The Tennessee judiciary is mourning the loss of Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge John Everett Williams, who passed away on September 2, 2022, at the age of 68. He was appointed to the court by Governor Don Sundquist in November 1998, and was retained in elections in 2000, 2006, 2014 and 2022. In 2018, he was named presiding judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, becoming the first judge from West Tennessee to hold that position in 25 years.
Judge Williams was from Huntingdon, where he practiced law for 17 years before being appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals. He served as chairperson of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program for several years and was a strong advocate for the organization.
Judge Williams was well known for his colorful dress and bowties as well as summer seersucker suits. He was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He was also an established thespian, dazzling audiences at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Academic Enrichment Center just last month.
The Tennessee judiciary extends its most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Judge John Everett Williams at this time.
This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
Remembrances & Condolences:
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"What an honor and privilege to have known Judge John Everett Williams. To know him was to know a truly earnest human being. He served the judiciary for nearly 25 years and personified the words of Micah 6:8 “(t)o act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with thy God”. He will be remembered for his years of exemplary service to the State, his contributions to the judiciary and for being our “modern day version of a renaissance man” from Huntingdon, Tennessee. It is with a heavy heart that my prayers go out to his family, his colleagues and all who knew him.”
- Michelle Long, Director, Administrative Office of the Courts
"I had the great fortune to get to know Judge Williams during the years I worked at the Attorney General’s Office and argued often in the Court of Criminal Appeals. He was a judge who was always engaged in the moment and seemed to so enjoy the banter with his judicial colleagues and the attorneys. I will always remember the last oral argument I had before him in 2013. Just after opposing counsel and I finished our oral argument, we shook hands. Judge Williams stopped court and made a point of thanking opposing counsel and me for the civility and respect we showed to one another. He then spent the next few minutes talking to everyone in the courtroom about the importance of civility in the practice of law—and in life. To my great privilege, I was able to spend more time with Judge Williams and got to know a different side of him when I began working at the Administrative Office of the Courts. He became someone I routinely worked closely with, and we never missed an opportunity to chat about work and life. But Judge Williams never missed an opportunity to chat with anyone, and that is what I will remember him for—his sincerity, his warmth, and his interest in and respect of all people."
-Rachel Harmon, Deputy Director, Administrative Office of the Courts
"Judge John Everett Williams was a treasured friend and trusted mentor to so many in our State and beyond. He loved people, thought deeply about the hard and important questions in life, and lived each day to its fullest. I will always be grateful for the friendship Judge Williams extended after I joined the Court earlier this year. He was generous with his time and advice and quickly became one of my most cherished judicial colleagues. My prayers are with his family and all those who knew and loved him."
-Justice Sarah K. Campbell, Tennessee Supreme Court
"My wife Jane and I were so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Judge Williams. Judge Williams, appointed by Governor Sundquist, was an outstanding jurist and valued friend of Tennessee's judiciary. I will forever remember his mentorship to me, including his offer to drive me, as recently appointed AOC Director, and Justice Bivins across West Tennessee to introduce us to various local judicial officials. What a wonderful trip, enhanced by Judge Williams marvelous stories and his sometimes shifting into his unerringly accurate impersonation of his hero Mark Twain. Words cannot adequately express his tremendous contributions to the Tennessee judiciary and his positive influence on his many friends, including me. RIP Judge Williams."
-Bill Young, Former Director, Administrative Office of the Courts
"John Everett was one of the most amazing people I've ever met. He was brilliant, witty, kind, loving, and generous. I most admired his compassion for the poor, oppressed, and the disadvantaged men, women, and children in our communities. His passing is such a huge loss for so many."
-Richard Hedgepath, friend
"Judge Williams, or as he often instructed me, John Everett, was one of the mighty men in our State. Everyone knows him as a respected, smart and fair jurist, and he certainly was all of those. But what many may not know is he was a trusted adviser and friend to many of us faced with decisions having broad implications and no small gravitas to them. I could not number the calls I made to John Everett asking for his frank, “no holds barred” counsel. The subjects ranged from judicial selections to explanations of opinions from other courts to “ I’m not sure what to do here, what do you think?” And he always delivered. Not only did he deliver, but I never heard even a whisper about those calls from anyone else. They were in complete confidence. Finally, no one knows how many lives he saved, and tried to save, in the arena of mental health, addiction, and dependency. The Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program is a lifeline to many. But there would be no TLAP without John Everett. He was TLAP to many; not just the face of it, but the big arms that would hug you. I am quite sure that I am not the only one shedding tears at this news. We have lost a strong, deep voice for good, a smile and sense of humor unmatched, and an understanding of grace and mercy uncommon to many of us. Heaven, however, is experiencing a boisterous joy, celebration and laughter it may not experience for quite a while. Because that man knew where he was going. I love you, John Everett."
-Herbert Slatery, former Tennessee Attorney General
"Had the pleasure of appearing before him for oral argument many times. Appellate oral arguments can be intimidating for lawyers. His disarming personality and smile made for a light atmosphere. He will be missed."
-Mike Flanagan, attorney
"I can not begin to convey what a loss this is for all of communities of Carroll County and for Davidson County,, as well as, the State of Tennessee Judicial System. John Everett was a bright light always sharing his humor, his talents, his concerns for others and empathy/ I was honored to know John Everett for over 4 decades. He worked closely with my mother, Miss Faye, who also served for the State of Tennessee in Carroll County. The Tennessee River will never be the same without you John Everett. Yes his dapper style was quite unique which sums up John Everett, ,,, " One of a Kind" I will miss you dearly, as well as, your words of wisdom and guidance. West Tennessee and Carroll County is extremely proud of you and all of your accomplishments.. Many will remember, " The Judge" , many will remember, "The Attorney" and so many will remember, "A Friend" Fly high with the angels Judge John Everett Williams, You are missed and loved by all. Respectfully, The Walkers, Donna, Anthony and family"
-Donna Walker, friend
"'No longer consider what sort of man the good man ought to be, but be that man.' Marcus Aurelius’ charge was lived out in the life Judge Williams. What a rare gift he was to the judiciary, what character we were blessed to see in such a man, what a life well and humbly lived. Thank you John Everett! I will miss you, friend."
-Russ Heldman, Former Circuit Court Judge 21st Judicial District
“Judge Williams always stood out as a man of brilliance, grace, character, and humor. We, in the Attorney General’s Office, mourn his sudden passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
-Tennessee Attorney General (via Twitter)
"Judge Williams was a proud UTM alum and offered much wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to our students. He was a kind, gentle, and wise public servant; he will be deeply missed."
– University of Tennessee, Martin Political Science Faculty (via Twitter)
"Judge Williams was truly a do the right thing above all else, good hearted human being. The last words he spoke to me on August 18 were that former First Lady Martha Sundquist had called him on election night of August 4 saying he was the last person she had voted for that day. He relished that call and was so proud to tell that a Governor's wife would go all the way to the end of the ballot to cast a vote for him. Thankfully, John Everett is one who will not be forgotten. We are all truly blessed for having him in our lives."
-Randy C. Camp, Former Director, Administrative Office of the Courts
" I first met John Everett over a decade ago at the ABA national conference for Lawyers Assistance Programs (ABA CoLAP). He was there with a big group from the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) and I was there with folks from Louisiana’s LAP. Several things were immediately apparent upon our introduction. First, it was clear that John Everette was the real deal and “all in” on TLAP’s mission of saving lives and careers. Second, and within a minute of chatting with him, he spontaneously performed a pretty darn good magic trick for me and it was also clear that he was a truly unusual fellow. His booming voice, high energy, very mischievous grin, and piercing eyes added up to a singular impression: ‘Wow! I bet it’s great to have that guy on your side.’ And it was indeed. Many great men and women have championed the cause of TLAP and John Everett will be remembered as an unflagging TLAP advocate who was instrumental in TLAP’s growth and success. In reading other’s comments here and in conversations about his passing, it is clear that John Everett’s generous compassion and genuine support touched the lives of many people. He made a positive difference and left the world around him in a better place. And in addition, when we all think of him we smile. Who can ask for a better legacy than that? RIP John Everette. All of us at TLAP will keep you, your family, and your friends in our prayers during this time of loss."
-Buddy Stockwell, Executive Director, Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program
"My husband, Carl, and I wish to convey our condolences to the family and friends of Judge Williams. He was truly a unique individual with many talents, and was loved by many in the legal community. My husband loves to tell the story of being in the Carroll County Courthouse when a man completely decked out in camo gear came up to him and started talking. It took him a few minutes to realize that it was Judge Williams! Judge Williams had a warm and engaging way about him and he will be truly missed."
-Linda Warren Seely and husband, Carl E. Seely, Attorney at Law and retired Attorney
"I met Judge Williams shortly after I was appointed to the bench. We quickly became friends and always had chats at the many conferences that we attended. I loved seeing him, sharing experiences with him and just being around him. I will miss him dearly. May god rest his soul."
-Monte Watkins, Retired Judge
"An excellent jurist with an abundance of common sense. No better man ever walked the face of the earth. Loved by all who crossed his path and, like his role model Lincoln, now for the ages."
-Retired Justice Gary Wade, colleague on the Court of Criminal Appeals
"This shocked me. Judge Williams was a fair, honest and good judge. Having appeared before him in the Court of Criminal Appeals on many occasions, I can personally attest to his judicial temperament. He was a lawyers' judge, i.e. never did I, despite his station, detect any bit of "Black Robe Fever" in his interactions with the Bar. I shall sorely miss him, and, I suppose, so will all the Bar. Eternal rest grant unto him, oh, Lord, and may Your perpetual light shine upon your good and faithful servant."
- Francis X. Santore, Jr., Attorney
"I will miss our conversations and I won't tell the stories."
-Gregory D. Cotton, friend and law school classmate
"DE-EB"- the only person who ever made "Deb" into a 2 syllables but I never had to guess who was on the other end of the phone! And, with each phone call, each interaction, each meeting- even difficult or sad ones- I learned so much. Simply put, Judge Williams spent his life saving lives; caring deeply, forgiving easily and always staying the course. Wishing you perfect winds, beautiful sunsets and lots of opportunities to perform. As only Mark Twain (and Judge Williams could say): “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” You taught us well- good and faithful servant. Thank you for your loving care of every one you knew."
-Deborah Taylor Tate, former director, Administrative Office of the Courts
"I have fond memories of John Everett from our days at Cumberland. He was one-of-a-kind for sure yet genuine and kind."
-Bill Lockett, law school classmate
"I followed John Everett as Chairman of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program. Followed him is the best word because I could never fill his shoes nor replace him. His presence was like the wind of a driving hurricane and yet his spirit was soft like a summer breeze. He loved people and had great compassion. He and I often talked about his interventions with those who were on the threshold of weighing their very life and his guidance, positive outlook and dynamic approach seemed to always leave the person with a renewed desire to live life at its fullest. John Everett was a good man who was able to keep a child like love of life and everything that could be discovered. He could have been the founder of his yearly mission at Burning Man and I hope they dedicate a memorial to him next year. He will be missed and always remembered in my thoughts as a true Southern gentleman."
-Judge Mike Spitzer, 32nd Judicial District
"Helluva man, lived larger than life. He was a friend of lawyers and drunks and the downtrodden and he's gonna be holding court in Heaven some kinda way or another. This man will not be forgotten."
-Douglas P. Nanney, attorney and friend
"It’s hard to find words to describe the loss of John Everett Williams. To the State as a whole, and to so many individual souls. A better man and a truer friend cannot be found.
As a jurist, John Everett’s deep humanity and great good sense defined his legal opinions. It’s too easy for appellate judges to analyze issues and forget that the law is about real people. John Everett never did. His legal opinions reflected not only his practical intelligence, but also his rich experience of how folks really live and what values we should all hold dear.
John Everett was a man of action and lived a life dedicated to helping others, particularly those who faced challenges with sobriety or mental health. His talks to groups were often uproariously funny but underscored important concepts that resonated with anyone listening who was facing their own dark night of the soul. He reached out to those who were too ashamed or immobilized by circumstances to ask for help, and assured them over and over, in his low sure voice, that they had value and would make it through to the other side of their current troubles. He saved many, many lives.
It was impossible not to like John Everett. As he moved through the world, you could see people’s faces change when they encountered him. They’d smile like they’d run into a dear friend, because chances are they had. How many people today remember a time when John Everett encouraged them, affirmed
them, or gave them private, personal wise counsel? Too many to count.
Finally, John Everett was my dear dear friend. He called me his little sister and that’s how it felt. Like I had a big brother who was my champion and protector. If he felt someone had betrayed my friendship, he was more angry for me than I was for myself. He encouraged me to lean into leadership and believed in me more than I believed in myself. He loved me wholeheartedly and I loved him the same.
Rest easy, dear friend."
-Justice Holly Kirby, Tennessee Supreme Court
"I will miss our conversations and I won't
tell the stories."
-Gregory D Cotton, Friend and Law School Classmate
"John Everett leaves a footprint on the judiciary in the state of Tennessee. He leaves us better. He taught me so much; not only about being a better lawyer and judge, but also about being a better person. He always reminded me of Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird “ which I found to be comforting. This quote from the movie sums up John Everett in one short sentence, 'I do my best to love
everybody'. You will be missed by many."
-Judge Vicki Snyder, Henry County General Sessions and Juvenile Court
"Arguing cases before Judge Williams was one of the greatest honors of my legal career. He was compassionate, wise, funny, and kind, as a judge and a human being. He pursued justice in the
courtroom and beauty and meaning outside the courtroom. He reminded us that the practice of law need not make our lives gray and staid, wringing from us the things that make us vibrant and unique human beings. The lessons I take from Judge Williams are these: Be kind and do not be boring."
- Jeff Zentner, Senior Associate General Counsel, Tennessee Department of
Environment and Conservation
"Judge, thank you for offering me my first legal job . Many times I wish I had accepted because I regret not working for you. You were always so nice and open to give advice to a young lawyer even if I popped in unannounced. I really appreciated it. We will all miss you."
-Danny Ellis, Attorney and Friend
" Judge Williams had a quick wit and a big heart. He will be sorely missed by the bench and bar. R.I.P., friend."
-Tony Duncan, Attorney and Friend
"I had the pleasure and honor of knowing and working for Judge Williams when I worked for the Court as a deputy clerk and chief deputy clerk, from 1999 through June 2021. As so many have stated, he was larger than life. So kind and thoughtful. And so appreciative of the work the deputy clerks did. He was also our friend. We could talk with him about anything. During my years with the Court, our office went through three periods where we lost someone we worked with. Judge Williams made trips to make sure we were doing okay and obtained counseling for us, if needed. He truly cared about every person who worked in that building. I just found out about his passing tonight and am so very sad for his family, for the Court and for myself. He was one of a kind. Rest In Peace Judge Williams."
-Nancy Acred, Former Chief Deputy Clerk
