Charles R. Terry (1933-2009)
Charles R. Terry was born in Greeneville, Tennessee on May 7, 1933. He was admitted to the Bar in 1957; to the U.S. Court of Military Appeals in 1957; and to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, in 1957.
A founding member of Terry, Terry & Stapleton, he led the
firm until his passing in 2009.
Charlie earned his B.S. from East Tennessee State University in 1955, his J.D. at the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1957, and he was named a "Distinguished Member of the Faculty of the American Board of Trial Advocates National College of Advocacy" at Harvard Law School in 1973.
Among Charlie's prestigious career achievements were:
- Member, Tennessee and American Bar Associations
- Certificate of Merit for Career Distinction, East Tennessee State University, 1982
- Who's Who in Tennessee, Distinguished Service Award
- American Board of Trial Advocates: President, Tennessee Chapter 1997; Treasurer, Tennessee Chapter 1996; National Board of Directors 2000-01
- Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association: President 1968-69; Board of Governors 1973-74; 1975-76
- Hamblen County Bar Association, President 1978
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America; State Committeeman 1980-81
- Member of Faculty, American Trial Lawyers Association Student Advocacy Program 1967-69
- Chairman, Student Advocacy Program 1972-73
- Captain, Judge Advocate General Corps, U.S. Army 1958-60
- Chairman of the Committee on Admissions for the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville
During his 51-year career, Charlie lectured extensively through the southeast to medical societies, legal seminars and at law schools on trial practices, forensic medicine, products liability, and the preparation and trial of civil lawsuits. He was invited to participate in a movie produced by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America in conjunction with the University of Michigan College of Law. The movie was distributed and used as a teaching aid by various law schools through the southeast.
Charlie's practice areas included Personal Injury, Products Liability, Medical Malpractice, Federal Employers Liability Act and Criminal.
Charlie practiced with his daughter, Denise Terry Stapleton and son, F. Braxton Terry. Charlie's oldest son, Charles R. "Chuck" Terry, Jr. works in the law firm as a legal assistant and trial technician.
Charlie was married to Florence Terry and they resided in Russellville. He enjoyed their three children and their families, including five grandchildren. Charlie was an avid Tennessee Walking Horse enthusiast and was actively involved in the breeding and showing of the Tennessee Walking Horses throughout the southeast.
