– John Roe, founding partner of major Nashville law firm
– Nashville law firm founding partner.
John Roe, Prominent Nashville Lawyer and Real Estate Expert, Passes Away at 77
Remembering a Respected Legal Figure in Nashville
John Roe, a founding partner at one of Nashville’s leading law firms and a highly regarded real estate lawyer in Tennessee, has sadly passed away at the age of 77. According to a news release from the law firm he established, Roe lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
A well-respected and esteemed member of Nashville’s legal community, John Roe founded what is now known as Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison in 1981. His founding partners fondly remember his sharp intellect, talent for negotiation, and his civil nature both inside and outside the courtroom.
Tom Sherrard, a founding partner who had the privilege of working closely with Roe for over four decades, expressed his gratitude for the wisdom and leadership that Roe brought to the establishment of their law firm. Sherrard described Roe as leaving behind a remarkable legacy of a loving family and an outstanding 50-year legal career. Sherrard added, “We will deeply miss John and mourn his passing, but we will also cherish the memories we shared and the kindness he showed to others.”
died Tuesday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.”/>
A Legacy in Real Estate and Tax Law
Throughout his illustrious career, John Roe established himself as an expert in the fields of real estate and tax law. His notable achievements include co-authoring the Tennessee Condominium Act of 2008.
His colleagues and peers at the law firm speak highly of Roe, praising his impeccable reputation among Nashville’s legal professionals and the deep respect he garnered from the staff and lawyers at the firm. Bill Harbison, a partner and longstanding leader at the firm, expressed how Roe’s keen intellect, warm humor, generous mentoring, and adventurous spirit inspired generations within the firm and the community.
A Life of Service and Dedication
John Howard Roe, Jr. was born on December 29, 1946, in Springfield, Tennessee, to John Howard Roe Sr. and Lillian C. Roe. Growing up in Clarksville, Roe was actively involved in the Boy Scouts, an organization he continued to support throughout his life.
After graduating from Clarksville High School, Roe pursued his higher education at Davidson College in North Carolina. Following his graduation, he returned to Middle Tennessee and attended Vanderbilt University for law school, where he graduated first in his class in 1972.
In 1974, John Roe moved back to Nashville after briefly practicing law in Atlanta. Alongside former Vanderbilt law professor Sherrard and James Thomas O’Hare, he co-founded the law firm O’Hare, Sherrard & Roe in 1981.
A Man of Integrity and Positive Influence
John Roe’s intelligence, remarkable memory, and problem-solving skills earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of Nashville’s brightest young lawyers. Tom Sherrard, who has since retired, attributed much of the law firm’s positive culture and commitment to excellence to Roe’s influence.
Sherrard emphasized Roe’s kind nature and the creation of a work environment where respect and positivity thrived. The law firm was known for its absence of door slamming or cursing, and a focus on approaching each day with a positive outlook and not taking oneself too seriously.
Leaving a Legacy of Service and Love for the Outdoors
Beyond his legal career, John Roe made significant contributions to the preservation and development of his hometown of Clarksville. He played a vital role in saving his high school’s century-old building and also helped establish the Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park in Clarksville. Additionally, Roe was involved with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, serving as the board chair in 2005.
John Roe’s love for the outdoors was evident in his favorite pastimes, which included hiking, swimming, and enjoying the company of his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends on the deck of their home in Monteagle.
Fondly Remembered and Deeply Missed
John Roe is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jane Buchi Roe, his sister Lynne Wilson, and his three children: Lillian Gilmer, John Roe, and Alan Roe. He is also remembered by his 15 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his previous wife of 34 years, Emily Hunt Roe.
Services to celebrate John Roe’s life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 10. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made to the American Cancer Society or Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.
.
1. John Roe, founding partner of major Nashville law firm, dies at 77
2. John Roe, partner of prominent Nashville law firm, passes away at age 77.
