Memorial Service Program 2024

We gather today, not for the purpose of grieving, but rather to celebrate the careers of, and to honor, applaud, and express our gratitude to, these cherished members of the Knoxville Bar we now remember with fondness.

Friday, the 22nd of November 2024

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3:00 PM

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CELEBRATING LIVES WELL LIVED

CELEBRATING LIVES WELL LIVED

Memorial Service

Supreme Court Courtroom

Memorial Service INTRODUCTION Carlos A. Yunsan, KBA President

WELCOME Justice Dwight E. Tarwater, Tennessee Supreme Court

REMEMBRANCES REFLECTIONS ON GRIEF AND GRIEVING BENEDICTION Rev. Charles W.B. Fels

READING OF THE NAMES TOLLING OF THE BELL FRANCES LEE ANSLEY

JACK (NICK) MCCALL, JR.

JOHN CHAPMAN DUFFY

RICHARD B. MCCONNELL

Remarks by Dean Rivkin

Remarks by Jon Roach

DAVID E. FIELDER Remarks by Mary Miller

G. WILSON HORDE, JR.

Remarks by Hon. Cliff Shirley

Remarks by Hon. Robert Erwin (read by K.O. Herston)

HON. WHEELER A. ROSENBALM

Remarks by Hon. Dale Workman

Remarks by Wayne Kramer

JOHN W. ROUTH

WILLIS B. JACKSON, JR.

Remarks by Dirk Weddington

Remarks by Randy Nichols

DAVID E. WAITE

HON. ROBERT LEON JORDAN

Remarks by Shelly Wilson

Remarks by Hon. Tom Phillips

STEPHEN EDWARD YEAGER WARREN PARKER LUHN Remarks by David Luhn

Remarks by Hon. Cliff Shirley

FRANCES LEE ANSLEY Frances Lee Ansley, age 77, died peacefully at home in Knoxville on Monday, January 15, 2024, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Atlanta on June 25, 1946, Fran quickly distinguished herself academically. She earned her undergraduate degree from Radcliffe College, her law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, and her LLM from Harvard Law School. She joined the faculty of the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1988, where she became a Distinguished Professor of Law. She was active in many organizations including Allies of Knoxville’s Immigrant Neighbors, Jobs with Justice, Bridges to Justice, and United Campus Workers. Among her many accolades, Fran was named the National Outstanding Law Teacher by the National Society of Law Teachers, and she received the Latino Hero Award, the Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Lifetime Achievement Award, the Activist Award from the National Conference on Occupational Safety and Health, and many more. A day-long symposium entitled Working Toward Justice on Difficult Ground was recently held in her honor at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Fran is survived by her husband Jim Sessions, whom she married in 1972. She was mother to Lee and Elisha Sessions, sister to Brad and Donald Ansley, grandmother to Louis and Paul Sessions, mother-inlaw to Emmanuelle Bassmann, and a beloved aunt and cousin to many more.

JOHN CHAPMAN DUFFY John Chapman Duffy, age 66, died at his Knoxville, Tennessee home on February 1, 2024. John was born in Knoxville on August 10, 1957, to the late Dr. Richard N. Duffy and Dr. Mary B. Duffy. A graduate of West High School, John earned the distinction of an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a Scout Master for the Scout Troop at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church and served in other volunteer roles with the Great Smoky Mountain Chapter of Boy Scouts of America.

John graduated from the University of Tennessee with highest honors in 1979, and he earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1983. He served for two years as a law clerk to the Honorable Leland C. Nielson, United States District Court Judge, in San Diego, California. He returned to Tennessee following his clerkship, where he served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Knoxville. In 1987, John joined the firm of Watson, Reeves, and Beeler in Knoxville and practiced there for 18 years. In 2005, he opened his own law practice where he practiced in the field of employment and injury law until his retirement.

John is survived by sister, Retired Army Col. Mary Duffy Lutz and her spouse, Retired Army Lt. Col Allen Lutz; brother, Dr. Richard N. Duffy III and his wife, Joy; brother, Randolph B. Duffy; two nephews, Neil and Andrew Duffy; and niece Sarah Lutz.

DAVID E. FIELDER David E. Fielder, age 75, died on December 19, 2023, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center with his family by his side. He was the middle son of Faye Holcomb Fielder and George Fielder. Dave played collegiate tennis while on an athletic scholarship at East Tennessee State University and also participated in ROTC. After graduating from ETSU in 1970, Dave accepted a regular commission in the Army, proudly serving his country for seven years before attending law school. He graduated second in his class from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Dave began his legal career in Chattanooga and moved to Knoxville to practice in 1983. He joined the firm which would ultimately become Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz in 1985. He served as the managing partner of the firm for several years and was a partner in the firm until his retirement in 2017.

After his retirement from the firm, Dave continued to work part-time as general counsel for Blue Ridge Development Company until the time of his death. He was a well-respected attorney in the fields of commercial real estate, lending, general business, and workouts. He was also proud to provide pro bono legal assistance to his fellow veterans.

Dave is survived by his wife Paula, and today would have been their 38th wedding anniversary. Other survivors include three sons: Colonel David Fielder (USA), stationed in Hawaii; Michael Fielder of Brentwood, TN; Kenny Fielder of Knoxville, TN; seven grandchildren: Tabitha Rattan of Madison, AL; Eric Fielder (USN), stationed in Guam; Callahan, Payne, Sullivan, Beckan, and Ollie of Brentwood, TN; and great-grandchildren Lucas and Victoria Rattan of Madison, AL. He is also survived by two brothers, Nick and Phil, niece Karin, and numerous extended family members, including his beloved, loyal dog, Riley.

GAITHER WILSON HORDE, JR. Gaither “Wilson” Horde, Jr., age 97, of Knoxville, passed away early Friday morning, February 9, 2024, at his home. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline Thompson Horde, and brother, Edward Hopson Horde.

He is survived by his children Leslie, Rocky, Kelly, Karen, and Laura; grandchildren Dill, Hunter, Aubrey, Hailey, Rory, Jared, Riley, Peyton, and Lauren; daughter-in-law Beth; and brother, Douglas Rodney Horde.

Wilson grew up in Nashville and spent many summers in Cadiz, Kentucky. He graduated from Isaac Litton High School and served in the Pacific Theatre with the United States Navy (1944-1946), participating in landings at Saipan and Iwo Jima. These experiences instilled in him a lifelong sense of duty.

Following his military service, he attended Peabody College and Vanderbilt Law School, where he was a member of the class of 1951. Wilson began practicing law in Knoxville with Stone, Bozeman, & Horde; served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee under Robert F. Kennedy; and later served as General Counsel for Union Carbide Nuclear Division and Lockheed Martin Energy Systems for 33 years. In his private practice, Wilson joined the law firm of Kramer Rayson, where he retired at the youthful age of 90, after practicing law for 66 years.

During his career, his activities and honors included: Jaycee Young Man of the Year for Tennessee; Life Member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference; and recipient of the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Six Circuit Court of Appeals, awarded in the chamber of the U.S. Supreme Court by Justice David Souter.

WILLIS B. JACKSON, JR. Willis B. “Jack” Jackson, Jr., age 74, died in Knoxville, Tennessee, on December 1, 2023. He was born on February 15, 1949, in Knoxville, to the late Willis and Jerrie Jackson.

A graduate of Holston High School, Jack had a true zest for life. He pursued his professional passion by earning his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Throughout his life, Jack was known as a proud, intelligent, and charismatic person who appreciated art, cuisine, and the finer things in life.

Jack very happily enjoyed good wine and elegant restaurants. He had a passion for cooking and creating chef-inspired cuisine. He had a deep love of art as well and was an avid collector. He loved women, dogs, and traveling the world. His adventurous spirit led him to explore different cultures and to experience beauty in destinations around the globe.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Arkless “Wayne” Jackson. He is survived by his niece, Jennifer Howe Distin, and great nephew, Jackson Elliott Howe.

HON. ROBERT LEON JORDAN Judge Robert Leon Jordan, age 89, died on February 27, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Dorothy R. Jordan, and his daughter Margaret Bryson. He is survived by sons Robert Jordan, Jr and Daniel Jordan and grandsons Luke Bryson and Sam Bryson.

Judge Jordan was born on June 28, 1934, in Woodland, Tennessee. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956. He earned both his undergraduate and his law degrees from the University of Tennessee.

Judge Jordan began his legal career in Nashville and then entered private practice in Johnson City. In 1980, Governor Lamar Alexander appointed him to the Chancery Court bench, and he was elected to a full term in 1982. In 1988, Congressman James Quillen encouraged Judge Jordan to offer himself for service on the federal bench. His personal relationship with Senator Jim Sasser helped him secure bipartisan support after President Ronald Reagan nominated him to succeed Judge Robert L. Taylor.

Judge Jordan was sworn into office on November 15, 1988, and began serving as a senior judge in November of 2001.

He served for several years as chairman of the planning committee of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, which honored him in June 2001 for his leadership. At the Judicial Conference in 2004, he was elected president of the Sixth Circuit District Judges Association. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Federal Bar Association of the Court’s Northeastern Division. In December 2014, he was presented the Judicial Excellence Award by the Knoxville Bar Association.

WARREN PARKER LUHN Warren Parker Luhn, of Knoxville, died on March 23, 2024, at the age of 78. He was born in Charleston, SC on May 11, 1945, and was raised there, graduating from St. Andrews High School. He attended college and law school at the University of South Carolina, earning his JD in 1972. He co-founded the Knoxville law firm Norton & Luhn, where he focused primarily on corporate law.

Having grown up in Charleston, he loved to share stories of a childhood spent on the beach and boating with his family. In Knoxville, he continued his love of the water, spending weekends on the lakes, teaching his children to water ski and how to camp on a boat. He also loved the mountains and spent as much time as possible hiking and later at his cabin in Townsend, his favorite place to be.

After suffering an accident in 2003, he was forced to retire from the practice of law, but he continued his love of traveling around the world, including hiking in New Zealand and Patagonia. A lover of dogs, he was always happy to have one at his side.

Warren is survived by his three children, Gaelan Parker (Amber), David (Melody), and Amanda, and their mother, Jane MacKay Luhn. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren who meant the world to him: Simon, Lindsay, Alexander, William, Piper, Reese, Celeste, and Asher. Other survivors include his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Debra, niece Jodie, and nephew Clifford (Micheline).

JACK HUMPHREYS “NICK” MCCALL, JR. Jack Humphreys “Nick” McCall, age 63, of Knoxville, died on April 13, 2024. Nick was born to Jack H. McCall, Sr. and Patricia Holmes McCall of Franklin, Tennessee, on January 10, 1961. A graduate of Battle Ground Academy, Nick earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America.

Nick graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University in 1983, where he studied political science. He spent five years in the United States Army, attaining the rank of captain, before entering law school. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1991 with honors and served as editor-inchief of the law review. It was there that he also met his beloved wife, Jennifer Ashley-McCall.

Following law school, Nick clerked for the Hon. Gilbert S. Merritt of the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. His legal career was varied, including practicing with the law firm of Hunton & Williams, serving as General Counsel and Secretary of CTI Molecular Imaging, Inc., and working with the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Office of General Counsel as a Senior Attorney and Deputy Designated Agency Ethics Official until his retirement in 2021.

Nick was active in the legal profession, serving on the Board of Governors for both the Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations, as a founding member of the board for Legal Aid of East Tennessee, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law. The author of three books, Nick was a frequent speaker and writer on topics concerning the practice of law, history, professionalism, leadership, the military, and foreign affairs.

Nick is survived by his wife, Jennifer Ashley-McCall; daughter Margaret McCall, and her husband, Sean; sister, Julia Holly McCall (Tom Bitto); sister-in-law, Elizabeth Loudermilk (Jeff); and a host of loving cousins.

RICHARD BENNETT MCCONNELL Richard “Dick” Bennett McConnell, died on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, at the age of 88. Born on May 24, 1935, in Lake Bluff, IL, Dick grew up in Milwaukee, where he attended Bay View High School and was a four-sport letterman (football, basketball, baseball, and track). Upon graduating, Dick joined the United States Army.

Following his discharge from the Army, Dick earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee) and later his law degree from Marquette University. Dick began his legal career at Procter & Gamble and then returned to Milwaukee, where he practiced as a trial attorney. In 1970, he was elected to the position of Waukesha County District Attorney, where he served two terms.

After returning to private practice, Dick and his family moved to Knoxville in 1980, where he began his East Tennessee career as an Assistant District Attorney. Dick also served as the first town judge for the Town of Farragut. In 1990, President George H. Bush appointed Dick to serve as an administrative law judge with the Social Security Department. During that time, Dick also joined the Army Reserves, attaining the rank of Major while providing legal counsel.

Upon retirement as an ALJ, Dick continued to represent clients, largely in the field of social security disability. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and enjoyed all sorts of outdoor sports, particularly with his friends at Village Green and Fox Den. He is survived by his brother Don McConnell, son Steve McConnell (Jayme), daughter Suzanne Purcell (Michael), son Joe McConnell (Lyn), daughter Martha Looney (Michael), and grandchildren Morgan, Erin, August, Lucy, Patrick, Miriam, and Claire.

HON. WHEELER ARMSTRONG ROSENBALM Judge Wheeler Armstrong Rosenbalm died on April 21, 2024, in Knoxville at the age of 86. His wife of nearly 64 years, Betty Katherine (Smith) Rosenbalm, died only 13 days later.

Judge Rosenbalm was born in Anderson County, Tennessee, on November 24, 1937, and he grew up tending to the family farm, mainly working in tobacco and dairy. He attended a three-room elementary school and graduated in 1956 from Clinton High School, where he served as the student council president his senior year. He double majored in accounting and economics at Lincoln Memorial University, where he graduated in 1960 and was the president of his class every year at LMU. Before studying law, Judge Rosenbalm served six months of active duty in the Army Reserves with the 489th Civil Affairs Company. He graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1964 with high academic honors. Shortly thereafter, he accepted a position at the College of Law where he taught for two years.

In September of 1966, he entered private practice at the law firm of Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, where he became a partner in 1967. He practiced with the firm for 24 years, leaving in 1990 when he was first elected as a Knox County Circuit Court Judge. He served on the bench from September of 1990 until December of 2013. In addition to his distinguished service on the bench, Judge Rosenbalm was a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, a fellow in the Tennessee Bar Foundation and American College of Trial Lawyers, and he served on the Tennessee Board of Bar Examiners for ten years.

Judge Rosenbalm was an active member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher for many years. He is survived by his daughter Karla Anne Rosenbalm Jones, her husband Mark Andrew Jones, and two grandchildren, Harrison Armston Jones and Reagan McKinkley Jones, as well as his brother Wendell Rosenbalm, and several nieces and nephews.

JOHN W. “BILL” ROUTH John W. “Bill” Routh, of Knoxville, died on April 4, 2024, at the age of 66. A lifelong resident of the Fountain City community of Knoxville, Bill was a member of Fountain City United Methodist Church. He was a strong supporter of the Emerald Youth Foundation from its inception and was a dedicated member of the church choir. He also frequently served as a Holston Conference lay delegate.

On August 6, 1983, Bill married Martha Carter Routh, and they were the proud parents of Carol Ann Routh (Miles Lifson) and Carter Routh (Lauren Gregory), all of whom survive him.

Bill graduated from Knoxville’s Central High School and was a College Scholar (History) at the University of Tennessee, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1979. He earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee in 1983. Practicing law for almost 41 years, Bill helped thousands of people in and around Knoxville. Outside of his practice, Bill served as President of the Fountain City Business and Professional Association, Co-Chair of the Memorials and Resolutions Committee for the KBA, held offices in the City Salesmen’s Club, and was a Sunday school teacher at Emerald Ave UMC. A devoted father, Bill gladly carved out time as cub scout master and soccer coach. He was an enthusiastic presence at every one of his children's performances and sporting events. He was preceded in death by his parents Casey and Mary Routh, his brother Greg Routh, his Aunt Patsy and Uncle Gene Routh, and his beloved grandmother Reba McClure Routh.

DAVID E. WAITE David E. Waite, age 72, died on November 2, 2023, at his home in Knoxville. He was born in Chester, PA to the late Clayland and Mary Edith Hopkins Waite. In 1981, David graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky College of Business and Economics. He graduated in 1984 from the University of Kentucky School of Law, where he received an award for writing the best brief in the moot court competition.

After practicing law in Kentucky, David and his family moved to Knoxville in 1990, where he developed a health care liability trial practice. In 2001, he joined the firm of Owings, Wilson & Coleman (at the time known as Roberston, Overbey, Wilson & Beeler). He was certified as a specialist in medical malpractice by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys.

David was proud to have been recognized by Legal Aid of East Tennessee on multiple occasions for his commitment to assuring equal access to justice for low-income persons. In 2017, he received a Lifetime Achievement award from America’s Top 100 Attorneys. David was a member of the Knoxville Bar Association’s Access to Justice and Lawyer Assistance Committees. He was a devout member of St. Anne’s Orthodox Church in Oak Ridge.

David is survived by his wife, Anna Hawkins Waite; two children, Frank (Caresse) Waite and Billie (Michael) Martin; eleven grandchildren, Grey Martin, Owen Martin, Pearl Waite, Ruby Waite, Jack Dalton Waite, Vera Waite, Lucy Waite, Olivia Waite, Evelynn Waite, Carter Acuff and Aria Acuff; one brother, Clayland Waite; daughter-in-law, Amanda Waite; former daughter-in-law, Rebecca Waite; special nephew, David Derenge and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one son, Jack Tyler Waite.

STEPHEN EDWARD YEAGER Stephen Edward Yeager died on April 29, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on December 4, 1945, in Lafayette, Indiana, Steve grew up in Warsaw, IN, and graduated from Warsaw Community High School.

He attended college at Indiana University where he met his wife, Julie Weaver Yeager, the love of his life for 55 years until they were separated by her death.

After graduating from college, Steve began working on his law degree at the University of Tennessee while Julie supported the family working as a speech pathologist. He completed his law degree at Indiana University, and then entered the Army JAG Corps, where he honed his litigation skills. After his JAG postings were complete, he moved to West Lafayette, IN to begin a career in civil litigation. Later, he moved to Knoxville, where he continued his litigation practice at the firm of Lowe, Shirley & Yeager (now Lowe, Yeager & Brown), until his retirement. During his many years of practice, Steve was known as a well-respected attorney who ethically and compassionately represented his clients.

Steve served on the Young Life Committee in Blount County for several years, and his faith was an important feature of his life, along with serving as a role model for his children and grandchildren. He was extremely proud of his family, including those who survive him: daughter Sara Yeager Stokes; sons Charles Douglas Yeager and Kevin Yeager; son-in-law Curt Stokes, daughters-in-law Kristin McClelland Yeager and Gabrielle Deathridge Yeager; and grandchildren Colin, Andrew, David, Tate, Kylie, and CJ.

FINAL BLESSINGS It is therefore fitting that today, as we mark the end of the career of our departed colleagues, we reflect on the many contributions made by them and rededicate ourselves to those ideals that impelled them to the noble profession of law in the first place. Let us leave here not with a sense of loss but with a sense of gratitude for the services to society which they rendered.