NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Supreme Court Justice who has served the Tennessee judiciary for 28 years has announced he will retire.
Justice Gary R. Wade said he was set to retire in September. He has served the state as a judge, justice, and chief justice.
Governor Phil Bredesen appointed Justice Wade to the Supreme Court in 2006. He was elected by his fellow justices to serve a two-year term as chief justice in September 2012.
In 1987, Justice Wade was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals where he also served as presiding judge from 1998 until 2006.
“I would like to thank the people of Tennessee who have allowed me to serve since 1975,” Wade said.
“Justice Wade has served with distinction and honor,” Judge Herschel P. Franks said. “His replacement has big shoes to fill, as Justice Wade, through his long career on our appellate courts, has improved the image of our courts through his dedication and exemplary service to the state of Tennessee.”
Officials said Justice Wade’s retirement was set to be effective September 8.
