TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Mar 31, 2026

John Peden Valliant Jr., age 78, died March 29. He graduated from the University of Tennessee (now Winston) College of Law and served in the U.S. Army National Guard during the Vietnam War era, returning to Knoxville where his law practice spanned five decades. Valliant was deeply involved in civic life and served as chair of the Knox County Democratic Party in 1982. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley, 6717 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, or Helping Mamas, 10908 McBride Lane, Knoxville, TN 37932. A memorial gathering will be held on April 1 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. EDT at French Broad Veteran's Memorial Park, 2302 E. Gov. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville 37914, overlooking the river at the court of flags.