MEMORIAL RESOLUTION 2012

2012 MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS

Memorial to

The Honorable Joseph Vance Barker

As prepared by The Honorable Thomas W. Graham

Judge Joseph Vance Barker was born October 10, 1948, in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, to his parents, Joseph Matison Barker and Nancy Barker. Joey, as he was affectionately called, grew up in his beloved South Pittsburg where he attended South Pittsburg Elementary School and South Pittsburg High School and played football for Tennessee Hall of Fame football coach, L.P. Beene. Upon graduation from high school Joey entered college at the University of the South at Sewanee where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. While at Sewanee he was a loyal Beta Theta Pi and a devotee of the famous “Sewanee party weekend” which he continued to attend and support years after his graduation. Upon his graduation from Sewanee Joey entered law school at the University of Tennessee College of Law where he graduated with a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1973. Following his graduation Judge Barker went to work for the Chattanooga law firm of Hall, Haynes, Lusk & Foster. After a couple of years in the big city Joey was drawn back to his home in 1975 where he set up the private practice that he maintained for nineteen (19) years. Judge Barker held both a Tennessee and an Alabama license so the could practice in both states. His practice included both criminal and civil law. During his private practice years he held numerous public positions, including City Attorney for the City of South Pittsburg, Board Member of the Marion Natural Gas & Water Board, and member of the Marion County Election Commission. In 1988 Joey met and later married his beloved wife, Cathy Parrott Barker. To this union was born the love of Joey’s life: his two daughters, Caitlin and Hillary. In 1994 Judge Barker was appointed Federal Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration. This appointment required Judge Barker to move to Raleigh, North Carolina, and to sit at numerous federal courthouses all over the southeastern United States. Fortunately for Joey, he was able to return to the Chattanooga office after two years which allowed him to live in South Pittsburg where he and Cathy would raise his daughters who are now Dean’s List students at Tennessee Technological University. Joey was an affable, engaging and beloved figure wherever he went. He had many friends as evidenced by the overflow crowd at his funeral service and the numerous eulogies given in his honor. Judge Joseph Vance Barker was a credit to the Bench, the Bar, his family, and his community. His warmth and wit will be much missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him. Judge Barker’s sixty-three (63) years on this Earth are a testament to a life well lived. Rest in Peace, my Friend.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that The Honorable Joseph Vance Barker’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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Memorial to

Mitchell Aaron Byrd

As prepared by Catherine Cate White

Let me begin by saying that I am touched that I was asked to speak on behalf of Mitchell Aaron Byrd, Attorney at Law. Mitchell and I became friends when he encouraged me to undergo mediation training and then in turn referred some of my first mediations to me which allowed me to gain experience. Today, a large portion of my law practice consists of family law mediation which I owe to Mitchell.

Mitchell was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, on January 27, 1950. Mitchell was the third in a family of four children. His father worked for the Meade Corporation until he retired, and his mother was a domestic engineer.

Mitchell grew up in Kingsport and graduated from Boone’s Creek High School in 1968. Mitchell wanted to be an attorney from the time he was eight years old, and he accomplished that goal when he graduated from the University of Memphis, Cecil Humphreys School of Law, in 1976. Thereafter, he was admitted to practice law in the State of Tennessee as well as the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee in 1988, as well as the United States Supreme Court. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree prior to entering law school from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1973.

Mitchell met his bride of thirty-seven years, Deborah Byrd, in 1974. Mitchell and Deborah have two sons, Sam, who graduates from the Memphis School of Law this coming May, and Doug, who is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and works for TVA in the Information Technology Department.

Mitchell had a thriving practice focused in the areas of family law, personal injury, criminal law, and juvenile law. He was also quite active as a mediator and was one of the first attorneys in Chattanooga to begin offering that service in addition to his law practice.

Mitchell was a joiner. He was active in the Chattanooga Bar Association and was Chairman of the Family Law Section in 1989. He was a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and was a member of the Family Law Code Commission from 1991 until his death. He was also Chair-Elect and Chair of the Family Law Section. He was on the Arbitration and Mediation Committee in 1993 until his death. Mitchell was also on the Child Support Guidelines Committee from 1987 until 1989. He was part of the Alimony Bench Book Committee from 2006 until 2009. The resulting Bench Book is still used by domestic attorneys to include myself.

Mitchell was a member of the American Bar Association, the American Association of Justice, formerly known as The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Chattanooga Trial Lawyers Association of which he was President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a member of the Board of Directors, and also the Tennessee Association of Justice as well as the Christian Education Association.

Mitchell was certified as a Family Law Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, as noted he was a Mediator approved by the Supreme Court for General and Family Mediation, and he was one of the faculty members for Private Dispute Resolution Services for purposes of providing family mediation training from 1999 until 2003.

A review of Mitchell’s C.V. indicates that he was involved in twenty-six other groups or activities to include serving as Special Judge for Circuit Court Division I, Special Judge for Chancery Court Part I, Special Judge for General Sessions Court, Special Judge for City Court of Chattanooga, City Court of Red Bank and City Court of Signal Mountain, and Fire and Police Commissioner for Signal Mountain from 1987 to 1991.

Mitchell Byrd was a mentor to many young attorneys including myself. He always made himself available if you had a question. He also was willing to, what I like to call, “baptize you in a trial of fire” if you had him on the other side as opposing counsel. Lucy Wright and myself had the pleasure of going through this baptism and can say that after it was all over, “what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” Mitchell also had the pleasure of experiencing trials of his own when Judge Bolton put him in time out. Mitchell later confided in me that he recognized that it was probably warranted. He also told me that in the future he would be extremely mindful of the tone of voice that he used.

On another memorable occasion Mitchell was quoted referring to an opposing counsel as an Equinus Rumpus, which resulted in the attorney’s father calling to complain to Mitchell that he would say such a thing!

Some of you may also already know that Mitchell and Bob Moon had an ongoing contest to see who could outdo the other. The things that they did to each other were so frequent and humorous, that Mitchell ultimately started keeping a record of them and put them in a folder entitled “Hard Times.” Examples of what occurred were as follows: Mitchell sent Bob an application to sign up for, shall we say, a vertically challenged basketball team. Bob retaliated by sending Mitchell a subscription to a magazine that he would have had no desire to read. On another occasion, Mitchell sent a cemetery salesman to see Bob, and Bob in turn retaliated by sending a cemetery monument salesman to call on Mitchell. The stories, from what I’m told, are the true making of a basis for the movie Grumpy Old Men.

Mitchell loved to read biographies and discuss the books with his friends. He loved being with people and never met a stranger, according to Deborah, when they went on vacation. Some of his heroes were Andrew Jackson and Winston Churchill.

Mitchell passed away on May 24, 2011. He was only sixty-one years old. He was far too young to leave this earth and has left a void in our legal community because of his active involvement. The legacy that he left, however, will not fade, and I for one am very grateful for the privilege of being his friend.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that Mitchell Aaron Byrd’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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Memorial to

William Crutchfield

As prepared by T. Maxfield Bahner

William Crutchfield left us on Saturday, April 30, 2011, after a lengthy battle with illness. He was one of those rare persons who, while not intending to, becomes the heart and soul of a firm.

Born January 14, 1938, Bill was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain. Both his father, William Crutchfield, a noted architect and artist, and his mother, Mary Mitchell Crutchfield, were descendants of pioneer Chattanooga families.

Bill graduated with honors from Baylor School and became one of the first named undergraduate Morehead scholars at the University of North Carolina from Chattanooga schools. He received his legal education at the Vanderbilt University School of Law and, in 1963, began practice with Chambliss, Chambliss & Hodge. He then took a leave of absence for military service in Korea where he was Judge Advocate with the 7th Infantry Division. He spent his final three years of active duty as Depot Judge Advocate at the Anniston, Alabama Army Depot. His love for the military continued and he retired with the rank of colonel. He was an honor graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

It was while he was stationed at Anniston that he met the love of his life, Pat. They were married at Fort McClellan.

Blessed with a brilliant mind, Bill's example of scholarship and attention to detail were an inspiration and example to those privileged to practice law with him. Bill was also blessed with a keen sense of humor. He saw the humor that sparkled unseen by most and translated it for us. He had a rare sensitivity that attuned him to people in every walk of life and gave him the happy license to poke fun at our foibles, as well as his own.

Bill raised the bar of scholarship and professionalism in his practice which was an example at the Chattanooga Bar. Among lawyers he was recognized for his high ethical standards which garnered the respect and trust of both the bench and the bar. With a keen sense of timing, he understood the effective and proper use of legal procedure in the process of resolving disputes which was so relevant to his field of expertise in bankruptcy and debtor/creditor relationships.

Bill had a breathtaking breadth of interests. From his parents he inherited a love for the outdoors and all of Gods plants and creatures. He enjoyed walking the trails of Lookout Mountain and East Tennessee, reveling in the beauties around him. He took time to notice and discover the natural treasures we too frequently miss in our superficial hurry. Frequently he walked these trails alone, taking time to muse and think about life and its meaning. Bill loved to fly fish and hunt birds.

Bill's friends sought him out to be enriched by his noted skill as a raconteur and his infectious love of life. It was natural that he served many terms as a member of the board of Reflection Riding which was founded by his partner, John A. Chambliss and his wife, Margaret Sizer Chambliss.

Bill collected firearms of all varieties. He was a crack pistol shot and an excellent marksman with rifle and shotgun. Bill was on the U.S. Army pistol team for the Third Army where he won many awards. His impromptu sense of humor is illustrated by an event on the pistol range when the man to his left was having trouble operating his pistol. Bill suggested that he might consider using some WD40 to make things easier, to which the man replied that it smelled so bad he wasn't going to do that. Bill was laughing so hard that he then had trouble hitting the target.

Bill enjoyed law practice and served his profession. Early in his career he served on the Board of Governors of the Chattanooga Bar Association. Later, for 20 years, he was a member of the House of Delegates of the Tennessee Bar Association. He was a fellow of the Chattanooga and Tennessee Bar Foundations. In 1995, he received the Chattanooga Bar Association's President's Award for Distinguished Service of the Legal Community. He was listed in Best Lawyers in America for Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law. Bill served for several years on the Board of the Mid-South Commercial Law Institute and was its President in 1996.

Bill loved people. Whether great or small he enjoyed people for who and what they were as they were. He loved his family, his friends, co-workers, clients and others he served and those who served him in all walks of life.

Until his activities were limited by failing health Bill was one of the leaders of his firm and, to the end of his life, was sought out by his colleagues in the firm for advice and counsel on difficult matters. His judgment and advice were unerringly on the mark.

Bill served for several years as City Judge of Lookout Mountain, Georgia where he called upon his own experience with mischief in designing creative punishments for juvenile offenders.

He was a longtime member of the Fairyland Club and a charter member of the Walden Club where he served for five years as chairman of its board.

Bill was a deeply spiritual person. He was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain (Episcopal) where he served as a Vestryman. He found particular fulfillment as a Lay Reader and Chalice Bearer and in his ministry as a Eucharistic Visitor to those who could not attend church services. His sensitivity and responsiveness through this ministry was a healing presence to people who were otherwise too isolated.

After Bill's death one friend reflected how Bill had assisted him in starting an independent union in an effort to defeat the local Teamster's Union from organizing his company. Bill encouraged and motivated him to take the challenge in what seemed an insurmountable task and doing something which had not been done before. During the following years he learned to appreciate and respect Bill as one of the greatest human beings God ever brought across his path. Another friend noted how Bill was a friend to all, insightful, and the embodiment of one who fully enjoyed life. Still another characterized Bill with a quote from Ben Franklin, "Write with the learned, pronounce with the vulgar."

There is no way to capture in a memorial resolution built with the words the effervescent qualities of this exceptional man whose life has made us all better and who continues to be an example and inspiration. Although we miss him he will, for as long as we live, be a bright presence in our lives.

Bill is survived by his wife, Pat, his son Neal, his daughter Mary Katherine and several grandchildren.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that William Crutchfield’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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Memorial to

Wallace McRoy Davies

As prepared by Donald E. Morton

It is a privilege to present this memorial resolution in tribute to my colleague and friend Wally Davies.

Wallace McRoy Davies was born on September 24, 1928, in Asheville, North Carolina. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Percy Wallace Davies. Wally attended the University of Virginia where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952 and was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. In 1955, he was graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law where he was a member of Delta Beta Pi fraternity. After his graduation from the University of Virginia, he was a lecturer in commercial law and accounting at the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce. Not content with a law degree, he also became a certified public accountant. He was a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as a member of the Bar of The Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Tennessee.

Perhaps Wally’s most impressive accomplishment while in Virginia was his marriage to Patricia Edwards, a Charlottesville native. He and Patsy have three children, Wallis, Patricia and John, and Wally was always tremendously proud of his children and their accomplishments.

Wally and Patsy moved to Chattanooga in 1955, where he joined the firm of Homer Hardy, who was regarded as the Dean of tax professionals in Chattanooga. After some years with Mr. Hardy, Wally joined the law firm of Stophel, Caldwell & Heggie and he was a partner of that firm for 25 years. He later became a partner in the law firm of Miller & Martin. In 1989, he started his own law office in Chattanooga and maintained an active practice until his retirement in 2010.

Wally was a lawyer’s lawyer. Though Wally’s legal expertise was broad and deep, it was most readily apparent in dealing with matters of employee benefits and especially the arcane rules governing defined benefit pension plans. He was highly regarded as one of the most preeminent specialists in ERISA and employee benefits law in the southeast. In 1976, the passage of ERISA transformed the law of qualified plans. This sweeping legislation produced myriad complex Internal Revenue Service regulations. Wally was widely recognized as a master interpreter of these regulations and no one who has ever worked with him can forget the blue pencil comments he would make on the very complex rules issued by the IRS. At that time, the Internal Revenue Service had a Nashville office specializing in employee benefit plans, and the agents were frequently on the phone with Wally discussing with him his interpretation of the regulations. They had confidence in his analyses, and they worked together to interpret these regulations.

Wally was a perfectionist. He admired good architecture and careful styling. He would not settle for second-best. At one point when his office was moved to another floor in the Maclellan Building, much effort was given to acquiring exactly the right furniture and furnishings to satisfy Wally’s exacting standards for that office. However, Wally was never satisfied with the pulls on the cabinets and would not permit pulls until he found just the right ones. For several years his cabinets had no pulls until acceptably designed pulls were finally located and installed.

Wally was a master draftsman. A careful technician and grammarian, his ever-ready blue pencil would revise and refine the language of qualified plans until the wording was both precise and clear.

Wally’s clients were loyal and devoted to him. They knew he always shared their interests first. His peers too recognized his expertise. Wally was listed in Best Lawyers of America from 1989 until his death and he served on important regional advisory and national committees for both the Internal Revenue Service and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

In his later years, Wally continued to practice law on his own – with his wife Patsy as his assistant. He enjoyed the confidence of his numerous clients until he retired shortly before his death.

Wally’s talents were matched only by his modesty. He wore his considerable education and erudition gracefully, and was a genial and gracious friend to people in all walks of life.

Wally’s interests extended to his community where he served for many years in the delicate role of planning commissioner on Signal Mountain where had to balance the competing interests of neighbors. He worked to achieve a fair result, and opponents normally left the hearing thinking they had gotten a square deal even if they had not won their case.

Wally was also active in Boy Scouts and was a Merit Badge Counselor for 35 years. He served as a member of the Administrative Board of his church, First Centenary Methodist and as a board member of Camp Ocoee. A man of many parts, Wally was a tool smith and a tinkerer. He was a master orchid grower and was active in the local Orchid Society where he served as President of the Tennessee Valley orchid Society. While orchid growing is a solitary pursuit, Wally often shared the magnificent plants he raised in his greenhouse with friends and secretaries.

A fitness fanatic, before such things were fashionable, Wally was an avid handball and racquetball player and later become a half-marathon runner.

Wally was a scholar and Virginia gentlemen. He was a generous and kind mentor, a careful expert in the law, and a good citizen. He was a credit to our profession. He will continue to be missed by all of us who were privileged to enjoy the pleasure of his company.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that Wallace McRoy Davies’ 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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Memorial to

Richard Carl Kennedy

As prepared and presented by George E. Koontz

I am pleased and honored today to present a memorial resolution for Richard Carl Kennedy, Dick to all who knew and loved him. I thank the Kennedy family for the honor and privilege of being allowed to do so.

Dick was born on November 11, 1945 in Wareham, Mass. to his parents, the late William Dempsey and Jean Kennedy. Dick’s dad was a longtime employee of Eastman Kodak in Kingsport, Tennessee where he grew up. He graduated from high school there and then from Johns Hopkins University in 1967, and received his law degree from Georgetown University in 1974.

Dick served his country for 4 years in the USAF at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas where he received the Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

Dick married the lovely and devoted Sue Kennedy and they had 3 children who all attended Baylor, Richard Charles Kennedy, Ben Kennedy and Elizabeth Kennedy. Dick had several grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Charles Porter Kennedy, Cecilia Rose Marie Kennedy, Richard Joseph Kennedy and Henry Charles Kennedy.

Dick loved the outdoors and he loved the Chattanooga community. He hiked for many years extensively on the Appalachian Trail. He served the community tirelessly as President of the Metropolitan Chattanooga YMCA, Camp Ocoee, The Bright School and the Girls Club of Chattanooga. He also served on the Board of Reflection Riding Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

I practiced law with Dick for over 30 years. He and I first met when I came to Weill, Ellis, Weems and Copeland in 1979 where Dick had just become a partner. In 1985 Dick and I formed our own firm which has had as many as 11 lawyers at one time over the years. That firm continues today as Kennedy, Koontz & Farinash. Dick’s name will always be carried by our firm.

During his legal career Dick was President of the Mid-South Law Institute and the Chattanooga Bar Association. In 1996 he became the first practicing member of the Chattanooga Bar to be admitted to the prestigious American College of Bankruptcy. He was listed annually in the Best Lawyers in America. Dick was a brilliant lawyer who was respected across the Southeast for his bankruptcy expertise, particularly in Chapter 11s. He was the embodiment of a collegial yet tenacious advocate- an increasingly rare combination these days.

He had a great sense of humor, a warm smile and an infectious laugh. Dick just loved people. He was always looking for an excuse to get a hug from the other wives at our Christmas parties.

Dick loved to travel and he and Sue saw a lot of the world together. My wife Carolyn and Jerry Farinash and his wife went on several trips over the years with Dick and Sue and they are some of the fondest memories any of us have of vacations. One of Dick’s travel goals was always to go to Alaska. Fortunately, he and Sue and other family members were able to make a 2 week trip across Alaska shortly before he died. He talked about that trip for weeks leading up to it and after his return.

I felt very privileged that I got to practice law with Dick for 30 years and to be his friend. He made this world a better place to be every day of his life in some way. He is gone, but not forgotten. He left his indelible imprint behind him.

Dick died at his home on July 15, 2011, after a dinner party that his friends who attended now refer to as the Last Supper. I think Dick would have liked that sobriquet.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that Richard Carl Kennedy’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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Memorial to

George Bowman “Bo” LeNoir

As prepared by The Honorable Suzanne Bailey

I am honored to present a memorial resolution for George Bowman “Bo” LeNoir.

Bo was born in Chattanooga May 11, 1955, the second child of Bertram Edward “Mullie” and Evangeline LeNoir. He attended Chattanooga public schools and received his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He began his work career as an Undergraduate Admissions Officer and later was the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UTC. He then moved from Chattanooga and worked as an Assistant Director of Admissions and Records at West Virginia University. In 1994 he became the Director of Graduate Enrollment Services at George Washington University School of Business and Public Management, Washington DC.

After living in the DC area for some time, his career took a different direction as he returned to school himself and received a Master of Arts in General Psychology and a Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America in Washington DC. He also attended Conception Seminary College, Conception, Missouri where he completed Pre-Theological Formation Certification.

While Bo was in law school at Catholic University, he coordinated appellate advocacy competition in the DC metropolitan area. While working with federal and state judges who were participating in the competition, he had the opportunity to experience the day-to-day life of the courts there including the Supreme Court, and he continued to enjoy the friendship of many there throughout the years.

It was during these years in DC that Bo was able to pursue his love of music, serving as the Assistant Organist at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. He also sang in the Basilica Choir and performed countertenor solos there as well as at other events in DC.

Among his other personal interests were his many travels to England. His favorite destinations there were the cathedrals where he enjoyed not only the historical theological significance of each but the unique place each held in his love of music. At the time of his death, Bo had a voluminous collection of music he had gathered from many of the choirs and performances in these cathedrals, leaving a special part of his life to be enjoyed by family and friends in the years to come.

At Bo’s memorial service, Fr. Harry Lawrence described Bo as a true Renaissance man, by definition one skilled in multiple disciplines with a base of knowledge and participation in many areas of life. The part of his career that will always be the most significant for me was his commitment to the abused and neglected children he served through our court. I first met Bo when Chancellor Frank Brown called and told me of an attorney who was taking conservatorships and guardianships in Chancery and thought he would be an asset to Juvenile Court as a Guardian ad Litem. Bo came to see me and signed up for GAL appointments. His commitment to the welfare of the children to whose cases he was appointed quickly became evident to all. His advocacy on behalf of these children made it possible for the children to receive the necessary treatment and counseling they needed following the abuse inflicted upon them by those who were supposed to have nurtured and loved them. I have no doubt that there are many young adults today enjoying a healthy and prosperous life that they would not have had if Bo had not been there for them.

After continuing to represent children for several years in Juvenile Court as a GAL, he was appointed Director of Legal Services. One of his chief responsibilities was to train new Guardians ad Litem as well as train Juvenile Court volunteers. He also assisted in setting up training opportunities through the Administrative Office of the Courts for new attorneys to prepare them for practice in Juvenile Court, as well as to provide veteran attorneys practicing at the Court and taking appointments with their continuing legal education hours.

Throughout Bo’s time with the Court, he was always ready to assist those who needed help taking care of their families. He had left DC and his career, music and friends there to return to Chattanooga to assist his own family in the care of his Father who had been diagnosed with melanoma. Bo remained here after his Father’s death so as to help his siblings care for his Mother and Grandmother and it is during that time he became a part of our Juvenile Court family.

We did not get to have Bo with us for long as he was diagnosed with melanoma at age 55 and lived but a few short months. Those last months, however, were lived the same way he lived before the diagnosis. He came to work almost every day during his treatments and remained upbeat and positive for all those around him; and to his final days he was more concerned for his family and friends he was leaving behind and the children of the Court than he was for his own well-being. Bo’s commitment to the welfare of the children of our community will long be his legacy of service. He will be missed by many.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that George Bowman “Bo” LeNoir’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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Memorial to

The Honorable Robert L. Moon, Jr.

As prepared by The Honorable David Bales, Mike Prichard and Kimberly Greuter

We are honored to present a memorial for Judge Bob Moon, and we thank the Moon family for this special privilege.

Robert Lewis Moon, Jr., was born on June 14, 1951, in Chattanooga, the son of Robert and Christine, and the older brother to Mark. Known as “Corky” to his closest friends and as “Bob” to numerous colleagues, Judge Moon grew up in East Lake and never forgot his roots. Judge Moon graduated from Chattanooga High School. With the support of the Chattanooga Boys Club, Judge Moon graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1973 and from Memphis State University Law School in 1976. Judge Moon always remembered the assistance and guidance from the Chattanooga Boys Club, and he continued to support the club throughout his life.

Judge Moon married Debbie Cooper in Millington, Tennessee, on January 8, 1977. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. Judge Moon also held memberships in the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Harrison Ruritan Club, Chattanooga Bar Association, and Tennessee Bar Association.

Judge Moon was vice chairman of the Hamilton County Election Commission from 1977 to 1983. He began his practice of law with Carter Schoolfield and John Taylor. In 1982, Judge Moon began practicing law with Mike Prichard, where he remained for 14 years. One of his more prominent clients was the artist Ben Hampton, whom he represented for many years. Judge Moon served as Signal Mountain city judge for 13 years. In 1996, he was appointed to the newly created Division V of the Hamilton County General Sessions Court and was re-elected in 1998 and 2006.

Although he never had children of his own, Judge Moon was an advocate for children in the Chattanooga area and worked hard to better the lives of numerous young people. Judge Moon served on the board of the Chattanooga Boys Club for many years. He helped organize the club’s annual “Tie Day” after he noticed many young men in his courtroom did not wear or own a necktie. Judge Moon was a tireless advocate of an education as being the key to bettering one’s life and achieving one’s dreams. Judge Moon went to numerous schools to speak to and read to students, and he often purchased textbooks for young people going to college.

Judge Moon was an excellent archer. He loved hunting, especially deer and turkey hunting. Possibly his biggest passion off the bench was fishing, especially deep sea fishing. Judge Moon loved to go to the Gulf of Mexico a couple times a year to fish for amberjack, tuna, and red snapper by the oil rig, the “Ram Powell.” Judge Moon also was a collector of antique cars and traveled across the country to show his ’40 Fords, winning numerous national awards.

Judge Moon had a passion for writing and shared his gift with many. He wrote more than 100 poems, often in tribute to those who had passed away or as encouragement to those going through a difficult time in their lives. Judge Moon wrote a poem in tribute to the fishing vessel, “The Northwestern,” as featured on the television show, “The Deadliest Catch.” He also wrote a poem in honor of four Amish children in Kentucky who passed away in a flood in 2011.

Judge Moon was a mentor to numerous new judges and new attorneys. On the bench, Judge Moon was a listener and a constant student of the law. He often gave friendly judicial guidance to young defendants, advising them that he was giving them one last chance to turn their lives around.

Judge Moon participated in numerous committees to improve the practice of law in this area, serving on the Chattanooga Bar Association’s Ethics and Civility Committee. He was instrumental in the reorganization of the General Sessions Court and worked to upgrade the dignity of the Court and improve its procedures. Judge Moon viewed General Sessions Court as being the “people’s court” and worked to make the Court assessable to all. At the same time, Judge Moon had a wonderful sense of humor, and numerous friends and colleagues were the victim of a friendly practical joke.

Judge Moon was passionate in his views, but he was always willing to listen to and consider an opposing perspective. He was a Renaissance man – a loving son, husband, and brother, a poet, a scholar, an advocate for children, and a friend and mentor to so many in this community. Judge Moon achieved what he set out to do – he left the Chattanooga community a better place.

Judge Moon died on January 26, 2012, at his home on Signal Mountain, writing poetry in tribute to a couple friends.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that The Honorable Robert L. Moon, 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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Memorial to

Leroy Phillips, Jr.

As prepared and presented by Martin J. Levitt

I am honored to be able to memorialize the life of my mentor, colleague, and friend, Leroy Phillips.

Leroy was a native of Chattanooga, educated in the public schools and ultimately received his law degree from the University of Tennessee.

Even in law school Leroy was an advocate, arguing for the integration of his legal fraternity.

Leroy was a warrior for those people who were accused of criminal offenses. No matter whether they were poor, mentally challenged, or despised, Leroy Phillips was their advocate in dealing with the legal system. His fierce cross-examination in trials on behalf of his clients was contrasted with his legal scholarship on their behalf that resulted in his establishing entrapment as a legal defense in Tennessee.

In spite of the personal cost, Leroy refused to duck tough cases. Numerous times he received death threats. In short, he was a great example of what a lawyer ought to represent.

Leroy enjoyed the company of other lawyers often swapping “war stories.” He was also a mentor to many lawyers including myself.

Perhaps history will most remember Leroy for his co-authorship of his book, ‘Contempt of Court.’ It was a story about the last lynching in Chattanooga and its legal ramifications, and it demonstrated Leroy’s lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice. In 2000 it won the American Bar Association Silver Gavel Award.

Leroy is survived by his wife of 33 years, Nancy; his sons Tom (Debra) Phillips and John Phillips; his daughters Lisa (Jim) Garner and Michelle Farner; his grandchildren Lorie Taylor; Matthew, Jenny and Joe Garner; Elizabeth and William Farner; brothers, Jack (Alice) Phillips and Billy Joe Phillips; and sisters Alice (Johnny) Stinnett, Shirley Harmon and Dianne (Dale) Shelton; two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that Leroy Phillips, 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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Memorial to

Silas Williams, Jr.

As prepared and presented by Fred H. Moore

Silas Williams, Jr., one of Chattanooga’s most prominent attorneys, died on Saturday, December 10, 2011.

To list his accomplishments would take many pages. However, he lived his life in service to others, including his extensive work through the Episcopal Church and the legal profession.

He was a devoted husband and father, superb attorney and wonderful law partner. Sike was born January 21, 1923 to Elizabeth Lodor Williams and Silas Williams at Grey Rocks, Cravens Terrace, on the side of Lookout Mountain.

He was educated at Bright School and the Baylor School, where he was valedictorian and won many academic awards. Thereafter, he attended the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. His college education was interrupted by World War II and his service in the United States Army. During and after his military service, he continued his education through the University of Missouri and in Vienna, Austria, and obtained his degree from the University of the South at Sewanee. He then attended Duke University Law School. After law school, he returned to Chattanooga and joined the firm of Spears, Moore, Rebman & Williams where he practiced until his retirement.

Sike’s personal and professional life were tributes to his integrity, intellect and selflessness. His graciousness and strong values earned him the respect of his peers and set him apart as an example of professionalism. His astuteness and integrity earned him complete credibility with the bench, bar and juries, thereby earning him a reputation as a preeminent trial lawyer.

Sike was on the founding board of St. Barnabas Nursing Home and served on the board of Hosanna House. He was a member of the Chattanooga Rotary Club and the Georgia Chapter of the Society of Cincinnati. He was also a member of the Southeastern Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.

Mr. Williams held memberships in the American, Tennessee and Chattanooga Bar Associations, American College of Trial Lawyers, National Association of Railroad Trial Lawyers, Defense Research Institute, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel and Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association. He was a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation and the Chattanooga Bar Foundation.

Mr. Williams is survived by his children, Silas Williams, III, Marie Williams Cleary, Franklin Miller Williams and David Lodor Williams and their spouses and children.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, in a special memorial session on this 5th day of March, 2012, that Silas William, 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

(signed) Robin L. Miller, President

Chattanooga Bar Association | The Pioneer Building | Suite 420 | 801 Broad Street | Chattanooga, TN 37402

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