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In Memory of Justice William Muecke Barker
The firm is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, Justice Muecke Barker on Monday, April 3, 2023.
Justice William “Muecke” Barker devoted more than 50 years of his life to the legal profession. He joined Chambliss in 2008 after serving the Tennessee Judicial System for over two decades. In 1983, he was appointed by Gov. Lamar Alexander to the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial District of Tennessee and was consistently the highest rated circuit court judge by the Chattanooga Bar Association’s bi-annual polls. In 1995, he was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and was elected to an eight-year term by voters a year later. Ultimately, Gov. Don Sundquist appointed him to the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1998. He was then elected to a full eight-year term and again in 2006. In 2005, he was unanimously chosen by his colleagues to become Chief Justice. Upon his retirement from the Supreme Court in September 2008, Justice Barker was named Appellate Judge of the Year by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Justice Barker served his community and state with passion for many years. He was a veteran of the United States Army, a fantastic husband and father, and a true friend and mentor. The positive impact he instilled in Hamilton County and surrounding areas, as well as all those he came in contact with, will be seen for many years to come. We will miss his infectious smile, fantastic storytelling, and radiant personality. We are grateful for the many hours spent together and the relationship we had with Justice Barker, and are better for having known and worked with him.
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a beloved member of the Chambliss family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Barker family during this time.
Visitation and Memorial Service for
The Honorable William M. Barker
VISITATION
Friday, April 14, 2023
10:00 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church
(554 McCallie Avenue)
SERVICE
Friday, April 14, 2023
11:00 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church
(554 McCallie Avenue)
Light lunch and time of storytelling
(Immediately following the memorial service)
Downstairs in the Fellowship Hall
The Honorable William M. Barker will be laid to rest in the National Cemetery