W. Frank Brown, III, Chancellor, Part 1, 11th Judicial District, State of Tennessee (Hamilton County), retired. Simply stated, that sentence is a woefully inadequate description of the true servant that Frank Brown is and has been.
His service as Chancellor for the past 16 years is commonly known. That he was a great judge is also well known for those of us who came before him. What may not be so well known is why he was such a great Chancellor for 16 years. When I tried cases before him, I knew I had to be prepared. He was always prepared and always knew the case as well (or better) than the attorneys before him. I could always expect a pleasant reception, a polite and patient demeanor, and I always received a thoughtful and legally sound ruling, even when suffering defeat. Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Chancellor Brown was always in his office or on the bench. In addition, many are the times I would arrive at work on Monday morning to find a fax sent from Chancellor Brown on Saturday or Sunday afternoons.
But I didn’t know why he was so prepared, polite, patient, and thoughtful. I didn’t know why he was so diligent, constant, and dedicated.
Having spent four years in the office and courtroom next to his, I think I now have some insight into the why. Believe it or not, there really exist a few truly good people in this world. There really exist a few people that truly believe they have the obligation and honor to help others. Frank is one of them. From the day I took office four years ago, Frank has been my mentor and my friend. He would take time with me, daily, to discuss legal issues and solutions. He’s shared his wealth of life and legal knowledge, wisdom, and experience, and has done so without asking or expecting anything in return.
Only in spending so much time with him have I witnessed the sacrifices he’s made serving the people of this County. As judge, husband, father, grandfather, and servant at Silverdale Baptist Church, he humbly and quietly gives and gives and gives of himself. He has inspired me and he has motivated me. He has truly blessed me, and in Frank I know, unequivocally, that I have a brother in Christ.
As surprising as it may seem to those skeptical of the concept of a man of good character taking the role of a “true” public servant, they do exist. I can testify that in W. Frank Brown, III, we have had the best of the best. And perhaps that is what you didn’t know about Chancellor W. Frank Brown, III. Fare well, my friend, as your journey continues.