TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Sep 6, 2022

Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge John Everett Williams died on Friday. He was 68. In 1998, Williams was appointed to the court by former Gov. Don Sundquist and was retained in elections in 2000, 2006, 2014 and 2022. He was named presiding judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2018, making him the first judge from West Tennessee to hold that position in 25 years. Williams practiced law in Huntingdon for 17 years before his appointment to the court. He served as chairperson of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program for several years and was a strong advocate for the organization. Williams was 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. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Condolences may be left here.