Memorial Booklet
Annual Memorial Service Friday, October 28, 2022 Calvary Episcopal Church
Lenal Anderson, Jr.
On October 9, 2021, Attorney Lenal Anderson, Jr., loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away. Lenal was born December 13th, 1946 in Memphis, Tennessee, the eldest child of Lenal Anderson, Sr. and Vera Todd Anderson. Lenal came from humble beginnings. He spent many summers in nature, and often reminisced of his time spent at Camp Pioneer, a religious camp in Pearl, Mississippi. He was a product of Memphis City Schools, where he attended Manassas for all grades. He went on to graduate from Tougaloo College, in Tougaloo, Mississippi, with a Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics in 1968. At Tougaloo, he served as student government president and was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He remained active within the Tougaloo alumni community, serving as a member of the Memphis Area Tougaloo Alumni Association for decades.
In 1970, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. During his first year at Harvard, Lenal wrote and received a grant from The Ford Foundation to work with a core group of Tougaloo graduates in registering African Americans to vote in the Mississippi Delta. This involved strategy meetings with civil rights advocate, Fannie Lou Hamer. He often reflected on the dangers and challenges he and his colleagues encountered during this project. In 1975, he received his Juris Doctorate from Columbia Law School in New York City.
Lenal returned to Memphis in 1979 as chairman of the business administration division and professor of business law at Lemoyne Owen College. Teaching was a true joy for Lenal. He took pride in his student's achievements and was never too busy to mentor or give advice. Many of his students became lifelong clients. After some time, he began his private practice in Memphis, where he practiced for over 40 years. One of his career highlights was practicing law alongside his daughter, Nena, for the past 8 years. His son, Anwar, remained an integral part of the law office for over 15 years. Lenal truly enjoyed working so closely with his family.
Lenal loved music. He served as legal counsel and was a founding member of Sound Town Records, where hits such as J. Blackfoot's "Taxi" were produced. He was an avid reader, a Civil War historian, student of the bible, and a "walking almanac". He was a member of the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association. Lenal was also a longtime member of The First Unitarian Church of the River, where he had previously served as a board member.
He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Faye Shaw Anderson; children, Anwar Lenal Anderson and Nena Anderson-Roe (Tony); and grandchildren, Amir, Addison, Odessa, and August. He is remembered by siblings, who lovingly referred to him as “Junior”, Michael Anderson, Ronald Anderson, Dr. Gregory Anderson, Sr. (Lynda), Kevin Anderson, Sr., Keith Anderson, Sr., Derek Anderson, Gloria Anderson, Vanessa Redus, Darlene Jenifer, and Dr. Lanetta Anderson. Preceding him in transition are his father, Lenal Anderson, Sr., his mother, Vera Todd Anderson, his siblings, Gerald Anderson, Pesik Anderson, Erwin Anderson, Dr. Cary Anderson, Darrell Anderson, Sr., and Verita Stokes.
Hon. James C. Beasley
Judge James C. Beasley passed away on June 25, 2022. He was 95 years old. Born November 17, 1926, in Birmingham, Alabama, James was the eldest son of Ernest Calvin Beasley and Lillie McClure Beasley.
James began his first job as a delivery boy and store clerk at Perkins Pharmacy the day after he graduated the eighth grade. James worked nights and weekends through high school and graduated from Phillips High School just prior to entering the Navy in 1944. While in the Navy, James was assigned to the attack transport USS Hanover and served as a Petty Officer Third Class storekeeper. James returned home after the war and attended college at the University of Alabama/Birmingham. While attending college James worked at the American News Magazine Company where he met "…the prettiest thing I'd ever seen", Martha Mahaffey. James and Martha were married in 1947 and were married for 69 years until her death in 2016.
James's move to Memphis began when on the advice of a buddy who had picked him up hitchhiking; James applied for a job at International Harvester and subsequently started there in inventory control. A few years later in 1950, James and Martha accepted an opportunity with Harvester to move to Memphis, Tennessee where James served as division inventory controller in Harvester's new parts depot. While at Harvester, James
decided to take a couple of courses in contracts at Southern Law University believing it would help him in his position. Four year later, in 1954, James graduated magna cum laude from Southern Law University as Salutatorian and began a long legal career that would take him from a claims adjuster at State Farm, to the District Attorney's Office as an Assistant District Attorney, to the County Attorney for Shelby County, TN., to the Criminal Court Judge in Division 6, 15th Judicial Circuit of Tennessee, and ending his career as a designated trial and appellate judge for almost 30 years authoring over 175 opinions for the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.
Judge James C Beasley loved the law. But of all of his legal practice, James most fondly remembered the time he spent as a trial lawyer in the Attorney General's office. He had a passion for trying a lawsuit before a jury. In 1968, he was selected by then Attorney General Philip "Phil" Canale Jr. to work with him and his Executive Assistant Robert K. "Bussy" Dwyer to represent the state of Tennessee in one of the most notable prosecutions in the 20th century, The State of Tennessee vs James Earl Ray for the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
James's devotion to the law was paralleled by his devotion to his faith. James was a charter member of Colonial Baptist Church and served as a trustee and as the men's Sunday school class teacher for many years. He was ordained a Deacon in 1955 at Colonial and served in that capacity at three Southern Baptist churches over a span of almost 60 years. He considered it an honor and a blessing to serve as a member of the deacon body. In his later years James was most honored when Germantown Baptist Church bestowed him with the title of Deacon Emeritus. He devoted his life to studying scripture and teaching God's word. Even in his 90's, James taught regular bible studies to the residents at the Heritage at Irene Wood where he lived until 2021.
Judge Beasley was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Mahaffey Beasley, his son, Judge James C. Beasley, Jr., and his sister Edna Faye Moore. He is survived by his son, Mike Beasley (Lajuanna) of Horn Lake, MS., his daughter Nancy Reynolds (Darwin) of Scottsdale, AZ., and his grandchildren, Ernest James Beasley of Memphis, TN., Elizabeth Beasley McCracken (Patrick) of Brentwood, TN., Alex M. Beasley (Kayleigh Buvens) of New Orleans, LA., Sarah McNicoll (Matt) of Charlottesville, VA., Brittney Madden (Michael) of Phoenix, AZ., and Megan Reynolds of Pinetop, AZ.
John David Blaylock
John David Blaylock died April 26, 2022, at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, TN. David was born in Oxford, Mississippi on September 23, 1940, to John Nolon and Adene Lauderdale Blaylock. He grew up in Oxford working at his father’s business, Blaylock’s Drug Store, on the square. He graduated from University High School in 1958, earned a degree in history from Vanderbilt University and in 1964 received his law degree from the University of Mississippi Law School.
Near the end of law school, David married Betty Frances Wilson and together they moved to Memphis, where he began a 52 year career as an attorney, starting at the firm of Robert Udelsohn, which later became Udelsohn, Blaylock and Marlow. In October of 1994, he joined Glankler Brown PLLC. He worked in the field of bankruptcy and was named the Best Lawyers’ Memphis Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights Lawyer of the Year in 2010. He was elected a Fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy with a ceremony at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC in 2011.
David was an active member of the First Unitarian Church of the River and volunteered with Mid South Literacy, Adopt-a-School at Shady Grove Elementary and MIFA Meals on Wheels. He was an avid reader –always searching for his next book. He enjoyed theology, history, the classics, and especially fiction. He loved being outside roaming the hills around Oxford as a child and continued to enjoy parks and the woods as he pursued his birdwatching interests. He was active in, and a past president of, the Memphis Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. He also loved music and served on the Board of Concerts International.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister in law (Darrell and Mary Bess Blaylock) and brother in law (Charles Mills). David is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Wilson Blaylock; his daughters Laura Johnson (Jay) of Senatobia and Alice Macey (Andrew) of Dallas; 6 grandchildren (Anna Greer, Eli, Mary
Wanda Donati
Wanda Donati, age 80, died on August 22, 2022. To know Wanda was to be influenced by Wanda. In the days since her death, just like before her death, we've heard countless stories of the positive impact she had on others. Whether you were a family member, close friend, colleague, or simply someone who met her only in passing (maybe a lucky retail worker getting paid on commission), you likely have a lasting memory of Wanda. Whether her example influenced your path in life, or she just made you smile, or she harassed you about the fact that you haven't watched "Lost" yet, Wanda was hard to forget and impossible to ignore. Her personality was larger than life. She did not engage in small talk, which meant that if Wanda spoke to you, she had something of substance to say to you. Her smile and her laugh were infectious. She suffered no fools and had no patience for whining. If she loved you, you damn well knew it. And if she didn't, well, then you probably knew that too.
Wanda's life is nearly impossible to sum up, largely because she was truly passionate about so much. Her earliest passion was her own drive for independence. Wanda was stricken with polio at age 7. While the illness would leave her with permanent physical limitations, it would not define her. Her parents, Ben and Claudia, would make absolutely sure of that. She was instilled with a grit and tenacity that she would carry forward into everything that she did in life. Her disability was not an excuse, but a motivator to try harder and to do whatever she wanted to do, even if she was doing it on crutches. This attitude carried forward to advice she would give to others later in her life. Always quick with a saying, Wanda would say, "Times will be bad, but the bad times will pass." Or, "You do what you've got to do, and you don't complain." Or as we all heard her say, more simply, from time to time, "Suck it up, Buttercup!"
Wanda's professional career was largely dedicated to helping others through hard times. Her early career was as a social worker. However, frustrated by a system where she felt her clients were being taken advantage of, without having any real power to do something about it, Wanda decided to pursue a career where she felt she could affect real change. She decided as a single mom in her early 30s to attend law school. This would be a fortuitous decision for so many reasons.
Working for Memphis Area Legal Services, she met the man who would become the love of her life and eventually her law partner, Don Donati. Together, Don and Wanda built a law firm dedicated to seeking justice for those who were victims of discrimination. Early on, Don and Wanda fought together to desegregate Memphis area nursing homes. They had a marriage and a partnership built on mutual respect. She obviously not only loved Don, but admired him professionally as well, confiding, "You know, he really is a most brilliant attorney."
Eventually, Don and Wanda would build a social security disability practice aimed at helping the least fortunate among us. It was obviously a core belief of Wanda's that those stricken with illness or disability deserved to have the means to live life with dignity, and that's just what she sought to help them do. Without a doubt, thousands of people would gladly tell you that they owe their lives to "Miss Wanda." Indeed, her impact was so great (and this story is 100% true) that a client once arrived at the office because her mother, who had passed some years before, showed up in a dream and said, "Baby, you gotta go see Miss Wanda."
Wanda was also a lover of art. She was a musician early in life and loved ones recall her teaching them to play "Down in the Valley" on the guitar. After stepping back from her law practice, Wanda redefined herself yet again. She picked up a paintbrush and became a member of the exclusive "Painting Ladies" club, where she was able to engage in unfiltered conversation with her friends while creating beautiful paintings. She painted intricate abstracts and beautiful landscapes, but it was in her paintings of sheep and buffalo that you could feel Wanda's truest connection, to nature and animals. That connection was fueled by a love of the American Southwest. According to Wanda, there was no place like New Mexico. She traveled there as often as she could, but mostly she wanted to be sure that her children experienced the connection that she felt to those places that were spiritual for her, like Santa Fe, Taos, and Chimayo.
Addison Johnson and Matthew, Will, Julia Macey); a sister, Dianne Mills, and many nieces and nephews.Wanda's greatest passion in her life was for those who didn't call her Wanda. They called her Yia Yia. Her grandchildren meant everything to her, and all the grandchildren loved Yia Yia. Hitching a ride on the back of Yia Yia's scooter always drew a smile. From throwing the biggest holiday parties, to giving the most presents, to fabulous vacation trips, everything Yia Yia did for her grandchildren was the definition of "over the top." Walt Disney World is going to miss her.
Always thirsting for knowledge herself, Yia Yia found a way to make learning fun for the kids. She had an urgency in passing on her knowledge and wisdom. An avid lover of natural history and geology, she would buy artifacts, like dinosaur poop, to spark the kids' interest. She gave them geodes so they could crack them open and find the crystals inside. She reveled in telling them how many thousands of years old that piece of history was that they held in their tiny hands.
Her fascination with the age of the earth and its artifacts brought her peace. Wanda wanted those she loved to have that peace, to be able to be in awe, to be still.
Wanda is survived by a slew of people who absolutely adored her: her loving husband, Donald Donati; her three children, Billy Ryan, Robert Donati, and Ellen Flechas; her children in law, Alison Ryan, Ashley Donati, and Brandon Flechas; her eight grandchildren, Madeleine Ryan, Jack Ryan, Eva Ryan, Franklin Donati, Teddy Donati, Ben Donati, Luca Flechas, and Claudia Flechas; her sister, Jackie (Eddie) Stanford; her niece and nephew, Kristen Rogers and Christopher Dollahite; her brother in law, Bill Donati; her sister in law, Marian (Armando) Castroverde and their children; and her caretaker and friend of 16 years, Daisy Turcios. She is also survived by a protective German Shepherd named Chloe, and by three noisy parakeets whose bedside chirps provided her a joyful soundtrack in her final days. She is preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin Prentiss Stovall and Claudia Stovall McCall.
While we all rejoice that this woman who fought so fiercely for her own independence in the face of nearly insurmountable odds is no longer caged by a body that was ravaged by illness and time, our world is in some ways much more drab and empty now that her bright spirit has flown away.
But one thing is for sure. Wanda left this world better than she found it. She left her mark through the paint she put on canvas, the love she put in our hearts, the voice she gave to thousands of clients, and the joy she brought to those who knew her. We will always miss our Wanda.
Donna Kay Fisher
Donna Kay Fisher was born on April 19, 1949 and passed away on August 14, 2022. Fisher graduated from law school in 1974 and went to work for the east Memphis labor and employment firm of McKnight & Hudson. Ms. Fisher was an Honorary Director for Life of the Memphis Zoological Society and served as a counsel in the law firm of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, where she represented management in labor and employment matters. Donna was the daughter of Kay and Gene Fisher. She was loved by all who knew her.
James Arthur Ganong, Jr.
James Arthur Ganong, Jr., age 93, died April 3rd, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. “Jimmy” Ganong was born December 25th, 1928, in Memphis, Tennessee to James A. Ganong, Sr. and Cecil W. Ganong.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his wife Mildred L. “Millie” Ganong and a grandson, Ches Linebarier. He is survived by his loving children Steve Ganong (Celeste), Cheri Ganong Robinson (Johnny), Denise Linebarier (Chip), Don Ganong (Jo), 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with another one on the way.
Jim worked his way through Memphis State and, later, law school by working the railroad at night. He started his own law practice whilst taking evening shifts at Central Station, but soon thereafter became a successful lawyer with a thriving practice. Furthermore, it wasn’t unusual to see him with the honor of filling in as a judge periodically. Jimmy was an accomplished Golden Glove Boxer and then fought in the lightweight division with many wins during his storied career. For years he even served as a ring judge.
Jim loved his children and grandchildren dearly. He had a sharp mind and an uncanny memory of every single family member’s birthdate, including their current ages, and up until the last few years when his eyesight was failing, he made it a point to never miss a birthday call. Also known as “Grandaddy,” Jim always loved gathering with family for celebrations and holidays.
Jim had the gift to gab and you rarely got a word in during a two way conversation. He was an avid Bop dancer and took great pride in showing off his trophies. He was often seen dancing at Town Village of Audubon and just two weeks ago took his last “dance” with his favorite dance partners; while he was in his wheelchair, he still had the rhythm as he spun his partners around and shook his limbs to the music. Jim was a long time member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, a tradition that his father, grandfather and mother (Eastern Star) were a part of as well. He was also a proud member of Shriners International, where he served for over 30 years. Additionally, Jim was particularly proud of being one of the founders of the Parkway Village Youth Football League.
Jim enjoyed going to his cabin at Tunica Cutoff in Tunica, Miss. and spending time with his mother and children out on the pontoon boat trolling for crappie, or out on the speedboat teaching his children how to water ski. He enjoyed his latter years at Town Village of Audubon with all of his friends and his special friend, Rita Hayes. Jim especially enjoyed the entertainment every Friday afternoon, dancing to some of his favorite songs. You could say Jimmy Ganong enjoyed his life to the fullest, even to the very end, and it was in long conversations, telling stories, and dancing that his social life kept his spirit young and vibrant.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Jim’s caregivers Charlie Bright, and Jo Ganong, his daughter in law.
Hon. Alan E. Glenn
Alan Ewing Glenn, 79, recently retired Judge of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Division, died unexpectedly November 4, 2021, following a heart related illness. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Minna, and their son, Andrew, both of Memphis. He is additionally survived by a sister, Nancy Gollobin, of Cincinnati, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Ward Glenn, of Nashville.
Judge Glenn was born in Nashville, Tennessee on October 3, 1942, and graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy, Vanderbilt University, and Vanderbilt Law School. Following his 1971 law school graduation, he moved to Memphis to begin working as an assistant district attorney. After eleven years with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, he joined the Memphis law firm of Evans Petree. From 1986 until 1999, he taught trial advocacy at Harvard Law School, spending three weeks each year in Cambridge.
In 1999, he was appointed by Governor Don Sundquist to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Western Division, where he served faithfully until his July 1, 2021, retirement. In addition to his regular duties as a Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, he served as chair of the Judicial Ethics Committee from 2005 until 2019, drafting over a dozen ethics opinions and answering almost daily telephone calls and emails from judges across the State who sought his guidance on ethics issues.
Judge Glenn had a wry sense of humor and an unassuming, highly approachable manner. When telephone calls came into his chambers, he frequently picked up the line before his law clerks or administrative assistant could answer, always responding with a friendly “This is Alan.” He was equally friendly in person, always ready to answer questions and provide support to new Judges on the Court of Criminal Appeals, his own law clerks, and the law clerks of his fellow judges. He especially enjoyed performing marriage ceremonies, officiating at the weddings of a number of young couples over his years as a judge. Many of those couples remained in regular contact with him until his death.
Among his hobbies were reading mystery novels and cooking. He was an avid cook who regularly shared recipes and dishes with others, including at monthly meetings of his book club. He was also a lifelong dog lover and supporter of animal rescue, sharing his home with several rescue dogs over the years. When their last dog died several years ago, he and his wife purposefully searched for a dog or dogs that would have a harder time finding a home. They eventually adopted a bonded mother daughter pair of former street dogs, Emma and Hope.
Judge Glenn served on the Board of Directors of the National Ornamental Metal Museum for over thirty years, including a term as president, served as president of the Memphis Arts in the Parks Festival, and served as vice president of Theatre Memphis. He joined Idlewild Presbyterian Church in 1999. He engaged in several Sunday school courses over the years, including the Timothy and Faith & Function Classes, and was also a faithful member of the Hospitality team for thirteen years beginning in 2009. He was ordained as a deacon in 2010 and served as a deacon in the class of 2012 and the class of 2018.
Sean A. Hunt
Sean A. Hunt died unexpectedly on November 9, 2021. Sean was the Principal of the Hunt Law Firm. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he was a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law and Tennessee State University. He was admitted to practice law in Tennessee in 1993, in Georgia in 1994 and in Mississippi in 2005. He practiced in the areas of commercial litigation including Construction related Litigation, Workers' Compensation, Premises Liability, Negligence, Products Liability and Insurance Defense.
He was also a member of the Memphis Bar Association, National Bar Association, Ben F. Jones chapter, the Tennessee Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the Mississippi Bar. For the Tennessee Bar Association, he was the editor for the newsletter and the Construction Law Section.
Before founding the firm, Sean was a partner with the law firm Spicer, Flynn & Rudstrom where he practiced law since 1996. Before that, Sean was an associate at Leitner, Williams, Dooley, Carpenter & Napolitan in Chattanooga and Nashville. He practiced all over the state of Tennessee starting his practice in Chattanooga and the surrounding counties. Then, he moved to Nashville, and practiced in all of the surrounding counties there. In 2001, he moved back to his hometown of Memphis Tennessee. As a result, he appeared before judges in nearly every county in the state of Tennessee.
He was extremely active in the community and was a devout public servant. He was the recipient of the 2007 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award given by Memphis Area Legal Services and the Memphis Bar Association. He was also a member of the board for Memphis Area Legal Services. He taught workers' compensation and construction courses to both lawyers and laypersons. And he was certified by the National Homebuilders Association to teach their construction law course. He was an active member of many different associations including the following: Chattanooga Bar Association, SL Hutchins Bar Association, Nashville Bar Association, Napier Looby Bar Association, Harry Phillips American Inns of Court, American Society of Civil Engineers and more. He was also the recipient of the 2021 Judge Jerome Turner Lawyer's Lawyer award given by the Memphis Bar Association. His family accepted the award on his behalf.
He was admitted to practice before all Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi trial and appellate courts, the United States District Courts for the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of Tennessee, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Scott Kirkpatrick
Mr. Scott Lucillious Kirkpatrick III, 76, of Memphis, TN passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Memphis, TN to J.W. Kirkpatrick and Julia Twist on May 15, 1946.
Mr. Kirkpatrick was a graduate of Germantown High School in 1965 where he was voted "Mr. Germantown" his senior year. He was selected as "All County" in football, basketball, and track. In addition, he was state champion in the long jump and the leading scorer in basketball for Shelby County upon graduation. While athletically gifted, Scott also excelled in his academia and received several scholarship offers from Ivy League, SEC, and ACC universities.
Mr. Kirkpatrick chose to follow his parents' wishes and attended Vanderbilt University upon receiving a full Division 1 basketball scholarship. He also lettered in track with a long-jump of 23' 10.5" as a freshman at the
SEC championship meet. After graduating in 1968, Scott went on to pursue a law degree at Vanderbilt and ultimately received his Juris Doctor degree in 1971.
Mr. Kirkpatrick returned home to Memphis and joined his father's law practice of Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick, and Lucas. Upon his father's death in 1981, Scott took over the firm enjoying a long, successful career over the years until retiring in May 2022. Over the years, he enjoyed playing basketball at the YMCA downtown and working out.
Mr. Kirkpatrick is survived by his devout, loving, and prayer warrior wife of 46 years, Narda Mason Kirkpatrick. He is survived by his four children: Scott (Katie), Frank (Courtney), Holly (Mark), and Edwin. He is survived by his older brother Jay (Peggy recently deceased) and younger brother Tommy (Sheila). He is survived by seven grandchildren: Ava, Kaylee, Nate, Josh, Katelyn, Lauren, and Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Julia Kirkpatrick, and two brothers, Frank and Steve.
Jack Magids
Jack Steven Magids, prominent retired attorney, passed away on April 5, 2022, at the age of 74. Jack was very devoted to his family, his clients, and his community.
A native of Houston, Texas, Jack moved to Memphis in 1972, where he built a law practice focused on corporate reorganizations, real estate finance, and complex business transactions, serving clients across the country. He was a graduate of The University of Texas and The University of Texas School of Law. He was admitted to the Supreme Court of The United States and the Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee. Reputed as a consummate problem solver with the utmost integrity, Jack was recognized by his peers as one of Memphis' top corporate lawyers and honored several times as a Super Lawyer and by Best Lawyers in America. Jack was a frequent mentor to other lawyers, who called upon him for advice, and he was truly a "lawyer's lawyer."
Jack is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Jan Krivcher Magids; his daughter, Ashley Magids Gaines (Jeremy) of Potomac, MD; his son, Scott Alan Magids (Alexis) of Frisco, TX; four grandchildren; sisters in laws Reba Magids and Judy Magids of Houston, TX, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Fannie Magids, and brothers, Samuel Magids and Barnett Magids.
Colby Shannon Morgan, Jr.
Colby Shannon Morgan, Jr., passed away on May 24, 2022, at the age of 73, in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. He was a loving husband, father, friend and colleague, embraced by loved ones as he took his final breath.
Born on March 29, 1949, in Marshalltown, Iowa, Colby was raised in the Midwest and Northeast. He lived most of his formative years in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, becoming a young community leader and a standout at the town's high school. Colby graduated from Dartmouth College in 1971, after which he received a juris doctorate from Vanderbilt Law School in 1974.
It was at Vanderbilt where Colby met the love of his life, Leslie. They wed in her hometown, Memphis, Tennessee, in 1975, where they would eventually settle down and spend nearly all of their 47 years together.
Colby's legal career included cherished years of service with the Jackson Lewis national labor & employment law firm, the FedEx and Holiday Corporation legal departments, and private practices in New York and Memphis, including Apperson Crump, PLC, Memphis' oldest law firm. During his 22 years at FedEx, Colby received several awards for his litigation successes, including the Five Star award FedEx's highest honor as well as multiple Bravo Zulu and "Star Rating" awards for outstanding performance.
Admitted to the practice of law in both New York and Tennessee, Colby would also be admitted in fifteen federal district courts, seven United States Courts of Appeals (including the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals), and
the United States Supreme Court. He was a member of the American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Federalist Society, and a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation.
Above and beyond his career, Colby loved his church, community and country. He served as Chairman of the Memphis Civil Service Commission, Chairman of the Board of the Memphis Emmaus Community, Governor of the Tennessee Society of Colonial Wars, and State President for the Tennessee Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, for which he was awarded that organization's highest honor-the Patriot Medal for his long, faithful and outstanding service. He also served on the boards of Christ Methodist Day School, Su Casa Family Ministries, Latino Memphis, and the National Hispanic Professional Organization. Valued for his prodigious knowledge, Colby was frequently invited by groups to speak on legal, historical and religious subjects.
Colby always strove to give as much of himself as possible. He will be remembered for his memorable teaching efforts, which included an unwavering participation with his wife in their President's Day program held annually at Christ Methodist Day School. For his part, Colby would dress up in full regalia to become George Washington, a memory that would endure for so many of the school's students. He will be remembered for his voice, particularly in song, singing in choirs from his earliest memories to his latest years. Whether in church, the Memphis Symphony Chorus, or the shower, Colby loved to sing. And he sang with valour and skill, often taking up solos in an impressive array of performances. And when not singing, many will remember Colby for playing his guitar and trumpet, often performing "De colores" at Emmaus sendoffs and the "Taps" bugle call during Memorial Day and other solemn occasions. In his more advanced years, Colby would also take up running, summoning the resolve to participate in three marathons. If ever there was doubt about his character in commitment and fortitude, any such notions were dismissed during this particular chapter; he finished all three marathons.
For all of his accomplishment and talent, Colby was a man for his family first and foremost. His love for his wife and three children never faltered. Whether coaching baseball, basketball, soccer games, or mock trial teams, leading Cub Scouts and Pinewood Derby races, imparting his voracious love of history with family trips to battlefields and other historical sites he loved, or simply making himself present at even the most nominal events of his children, so much of his life was imprinted by his familial dedication, a fundamental selflessness rooted in his core convictions and deep faith. With his passing, he leaves behind a triumphant example of conviction, commitment, wisdom and faith. He will be remembered and loved by those who were blessed to know him forevermore.
Colby was preceded in death by his parents, Colby Shannon Morgan, Sr., and Elizabeth Perkinson Robertson. He is survived by his wife, Leslie Morgan; two sons, Colby Shannon Morgan, III, and Jeffrey Michael Morgan; and one daughter, Sarah Morgan Ashey; four siblings, Charles Michael Morgan, Carol Morgan Taylor, Robert Lee Morgan, and Joel Stuart Morgan; and four grandchildren, Rebecca Cahill Morgan, John Jeffrey Morgan, Julia Smith Morgan, and Hannah Lukens Morgan.
Hon. Charles E. Nearn
Charles was born on November 10, 1931, in Memphis, TN. He graduated from Memphis Catholic High School, class of 1949, graduated from Christian Brothers College, class of 1951, and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Southern Law University, class of 1955. He was elected to serve as judge of General Sessions Division 4 in 1965. He was then appointed to Part 2 of Chancery Court in 1971. In 1974 he was appointed to the Western Section of the Tennessee Court of Appeals where he served and was Presiding Judge until his retirement in 1986. He was awarded Alumnus of the Year Christian Brothers College in 1976, and he was also a member of the Board of Trustees for the College. His hobbies included sailing, where he was a member of the Pensacola Yacht Club.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred C. Nearn and Lena DiCarlo Nearn; a brother, Alfred C. Nearn, Jr.; as well as a son, Charles E. Nearn, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Phyllis Elgin Nearn; three children, Angeline Garbuzinski (Johnny), Christopher Nearn (Christi), and Michael Nearn (Debbie); as well as seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Charles Patton
Charles H. Patton, 69, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 19, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital, Bartlett, TN. Born in Asheville, NC, he was the son of the late Charles Robert and Sarah Gulledge Patton. He was preceded in death by his wife Tina Cho Patton.
Charles was a graduate of East Memphis High School, the University of Memphis cum laude and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. For many years he taught as an adjunct professor in the field of estate planning, taxation and business law at the University of Memphis. He was a member of the Memphis Bar Association, The Estate Planning Council of Memphis and the AARP Legal Services Network. His leisure interests were classic cars, model railroading and music. He loved yard work, gardening around his house and his Pomeranian dog, Ridley.
He is survived by sisters Mimi Shutko of Houston, TX and Martha Brown of Johnson City, TN, nephew Allan Reaves and wife Suzanne of Johnson City, TN, great nephew and great nieces Noah Reaves and Tatum Reaves of Chattanooga, TN and great nephew Cooper Reaves of Johnson City, TN. Survivors also include nieces Tina Martin, Dr. Candice Shutko and husband J.J. Burdin and Dr. Nicole Shutko of Houston. He also leaves behind great nephew Stephen Martin and great nieces Kasey Martin and Ava and Colette Burdin all of Houston.
Charles R. Perkins
Charles Robert Perkins, 85 years of age, the son of Jennelyn Hawkins Perkins (deceased), and Charles Dwight Perkins (deceased), was born in Greenville, Illinois, and grew up in Jackson, Tennessee.
Charles Perkins, or "Charlie" as he was known, lived an exemplary and remarkable life. He was a devout believer and man of God, who lived as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and father in law to his family. His life was a great example to all by the Christian life he lived full of wisdom, generosity and service.
In his earlier life he was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Later in life Charles was a respected attorney and government official throughout his professional career for over 60 years in Memphis/Shelby County Tennessee. He became an attorney in 1967 as a graduate of the first and charter law school class from Memphis State Law School. He was licensed to practice law in Tennessee, admitted to the Tennessee Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, U.S. Supreme Court, and was a member of the American Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and Memphis and Shelby County Bar Associations. His clients included major corporate businesses, a major bank, and serving as attorney for the City of Memphis along with MLGW in hundreds of complicated matters extending over 52 years. Known as the "Dean of Shelby County Government", Charles brought leadership and wisdom in all his public service, with a notable skill shown in counseling others with forward thinking vision and in bringing people together. Charles served with distinction as a member of various Boards and Commissions, including the Shelby County Board of Commission, from 1972 thru 1994 and as its Chairman from 1978 thru 1983, and again in 1994; he was directly responsible in working with the state legislature to establish the Chickasaw Basin Authority, chairing its Board for 35 years; he also chaired the renovation of the historic Shelby County courthouse and law library with meticulous skill and oversight. He again worked with the state legislature in 1976 helping create and establish the Mayor/Commission form of government that we know today. In later years he also helped create and establish the state's Tiny Town formation laws and served as City Attorney for the Town of Arlington. He also served on the Union University Board of Trustees, the school having held a special place in his and his wife Peggy's life as the place they first met. Charles Perkins was also recently honored with a special dedication and award for his service by Shelby County Government.
He is survived by his loving wife Peggy Trevathan Perkins, married for 63 years; and his brother Bill Perkins (Sandra); and preceded in death by his mother Jennelyn Perkins and father Dwight Perkins, and sisters Mary Jane Perkins, and Suzanne Perkins. His surviving children Gretchen Thorogood (Will); Kevin Perkins (Cindi); Tracy White (Ross); Stacy McLallen (John). Grandchildren: John Radford Taylor; Kate Taylor Meador (Andrew); Peggy McLallen Duncan (Edward); Andy Perkins; Jack McLallen, Emily White Owings (Stephen), Charlie White; and three great grandchildren Addison Duncan, Ruthie Duncan, and Elizabeth Meador.