Oak Ridge Today

Tunnell, former alternate city judge, oldest practicing attorney in TN, dies at 95

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William Lawrence Tunnell

William Lawrence Tunnell

William Lawrence Tunnell, an alternate Oak Ridge city judge who was believed to be the oldest practicing attorney in Tennessee, died September 5. He was 95.

His family will have a receiving of friends for Tunnell, who was also a World War II veteran, on Tuesday, September 15.

Earlier this year, Tunnell was said to be the oldest judge in Tennessee.

Tunnell was born and raised in the Marlow community, according to his obituary. He was a faithful member of Poplar Creek Baptist Church and most recently attended Batley Baptist Church, his obituary said. He was proud of his farm in Marlow.

Tunnell graduated as the valedictorian from the last class at Robertsville High School in 1942. [Read more…]

Updated: Attorney Tunnell charged with assault, Judge Miller recuses himself

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William Lawrence Tunnell

William Lawrence Tunnell

Note: This story was updated at 11:55 a.m. Jan. 21.

William Lawrence Tunnell, an alternate Oak Ridge city judge who is believed to be the oldest practicing attorney in Tennessee, was arrested January 13 for allegedly hitting a man with his car and knocking him to the ground in November.

Tunnell, 94, has been charged with one count of aggravated assault. He has a hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday in Anderson County General Sessions Court in Oak Ridge.

(Update: Anderson County General Sessions Court Judge Roger Miller has recused himself from hearing this case, and a special judge will be appointed. A new hearing date had not been set as of Wednesday morning.)

According to an arrest warrant, the incident occurred Friday evening, November 21, at the intersection of West Outer Drive and Waltham Lane. [Read more…]

Clinton city judge running for Anderson County chancellor

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Michael Farley

Michael Farley

Michael Farley, a local attorney and Clinton city judge, is seeking election as Anderson County chancellor.

The seat is now held by William E. Lantrip, who is retiring at the end of his term.

Farley is a Clinton native who graduated from Clinton High School in 1988. He obtained both his bachelor’s degree in business administration and Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Farley is also a graduate of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, where he graduated first in his class, receiving the “Most Outstanding Officer Award.”

Prior to earning his law degree, Farley worked for both the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department and the Clinton Police Department, where he also served as a volunteer firefighter. Farley has served the City of Clinton as a council member, and while serving, he donated his council salary to the Clinton City Schools. [Read more…]