A Tribute to Sean Hunt: A Renaissance Man Who Left Us Way Too Soon

A TRIBUTE TO SEAN HUNT

A RENAISSANCE MAN WHO LEFT US WAY TOO SOON

By HARRISON D. MCIVER III

After receiving the news that my friend and former boss had passed, I had to pause, for the news was unbelievable. Just a few days before, we met for lunch and I shared that Lauryce and I were leaving our beloved Memphis to relocate to Charleston, South Carolina. During our lunch that spanned two and a half hours (much longer than our norm), we talked and talked, covering a number of subjects – family, the legal community, the state of affairs in this country, and more.

He sought my counsel regarding the very controversial “critical race theory.” He wanted to know how he could get involved to positively affect the division that this issue had engendered. We talked about the political discourse and racial divide in this country and how we could ameliorate the situation. Hopelessness was not a part of his character and makeup. In fact, he said he was preparing to conduct a seminar on implicit bias. His radiant smile will remain with me forever.

As always, we talked about/discussed family and his devotion to his wife Clarice, and the pride of their hearts– sons Aaron and David. During our time together, I learned that both of our mothers were educators and what it meant to grow up and be shaped by educators in our homes. The legal profession was always a hot topic and I listened intently whenever he provided insight on how he built a successful law practice, one that his son Aaron, now pursuing a law degree, would one day join. I marveled at his diverse and unique talents. Let’s take a moment to imagine an individual who was an engineer, having graduated from Tennessee

State University, then obtaining a law degree from Vanderbilt Law School, working for large law firms but deciding to take the leap to establish a small law firm that became successful by any measurement. Let’s not stop there. He was a pilot who flew a plane on business and family trips, participated in Iron Man competitions (running marathons were the norm), volunteered and gave generously to his church, Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS), the Memphis Bar Association, the Ben F. Jones Bar Association, and other community organizations. He was preparing to run the St. Jude Marathon, laser focused on raising funds for sickle cell research and treatment. Recently, the Tennessee Supreme Court reappointed Sean to the Tennessee Access to Justice Commission, and he perennially chaired the MBA Publication Committee. I had the pleasure of serving under his leadership on the Publication Committee.

Yet, God had a different plan.

In preparation for this article, I benefitted from talking with several people. All confirmed what a tremendous person he was and the impact he had in a number of contexts. Several I did not know, but honestly, I was not surprised.

Given all that I learned, Sean epitomized what a Renaissance Man is, one who was extremely bright, creative, innovative, versatile and knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects. At the same time, he was complex but transparent. He had an internal compass that guided him in the way he interacted with his family, colleagues, the faith community and anyone with whom he had a relationship.

As for as my relationship, I met Sean nearly two decades ago when he joined the Board of Directors of MALS. His commitment to the mission and its purpose revealed itself very soon after he joined the Board. This clarity propelled him to become Board President, not once, but twice during my tenure as CEO. I found him to be fair, integral, and honest in his dealings as Board leader and supportive of me in my role as CEO. We shared many conversations about internal and external challenges. As my tenure ended with retirement, he said, “I was a blessing.” I will remember his expression of admiration of and appreciation for my leadership for the rest of my life.

In preparing for this article, I realized that a tribute to Sean with just my voice would shortchange the Memphis Lawyer readership. So, I reached out to several individuals who knew Sean in various contexts to share the manner of man Sean was. This issue of the Memphis Lawyer is dedicated to his life, and his contributions that made Memphis, Shelby County, the state of Tennessee and beyond a better place for all.

The following video contributors reflect on the unique, dynamic, personable, caring, loving, compassionate, and passionate human being Sean was. Please click on the links below to hear first-hand accounts about Sean, the “Renaissance Man.”

As a Christian Man Pastor Charles “Chuck” Neugebauer, Christ the King Lutheran Church As a Devoted Family Man Aaron Hunt, Son

As a Neighbor and Friend Mike Derrick, Esq. As a Member of the Legal Profession Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Holly Kirby

As a Dedicated Member of the Bar and Athlete – Immediate Past Bar President, Peter Gee, Esq.

Indeed, Sean meant so much to many people but only a few could be included in this article. He had an exceptional legal career. His commitment within the legal profession was recognized posthumously with the Memphis Bar Association’s Judge Jerome Turner’s Lawyer’s Lawyer Award presented by Mike Derrick and accepted by his son, Aaron. MALS and the MBA presented him the W.J. Michael Cody Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award in 2007 for his pro bono service. Each week Sean would block Thursday afternoons to volunteer at the Shelby County Courthouse Legal Clinic to provide legal assistance to those in need. He received the The Turner Award because he exemplified the aims and aspirations embodied in the Guidelines for Professional Courtesy and Conduct. Sean also received the 2016 A.A. Latting Award from the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association.

While this issue of The Memphis Lawyer is dedicated to Sean and his life of service, I hope we will never forget what he did while he was physically with us. I treasure his memory and pray for his family and for us to carry on as he would have us to do. I will and know you will too! 