Issuu

Memorial Service

Jonathan D Cooper, KBA President

Justice Dwight E. Tarwater, Tennessee Supreme Court

Rev Charles W B Fels

HON. SHARON J. BELL

Remarks by Hon. Michael W. Moyers

ROBERT “ BOB” ROE CAMPBELL

Remarks by J. William Coley

HON. J OE D. DU NCA N

Remarks by Congressman John J. “Jimmy” Duncan

JAMES EDWARD FOGLESONG

Remarks by David H Dunaway

DENNI S BRUCE FRANCI S

Remarks by H Stephen Gillman

KENNETH MAXEY GRESHAM, JR.

Remarks by Stanley F. Roden

PATTI JANE LAY

Remarks by Hon. Christopher D. Heagerty

JUDY ANN PI NKSTON MCCARTHY

Remarks by Lawrence M. Silverstein

CAROL ANNE MUTTER

HON O DUANE SLONE

Remarks by Hon E Shayne Sexton

GAI L FRANKLI N WORTLEY

Remarks by Robert A Cole

HON. JAMES CURWOOD WI TT, JR.

Remarks by Hon. D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.

NI CHOLAS “ JAY” YEAGER

Remarks by Sarah M. Booher

Robert ("Bob") Campbell died on December 6, 2024, at the age of 94. He was born November 7, 1930, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Lacy Roe and Anita Campbell. Bob was a lifelong Knoxville resident as well as a lifelong active member of Second Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and as a devoted volunteer on numerous committees throughout the years Bob became an Eagle Scout, was a graduate of Knoxville High School, and he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Tennessee He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity where he developed deep and abiding friendships that continued until his death

Bob began his law practice in 1956 and practiced with the firm of Hodges, Doughty & Carson for over 60 years During his professional career, he served as president of the Knoxville Bar Association, chair of the Tennessee Appellate Court Nominating Commission, chair of the Tennessee Bar Foundation, and was a life member of the 6th Circuit Judicial Conference In 1989, he was honored as the first recipient of the Knoxville Bar Association’s Governor’s Award for distinguished service to the profession and to the community He was an emeritus fellow of The American College of Trial Lawyers and served as a member of the Board of Regents of the College (1993-1997) He was a life fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Tennessee Bar Foundation He was an emeritus advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates and an emeritus member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, the American Inns of Court, the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association and the Defense Research Institute, and was listed in The Best Lawyers in America. He was a member of the Tennessee Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission from 1997 to 2002. He was active in state politics, including serving as Senator Howard Baker’s statewide campaign chair.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth V. Campbell, to whom he was utterly devoted. He is survived by his children Robert Roe Campbell, Jr. (Susan) of Nashville, Cady Campbell Wilson (Mike) of Franklin, and Willard Brandt Campbell of Knoxville, along with nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren, all of whom he loved and adored He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends

James Edward Foglesong, 93, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on July 21, 2024 Born on January 13, 1931, his warmth and humor will be gravely missed He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Emanuel Foglesong and Margaret Wheeler Foglesong, and his sister, Margaret Lorena Foglesong Brosseau He is survived by his loving wife Sally Smith Foglesong, daughters Kimbrely Ellen Foglesong Weir and Tina Maria Foglesong Robinson, and grandchildren James Mahlon Weir and Sally Mackenzi Robinson. He also leaves behind nieces and a nephew in North Carolina and cherished relationships with his wife’s siblings.

Jim served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserve for 11 years, including two years of active duty in Korea. He returned to Knoxville and embarked on a legal career, first as counsel for Southern Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, then as a civil trial lawyer. He later founded several law firms, serving his clients for over 65 years.

James was also committed to community service, being a member and past president of the Bearden Lions Club and a member of the Elks Club and the Exchange Club of Bearden He was an active Boy Scout leader and a devout Christian, attending Sequoyah Presbyterian Church and later The Church at Bennington Place

Kenneth Maxey Gresham, Jr. passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at the age of 97. Kenneth was born on October 9, 1926, to Kenneth M Gresham, Sr and Margaret Holiday Gresham Kenneth was a graduate of Central High School He served as a Navy Air Crewman in WWII After his service, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity Kenneth practiced law with his father in the firm of Gresham and Gresham Attorneys In the mid-1950s he served as part-time Assistant Attorney General He followed in practice in partnership with Howard G Hogan until Howard became Clerk and Master of Chancery Court Kenneth continued his law practice as "of counsel" in the firm of Testerman, Warren, and Roden

He retired in 2007 after 57 years of practice Kenneth was co-owner and president of Warranty Title Insurance Co for 50 years He was a member of the Knoxville Bar Association and the Tennessee Bar Association

Kenneth was appointed by the federal court as chairman of the Federal Land Commission and heard and decided numerous federal condemnation actions. Kenneth was a long-time member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and elder.

He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth M. Gresham, Sr. and Margaret Holiday Gresham, his brother John Fuller Gresham, III, and his wife of 61 years, Mary Helen (Mel) Jones Gresham. Kenneth is survived by his daughters Rebecca Ann Sharpe McGaha (Greg) and Mary Lee Keeler (James); grandchildren David Keeler (Grace), Thomas Keeler (Caroline), and Ashlee Sharpe; six great-grandchildren; special friend Carolyn Ambrister and caregiver Patricia Gail Keller.

P A T T I J A N E L A Y

Patti Jane Lay, age 69, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at her home Patti Jane was born on March 1, 1955, in Knoxville to Frank Edwin Lay and Agnes Hufstedler Lay. She was raised in the Deane Hill neighborhood and graduated as salutatorian of the Webb High School Class of 1973. After high school, Patti Jane moved to Atlanta and graduated from Emory University with highest honors. During her time at Emory, she was very proud of her presidency and involvement with the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Delta Alpha chapter. Patti Jane moved back to Knoxville and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1979. During law school, some of Patti Jane’s achievements included the Mock Trial team, Law Review, and Order of the Coif. Patti Jane later served on the Alumni Council and Dean’s Circle for the University of Tennessee College of Law.

A long-time member of the Knoxville Bar Association, Patti Jane joined the law firm of Kennerly, Montgomery & Finley upon her bar admission She became a shareholder with the firm and practiced in the areas of products liability and civil defense In 1995, she established her own law firm, where she developed a family law, probate, and mediation practice

Patti Jane was a Vol-For-Life and never missed a chance to cheer on the Volunteers She was always involved in her children’s lives and became a second mom to many She loved to travel, play tennis and pickleball, and spend time at her family’s mountain house in the Norton Creek community of Gatlinburg She deeply cherished her community, friends, and family, but her greatest joy was recently becoming a grandmother to Ruthanne Her acts of kindness, infectious smile, and Sunday family dinners will be greatly missed Patti Jane was predeceased by her parents, Frank Edwin Lay and Agnes Lay, and nephew Robert Chandler Lay, all of Knoxville She is survived by her husband John Thomas Baugh; her children John Edwin Baugh, Sarah Lauren Baugh Coughlin (Dennis), and Thomas Chandler Baugh; granddaughter Ruthanne Louise Coughlin; brother Frank Edwin Lay, Jr and niece Martha Jane Lay, all of Knoxville. She is also survived by many more beloved cousins and friends, and her cherished red English Lab Dusti Rose Baugh.

Judy Ann Pinkston McCarthy died on June 8, 2024, at the age of 78. Judy earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Michigan State, a master’s in interior design, and a JD from the University of Tennessee. She had many careers church organist, professional textile artist, arts administrator, and attorney.

Inspired by Atticus Finch, she went to law school, where she was a law review editor, excelled in moot court, represented a death row inmate through the legal clinic, and graduated in the top of her class. Despite her impressive credentials, she was not immediately hired out of law school She finally received an interview when she changed the name on her resume to “JP McCarthy ” When she showed up, the receptionist said, “But you’re a woman ” Once she got her foot in the door, she became a brilliant attorney She practiced with big Knoxville firms, made partner, and then became a sole practitioner She was a co-founder of the Women’s Bar Association in Knoxville

She had a diverse practice representing large companies like Honda Motors, helping police officers through employment issues, and seeking justice for victims of discrimination Most importantly, she delighted in practicing law with both her husband and son She loved the intellectual challenge of solving legal problems and knowing at the end of the day that she had helped someone

She leaves behind her husband Dennis, son Corin, daughter Kerry, daughters-in-law Amy Pressley McCarthy and Kate Mann, grandchildren Evan and Pressley McCarthy, and her many nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Lucille Ann Pinkston and her brother Bradley.

Carol Anne Mutter, 78, died on November 3, 2024. Carol was many things to many people, but above all, she was a dedicated wife and mother, known for her fierce love for her family.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Mitchell L. Mutter, the love of her life, and her three sons, Matthew, Justin, and Andrew, the pride of her life. She also leaves behind her daughters-in-law Sarah, Kathryn, and Anna Lee, and her grandchildren Phoebe, Eliza Belle, Wisehart, Nora, John Mitchell, and June. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlotte and Walter Lavender.

Born on October 22, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, Carol spent most of her childhood in Tennessee's oldest town, Jonesborough She attended Jonesborough High School, where she met Mitchell and began a courtship that would blossom into 55 years of marriage From her mother she inherited intellectual curiosity and a passion for language and literature - a passion that she would in turn pass on to all of her sons After beginning her PhD in Art History at Columbia University, she transitioned to Georgetown University Law Center, where she earned her JD Part of a new generation of women going to law school, she faced familiar challenges and overcame them with characteristic tenacity and poise As a law professor once said in recommending her for a coveted clerkship on the Court of Appeals for the D C Circuit, "Don't be fooled by the sweater set and southern drawl-she has a mind like a steel trap " She appreciated the steel trap part, never gave up the sweater sets (or the drawl), and got the clerkship

Carol went on to have an exemplary and wide-ranging career in the law, ranging from private practice to an academic position as a professor at the University of Tennessee Law School, where for 30 years she was known for her expertise in civil procedure, torts, insurance, and health law. Later in life Carol was active in local government, and served as mayor of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee for six years. C A R O L A N N E M U T T E R

H O N O D U A N E S L O N E

Gail Franklin Wortley, age 77, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024 He was a dedicated and involved member of Trinity Community Church, a long-time member of the Knoxville Bar Association, and a practicing attorney in Knoxville for 51 years He received his undergraduate degree from Tennessee Tech in 1969 He earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1972

Hon. O Duane Slone died on August 25, 2024, in a tragic accident. Judge Slone, a native of Jefferson City, Tennessee, was a Circuit Court Judge in the Fourth Judicial District of Tennessee. He was a graduate of Jefferson County High School, Carson Newman University, and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey School of Law.

Judge Slone was instrumental in establishing the Boys & Girls Club of Dumplin Valley in Jefferson City, White Pine, Strawberry Plains and Newport In 2020, he was inducted into the Tennessee Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame Over the past several years, Judge Slone established the Drug Recovery Court for his district He presided over the Drug Recovery Court several times per month providing guidance for many individuals appearing in his district Judge Slone served as chair of the Tennessee Judicial Opioid Initiative and the 8 State Appalachian/Midwest Regional Judicial Opioid Initiative He was a member of the Substance Misuse and Addiction Resources for Tennessee Justice Network, the Tennessee Judicial Conference Problem Solving Court Committee, and numerous other local, state, and national organizations In 2015, he was presented the Partners and Leadership Award, the only statewide award presented by the organization to someone outside the medical field Judge Slone received additional honors including the Tennessee Public Health Association’s Visionary Award, the Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drug and other Addiction Services Voice of Recovery Award, and Jefferson Countian of the Year

Gail was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve in 1980 at the rank of Captain He was admitted to practice in all courts in the state of Tennessee, the Federal District Court, the United States Bankruptcy Court, and the United States Tax Court He was well known in the local community for his work specifically in the areas of family law and bankruptcy, having participated in thousands of bankruptcy and divorce cases in his lengthy career

When he was not practicing law, Gail loved spending time with his family, boating, enjoying baseball, and participating in the activities of his church

He was preceded in death by his father Randall Wortley, his mother Joyce Wortley, his sister Joycelyn Wortley Heidel, his grandfather T. Weidemann, and his grandmother Jenny Weidemann. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Lawing and husband Stephen, sons Ryan Wortley and Grant Wortley, and grandchildren Jackson Lawing, Jacob Lawing, Christian Lawing, Avary Wortley, Journee Wortley, and Mariah Hobby.

In addition, Judge Slone was the recipient of the highest judicial award, the William H Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, presented by Chief Justice John Roberts of the United States Supreme Court.

Judge Slone was preceded in death by his father, Wesokie Slone. He is survived by wife Darrison “Dara” Palmer Slone; sons Oakland and Joseph and daughter Estella; mother Carolyn Slone; siblings Gary D. (Linda) Slone, Daryl R. Slone, and Lisa Cameron; niece Laura (Timothy) Mize; nephews Tyler (Ashley) Slone, Jordan (Kayla) Sykes, and Blake (Chelsea) Sykes; and several great nieces and nephews.

Hon James Curwood Witt, Jr , age 75, long-time resident of Madisonville, Tennessee, more recently, Knoxville, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at UTMC in Knoxville surrounded by his wife and children

Judge Witt, also known by “Curwood,” was born in Madisonville to parents Hon James Curwood Witt, Sr and Gloria Witt, on October 23, 1948 He attended Madisonville High School and graduated in 1966 He then went on to earn degrees with honors from Hiwassee College and Tennessee Wesleyan, before earning a degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Judge Witt practiced as an attorney in Madisonville before being appointed as a judge for the Monroe County Juvenile Court. During his practice he also served as counsel to the Monroe County Board of Education and was the president of the Monroe County Bar Association.

In 1997, he was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, where he served with distinction for 27 years, until his passing.

Judge Witt was a jack of all trades, and loved fishing, golfing, reading, woodworking, piano, and was an avid British sports car enthusiast He was an adjunct law professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law and delighted in taking his beloved dog Otto for walks around the courthouse in downtown Knoxville Judge Witt was a long-term member of FUMC in Madisonville and a faithful attendant of Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church in Knoxville

Judge Witt is survived by his wife Carole Cavender Witt; daughter Mary Butler (Eric) of Knoxville; sons James Curwood Witt III and John Bascomb Witt, both of Knoxville; daughter Andria Parker (Brian) of Johns Creek, GA; siblings Kathy Hall of Madisonville and Cindy Wilhite of Knoxville; grandchildren Ansley Parker, Luke Parker, Landry Parker, and Valor Parker of Johns Creek, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents Hon James Witt, Sr and Gloria Witt

Nicholas “Jay” Yeager of Clinton, TN, age 65, died on July 26, 2024 He was the son of Donald Kent Yeager and the late Margaret Ann Linville Yeager

Jay was a graduate of Cooper City High School in Cooper City, Florida Following graduation, he attended East Tennessee State University and later received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University Jay worked in law enforcement for many years as a police officer, sergeant, and member of the Gwinnett County Bomb Squad and SWAT teams in Georgia

Jay later stepped away from front-line duty to pursue his dreams by attending the University of Georgia School of Law where he earned his law degree in 2001 He served as Assistant County Attorney of Anderson County from 2001 to 2006 and became Anderson County Law Director in 2006, a position he held until his death. Jay was also serving as an officer with the Tennessee County Attorney Association at the time of his death. Among his many honors, he was presented the Tennessee County Attorney of the Year Award in 2024.

Jay will be greatly missed by his family and many close friends. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Linda Marie Yeager, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory and legacy, his father Donald Kent Yeager of Knoxville; children Maggie Yeager (Tommy Wood) of Huntsville, AL and D J Yeager (Julia Wiant) of Clinton; grandchildren Oliver Yeager, Levi, and Ruby Wood; sister Kelly Yeager Turner (Mark) of Knoxville; brother-in-law Dale Geisler (Patty) of Fort Lauderdale; niece Sasha Wright (Nick); nephew Shelby Geisler; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends

F I N A L B L E S S I N G S

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.