Robert E. "Bob" Lillard | Grandfather of Dr. Roderick J. Glatt

The Tennessee Judicial Conference mourns the passing of Robert Emmitt Lillard on November 6, 1991. Judge Lillard's life was marked by noble accomplishments, limitless love for his family and friends, complete devotion to his home and his country, unrestricted dedication to the practice of law, and a deep religious belief.

Robert Emmitt Lillard was born on March 23, 1907, in Trimble Springs Bottom in South Nashville. He spent his entire lifetime in Nashville and was educated here. Because he always aspired to be a lawyer, he enrolled in Biggins Commercial College, and from there he attended Kent College of Law. He received his law degree from Kent in [1935]. He was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1936, the Federal District Court in 1955, the Circuit Court of appeals in 1957, and the Supreme Court in 1962.

Judge Lillard was employed by the Metropolitan Fire Department from 1936 until 1950, during which time he also maintained a part-time private law practice. In 1950, he established a full-time practice and also began a career in politics. He served on the Nashville City Council from 1951 to 1963 and on the Metropolitan Council from 1963 to 1971. He was appointed to the Tennessee State Bord of Paroles in 1964 and reappointed in 1967. In 1978, he was appointed Judge of the First Circuit Court of Davidson County, becoming the first black judge of a circuit court in the County.

His professional membership were many. He served as the only two term president in the history of the National Bar Association from 1961 until 1963 and was one of the founders of the J. C. Napier Lawyer's Association, which later became the Napier-Looby Bar Association. He was a member of the America, Tennessee, and Nashville Bar Associations, American Judicature Society, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Seay-Hubbard United Methodist Church, American Federation of Labor, Protective Order of Elks, and Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He also served as Divisional Chairman for United Givers Fund, March of Dimes, and American Red Cross and was on the Boards of the Boy Scouts, Century Club, Historical Landmarks Association, Legal Services, Inc., Boys Club, and Mid-Cumberland Council of Governments.

A great man once opined that before one passes judgment on the quality of another's accomplishments, one should know the obstacles that person had to overcome. Judge Lillard's love of the law and desire to serve drove him to him many accomplishments. He will be remembered for his service, for his willingness to train younger lawyers, and, not the least, for his full-bodied bass voice which made him such an effective advocate and formidable adversary.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Tennessee Judicial Conference that the life and record of Robert Emmitt Lillard, as a member of this Conference, we have been honored and blessed, and in his passing we have sustained a grievous loss which we deplore as one personal to us all; that this memorial and resolution be placed in the permanent records of the Conference and entered on the "In Memoriam" minute book of the Chancery Court of Davidson County; and the copies be furnished to the members of Judge Lillard's family.

This 8th day of April, 1992

Robert S. Brandt, President

Wheeler A. Rosenbalm, Secretary