The Chattanooga Bar Association on March 5 honored its members that passed away over the last year with a memorial service in the County Commission Room of the Hamilton County Courthouse. The Honorable Jacqueline Bolton presided over the sometimes moving, sometimes humorous proceeding.
“We have a record number of judges and audiences members, and we’re happy to have you here,” she said. From her vantage point at the bench, Bolton could see that those who had come to pay their respects had filled every seat, lined the walls and packed the balcony.
Chattanooga Bar Association President Robin Miller in her opening remarks thanked everyone for their support. “Since 1897, the CBA has recognized in some manner the members who passed away in the preceding year. This is always a bittersweet service. Amidst the continued mourning for a lost family member, friend, mentor, leader, or partner, we celebrate the memory of each one and are reminded of their significant contributions,” Miller said of the venerable occasion.
Following the invocation by the Reverend and Honorable Samuel Payne of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a series of speakers took turns at the podium reading a resolution into the record of the Court. Each speaker provided a short biography and highlights from life and career of the honorees.
Nora McCarthy said of Wallace McRoy Davies, who passed away March 25, 2011, “Wally was a scholar and Virginia gentleman, 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 those of us who were privileged to enjoy the pleasure of his company.”
Speaking of long-time partner and friend William Crutchfield, Jr., who passed away April 30, 2011, Max Bahner said, “There’s no way to capture in a memorial resolution built with words the effervescent qualities of this exceptional man, whose life made us better and who continues to be an example and inspiration. Although we miss him, he will, as long as we live, be a bright presence in our lives.”
Martin Levitt submitted the resolution for LeRoy Phillips, Jr., who passed away May 19, 2011. He called Phillips, “a warrior for those accused of criminal offense. No matter if they were poor, mentally challenged, or despised, Leroy Phillips was their advocate in dealing with the legal system. He was a great example of what a lawyer ought to be.”
Catherine White delivered the resolution for Mitchell Aaron Byrd, who passed away May 24, 2011 at the age of 65. She said, “He was far too young to leave Earth. He left a void in our legal community because of all the activities in which he was involved, and his legacy will not fade.”
The Honorable Suzanne Bailey, her voice shaking at times, told the court how George Bowman “Bo” LeNoir had been diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 55, and lived only a few more months before passing away June 1, 2011. She said “Bo” lived those final months in the way he’d lived his life.
“He came to work almost every day during his treatments, remained upbeat and positive for those around him, and to his final days, was more concerned about his family, his friends and the children he’d served at the court than himself. His commitments to the welfare of the children of our community will long be his legacy of service, and he will be missed by many.”
George Koontz presented a resolution he and Jerry Farinash prepared for Richard Kennedy, who passed away July 15, 2011. He said he felt privileged to practice law with “Dick” for 30 years and to be his friend.
“He made the world a better place every day of his life. He’s gone but not forgotten. Dick died in his home ... after a dinner party his friends who attended now refer to as ‘The Last Supper.’ I think Dick would have liked that sobriquet.”
The resolution of Chamberlain McAllester, who passed away October 27, 2011, will be read at next year’s memorial service.
Speaking of the Honorable Joseph Barker, who passed away on Dec. 3, 2011, the Honorable Thomas Graham said, “Joey was an affable, engaging and beloved figure. He had many friends, as evidenced by the 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 missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him. His 63 years on Earth are a testament to a life well lived. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Thomas Kale, reading from a resolution he and Fred Moore had written, said it would take many pages to list the accomplishments of Silas Williams, Jr., who passed away December 10, 2011. ”He lived his life in service to others. He was a devoted husband and father, a superb attorney and a wonderful law partner. His graciousness and strong values earned him the respect of his peers and set him apart as an example of professionalism.”
With the Jan. 26, 2012 passing of the Honorable Robert Moon, Jr., still fresh in everyone’s memory, Kim Greuter presented a resolution she, the Honorable David Bales and Mike Prichard had prepared. Of Judge Moon, she said, “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 many in this community. Judge Moon achieved what he set out to do – leave the Chattanooga community a better place.”