Knox County system. Ironically, Ron was appointed student assistant football coach under Bill Battle, an Alabama alumnus, who was the U.T. head coach at the time.

After his graduation and passing the bar exam in 1973, Ron and Vicka decided to return to Chattanooga rather than going back to Memphis or elsewhere. They had made a lot of friends here, loved the area, and felt that it was a good community to raise their family.

The Chattanooga Legal Aid office had been established shortly before, under the supervision of Hal Peoples, and was seeking attorneys to staff the office. Ron, who knew Peoples from U.T., applied and was hired. In 1974, Sam Payne was elected Circuit Court judge, and Ron was desiring to enter private practice. He and I became partners and had a successful and rewarding practice for eight years under the firm name of Shattuck & Durby. After my appointment to the Sessions Court bench in 1982, Durby practiced with John Higgason for four years.

In 1986, Ron was appointed Clerk & Master of the Hamilton County Chancery Court by Chancellors Van Owens and Hal Peoples. There, he was responsible for supervision of the office staff, maintaining the files of all Chancery Court cases and references from the Chancellors. He conducted the office effectively and efficiently and received several awards from the state organization, always giving full credit to his outstanding staff.

In 1996, due to a constitutional question, all Chattanooga City Court cases were transferred to Hamilton County General Sessions Court and it became necessary to add two judges to the Sessions Court bench. After a county-wide referendum approving the additional judges, Ron Durby and Bob Moon were appointed by the County Commission, subject to election in 1998. Ron won in a contested election in 1998 and was reelected uncontested in 2006, but retired in 2012 due to medical issues.

I have had literally hundreds of people mention Ron to me since his retirement and death. Let me share a few of these remarks:

From former clients – excellent lawyer, helped me in a difficult divorce, generous with his time, stayed with me even though I had not paid his full fee and would certainly recommend him;

From former employees – great boss, fun guy to work for, fair and impartial;

Former clerk – father figure, joy to clerk for, would listen to people;

From attorneys – very good judge, lets you develop your case, unbiased, could count on a fair hearing, a mentor, encourages me and many other lawyers;

General – helpful, caring, generous, accommodating, there when I needed him, understanding, encouraging, kidder, could take a joke (especially about being a “trick-or-treat baby” and being the only Alabama alum to attend U.T. Law School).

Personally, Ron and I were together in law practice and on the bench for about 25 years. We worked together, we won cases together, we lost cases together, we managed the office together, we prayed together. Overall, it was a great and beneficial relationship. Ron was truly, as the Bible says, “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Ron loved his community and assisted in many activities at Red Bank High School. He coached various sports for young people of the community. He served on a number of boards over the years, including the Valley Psychiatric Hospital, Red Bank-Soddy Daisy Charitable Foundation and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was a member of the Chattanooga, Tennessee and American Bar Associations and was inducted into the Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame.

Ron was a faithful member of Red Bank Baptist Church for 51 years. Not only did he serve the church as a deacon, teacher and committee leader, but he served and loved the Lord by “walking the walk.”

Ron was a true family man who loved his family dearly. He often spoke of the wonderful and endearing times together. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Vicka; his children, Machelle Hall (Tom) and Mark (Jennifer); grandchildren, Anna Barron (Kevin), Abby, Anabella and Isaac; great granddaughter, Barron. He is also survived by his two sisters, Lynn Jamison and Carol Miller (Kenneth), and several nieces and nephews.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 31^st day of March, 2026, that Honorable Ronald W. Durby’s good deeds and kindness be memorialized through this Resolution and be adopted by this Association as words of respect, praise and memory.

CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION