Family, friends, and members of the Chattanooga Bar Association gathered together on March 1 to honor the members of the bench and bar who recently passed away. The ceremony in the County Commission Room of the Hamilton County Courthouse was at times solemn, at times humorous, and always respectful of those who had committed their lives to the pursuit of the law.
While opening the annual Memorial Service, the Honorable Jeffrey M. Atherton, who presided over the proceeding, said, “It is fitting that we recognize those who have passed on, particularly at this time, when our profession, and the entire judicial system, is subject to an unprecedented attack.”
Judge Atherton then called upon President Elect Timothy L. Mickel to provide additional opening remarks. “To the friends and family members who are here, this ceremony is meant to not only honor the service and commitment of those great lawyers who have passed on to greater rewards, but also to honor your contributions and sacrifices. Anyone who’s lived with a lawyer can tell you it takes more than a village to raise one right. You have our heartfelt thanks and appreciation,” Mickel said.
Atherton then began calling those who would be presenting the resolutions for filing in the archives of the bar and enrolling in the Memorial Resolution Book of the Circuit and Chancery Courts of Chattanooga.
Bill F. Guest
Died Sept. 16, 2011
Resolution prepared and presented by Stan Lanzo
Quote: “To all of us who personally knew Bill, he was a true friend. He was always willing to help others. There were many times during our friendship when I would mention that I needed or would like to have something. When I came in the next day, it would be on my desk. If you were Bill’s friend, you could count on him to do whatever he could to help you. You could (also) always look to Bill for common sense advice. True friends like Bill are hard to find.”
Jane K. Ricci
Died March 11, 2012
Resolution prepared by Rosemarie Hill and presented by Dana Perry.
Quote: “[Jane] thoroughly enjoyed her work, and genuinely cared about her clients. In turn, her clients adored her, and in addition to praising her excellent legal services, they loved to simply talk with her. She was very smart but often kept her own counsel, and was quieter than many of the rest of us. This is a trait that sometimes caused other lawyers to underestimate her abilities – and mistake the wiser ones made only once.”
James G. Cate, Jr.
Died March 21, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by Alfred E. Smith
Quote: “Nobody didn’t love Jim Cate. He was a gentleman’s gentleman. He got ... [away] with hugging and kissing the secretaries at Miller & Martin long after it was politically [in]correct. The world is much the worse for losing him.”
Honorable John Y. Powers
Died March 28, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by Joshua A. Powers
Quote: “He led by example, and through his humility and love of his fellow person, taught all of us and those around him how to live a good life.”
Honorable S. Richard Holcomb
Died April 22, 2012
Resolution prepared and
presented by the Honorable
Clarence Shattuck
Quote: “He appeared, at times, tough and gruff, but that appearance, for the most part, was an attempt to get the attention of the defendant. And this approach was more than successful in an untold number of cases. Many said, ‘I’m not getting in trouble again and going before that judge.’ Others spoke of his advice – at times more practical than legal – his help with personal problems, and his caring support. It was said … Judge Holcomb … was a fountain of wisdom and a true friend.”
Ronald G. Ingram
Died May 6, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by William G. Trumpeter
Quote: “Any misconception about Ron soon melted once a person got to know him. [He] was a kind-hearted man who took deep interest in each person’s professional development and personal well-being. Once one became Ron’s friend, there would never be a reason to doubt that friendship.”
Joseph Church Wagner
Died Jan. 23, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by W. Bradley Weeks
Quote: “I don’t think I’ve ever known a more unpretentious human being. His life was filled with the riches of contentedness, serenity, and his profession. He died with his boots on, his hat tilted, on his way home from work, content in a life well lived.”
Paul Campbell, Jr.
Died Oct. 5, 2012
Resolution prepared by Paul Campbell III and presented by Mike Campbell
Quote: “[Campbell] was always a formidable advocate for whoever became his client, and grew up in a time when there was camaraderie at the bar, which often now seems sadly diminished. But his love of the law and of trying cases included a respect and fellow feeling for those involved in the system at all levels.”
Arthur D. Wulforst
Died Oct. 10, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by Stan Lanzo
Quote: “Art never complained about the hand he was dealt, but considered himself blessed due to all of his friends and his memories of practicing law. “
Cindy McAfee
Died Oct. 31, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by Ray Neal
Quote: “Cindy will be remembered as a person of tremendous warmth and insight into the human condition. Every child she dealt with professionally was precious to her, and received special the attention children in crisis deserve. [She] will forever be known as a lawyer who did all she could to protect children from harm and provide them with the best possible life.”
Honorable Thomas A. Greer, Jr.
Died Nov. 29, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by Stephen T. Greer
Quote: “He loved people, … especially lawyers and fellow judges, and loved trying cases, both as a lawyer and a judge. He always tried to be deferential to and considerate of lawyers trying cases before him, especially young lawyers, as he always remembered how difficult and demanding it was to be a lawyer in the trenches.”
Hal F.S. Clements
Died Dec. 29, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by William G. Trumpeter
Quote: “It is an honor to memorialize Hal F.S. Clements, my partner and dear friend. Hal was a man one would want as a friend, [and] a lawyer one would want on his side.”
Raymond R. Murphy, Jr.
Died Dec. 30, 2012
Resolution prepared and presented by Marcia J. Eason
Quote: “Ray led by example. He taught us many things about life and, coincidentally, our legal profession. As an advocate and counselor, he offered his wisdom and … vast experience. As a legal warrior, he taught us to respect the rule of law and our adversaries, but also to be quietly aggressive in advocacy. Ray delighted in bringing people together in friendship, in fellowship and faith, in family, and in our profession. Ray is still with us, an exceptional, decent, quiet, unpretentious giant.”