Longtime Chattanooga lawyer and former TBA President Thomas Maxfield "Max" Bahner died this past Friday at the age of 89, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports. Bahner earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1960 and practiced for decades at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel. Bahner focused his practice primarily in the area of complex litigation. He also was an American Arbitration Association (AAA) arbitrator and a Rule 31 certified mediator. He was serving as an emeritus member of the firm at the time of his death. Bahner served as TBA president from 1980-1981. He also served as president of the Chattanooga Bar Association, and for nearly 17 years as a member of the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates, leading the Tennessee delegation for nine years. Service to the Tennessee judiciary included chairing the Tennessee Supreme Court's Advisory Commission on the Rules of Civil Procedure for seven years, during which time the commission wrote the Tennessee Rules of Evidence, and chairing the task force that reviewed and recommended changes to the Tennessee Rules of Judicial Conduct. Funeral services are pending. TBA President Jim Barry called Bahner's passing "a sad day for Tennessee and our profession." Read comments about Bahner's life and legacy from past TBA presidents below or this profile of Bahner from 2017.

A great leader and even greater individual. As is said, we may not see a lot like Max pass this way again. Only hope so. – J Daniel Breen, 1996-1997 TBA President

It is indeed a sad day and a profound loss. We all love Max. A pillar of the bar and a gentleman among gentlemen, Max also had a heart that was true north. We will miss his winsome ways and his infectious smile. My hope is that we each will in some way model his professionalism and other virtues in the way he did for us. – Randall D. Noel, 1999-2000 TBA President

Max was a very special person both inside and outside the profession. As a relatively unknown quantity when I decided to run for Bar President, he was one of the first lawyers I called to ask for advice, and he was ever so generous with his wisdom and kindness. We should all hope to be remembered this way. – Katie Edge, 2000-2001 TBA President

A giant of our profession and a wonderful friend and colleague. Max served our bar at every level with outstanding dedication and leadership. He leaves a great legacy.  – Al Harvey, 2002-2003 TBA President

Max was a great friend and a terrific leader. His example of collegiality and kindness will live forever. – John Tarpley, 2003-2004 TBA President

I am so very sorry to hear that. Max has been a mentor, a shining example of a service-based leader with a genuine servant’s heart and just a general hero to us all for so many years. I can remember on many occasions Pam told all those around us that we hope some day to grow up to be Max and Sara. His wisdom never failed to come through. No matter how difficult or complex the issue, we knew that Max would come through with the right answer to address it ... and in a sweet and charming way! He was a true icon in the Bar and he will be sorely missed. – Charles Swanson, 2004-2005 TBA President

Quite simply one of the finest men I’ve ever known. – Bill Haltom, 2005-2006 TBA President

Can’t say it any better. He was a flawless example of a servant leader. – Buck Lewis, 2008-2009 TBA President

A great loss to the Chattanooga and Tennessee bars. – Sam Elliott, 2010-2011 TBA President

Max was the kindest person I ever met. – Danny Van Horn, 2011-2012 TBA President

I agree with everyone's comments about our beloved, Max. He was truly a lion of the bar. He embodied all the most wonderful qualities as a lawyer and human. He was a model of civility. I will also remember him for all the good things he did in service to his and my alma mater, Carson-Newman. He and Sara were loving examples of marital bliss. Max will be missed. – Jacqueline Dixon, 2012-2013 TBA President

We have lost one of the very best our profession had to offer! Max Bahner was a giant in the profession and a wonderful mentor to me. I will never forget the kindness he showed to me. When I was a law student member of the ABA [House of Delegates], he treated me like I mattered, which he did not have to do. He also treated me to dinner when I was a poor law student. You don’t ever forget those things. – Cynthia Richardson Wyrick, 2013-2014 TBA President