Anderson County Law Director Nicholas “Jay” Yeager, of Clinton, died Friday. He was 65.
Yeager was assistant attorney in Anderson County from 2001 to 2006, and he has been law director since then.
“Mr. Yeager was known for his unwavering commitment to his profession and Anderson County government, having joined Anderson County nearly 23 years ago, on October 29, 2001,” officials said in a statement from Anderson County Commission Chair Tyler Mayes, Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank, and Anderson County Commission. “His expertise and leadership significantly contributed to our community. He was a constant presence at meetings, active in the operations of government, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.
“His contributions extended beyond his professional role; he was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend to many. In his committed dedication to his work, he built relationships that he held for a lifetime.”
Yeager graduated from Cooper City High School in Cooper City, Florida, according to his obituary. After graduation, he attended East Tennessee State University and later received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from East Carolina University. He worked in law enforcement for many years as a police officer, sergeant, and member of the Gwinnett County Bomb Squad and SWAT teams in Georgia.
“Jay later stepped away from front-line duty to pursue his dreams by attending the University of Georgia School of Law, where he graduated in 2001 with a juris doctorate degree,” his obituary said.
While serving as Anderson County law director, Yeager was acting as a 2024-2025 Officer of the Tennessee County Attorney Association. Among his many honors, he was awarded the Tennessee County Attorney of the Year for 2024, his obituary said.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Yeager’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” the statement from county officials said.
Yeager’s obituary said he loved serving others, giving gifts, and telling stories.
“He was devoted to his family and friends and always made sure his children knew how proud he was of them,” the obituary said. “He would do anything to help others in a time of need and never met a stranger. Jay had many titles including son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, cousin, attorney but his favorite was ‘Papi Jay.’ He enjoyed camping, reading, motorcycling, good music, and was a devoted Georgia football fan. Some of the greatest values Jay left behind were the love of family, how to be an amazing father, and how to pack the perfect Christmas stocking.”
Yeager was preceded in death by his mother Margaret Ann Linville Yeager and his wife of 34 years, Linda Marie Yeager, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory and legacy, his father, Donald Kent Yeager of Knoxville; children, Maggie Yeager (Tommy Wood) of Huntsville, Alabama, and D.J. Yeager (Julia Wiant) of Clinton; three grandchildren, Oliver Yeager, and Levi and Ruby Wood; sister, Kelly Yeager Turner (Mark) of Knoxville; brother-in-law, Dale Geisler (Patty) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; niece, Sasha Wright (Nick), nephew, Shelby Geisler; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
The Yeager family will receive friends on Thursday, August 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Unicoi Funeral Home in Unicoi, Tennessee. Dr. Mike Pinner will officiate the 1:30 p.m. funeral service, the obituary said. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memory Garden’s. Jay’s family and friends will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Anderson County, Anderson County Volunteer Fire Department, South Clinton Inclusive Playground, and Unicoi Methodist Church.
Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Yeager family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com.
You can read Yeager’s obituary here.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Many news stories on Oak Ridge Today are free, brought to you by Oak Ridge Today with help from our advertisers, contributors, and subscribers. This is a free story. Thank you to our advertisers, contributors, and subscribers. You can see what we cover here.
Do you appreciate this story or our work in general? If so, please consider a monthly subscription to Oak Ridge Today. See our Subscribe page here. Thank you for reading Oak Ridge Today!
Alternatively, you can donate to support our work here. Thank you for your support!
Copyright 2024 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leave a Reply