– John Roe, founding partner of a major Nashville law firm
– Nashville law firm founding partner John Roe.
John Roe, Founding Partner of Nashville Law Firm, Passes Away at 77
John Roe, a highly respected figure in Nashville’s legal community and founding partner of one of the city’s premier law firms, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 77. The news of his death was confirmed by the law firm he established, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison, in a press release. Roe had been battling pancreatic cancer.
A Legacy of Legal Excellence
As a prominent real estate attorney, Roe played a significant role in shaping Tennessee’s legal landscape. He co-authored the Tennessee Condominium Act of 2008, solidifying his expertise in real estate and tax law. Throughout his illustrious 50-year legal career, Roe’s sharp intellect, negotiation skills, and polite demeanor earned him a stellar reputation among his colleagues and peers.
Tom Sherrard, a founding partner who had the privilege of working closely with Roe for over four decades, expressed his admiration for his late colleague. “John leaves behind a legacy of a wonderful family and an outstanding 50-year legal career,” said Sherrard in the press release. “We all benefited from his wisdom and guidance in building our law firm, which is truly a family to all of us.”
A Kind and Inspiring Leader
Colleagues and friends remember Roe not only for his legal prowess but also for his kind-hearted nature. Bill Harbison, a partner and long-time leader of the firm, described Roe as an individual who inspired generations with his sharp intellect, warm humor, generous mentorship, and adventurous spirit.
Sherrard credited Roe for instilling a positive culture within the law firm. “John was clearly a kind person,” Sherrard remarked. “He created a culture where there was no door slamming or swearing in our company. There was a positive approach to living each day and not taking yourself too seriously.”
A Life Devoted to Family and Community
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, he was an active member of the Boy Scouts, a passion he continued to pursue until his death.
Roe graduated from Clarksville High School before attending Davidson College in North Carolina. He returned to Middle Tennessee after graduation to pursue his law degree at Vanderbilt University, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1972.
After a brief stint practicing law in Atlanta, Roe found his way back to Nashville in 1974. In 1981, he co-founded O’Hare, Sherrard & Roe alongside former Vanderbilt law professor Sherrard and James Thomas O’Hare.
Outside of his legal career, Roe made significant contributions to his community. He played a pivotal role in preserving and developing Clarksville, saving the century-old building that housed his high school and helping establish the Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park. He also dedicated his time to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, serving as board chairman in 2005.
Remembering John Roe
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 also leaves behind 15 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his former wife of 34 years, Emily Hunt Roe.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m., followed by a Life Service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.
John Roe’s passing is a great loss to Nashville’s legal community and his family, friends, and colleagues. His impact as a legal expert, community leader, and kind-hearted individual will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
.
1. John Roe founding partner Nashville law firm dies at 77
2. John Roe Nashville law firm founding partner passes away at 77.
