Longtime Democratic Sen. Roy Herron passed away on July 9 due to injuries he received in a jet ski collision on July 1. Herron was known as a devoted family man, attorney, public servant, writer, teacher, and Ironman triathlete.
An attorney from Dresden, Herron had clients from around the state of Tennessee and the region. Herron was in the Tennessee General Assembly for 26 years, where he became senate floor leader and caucus chair for the Democrats. For more than a quarter of a century, Herron held over 1,000 listening meetings and attended every legislative session, missing only one day when his youngest son was born. In 2010, Herron was the Democratic nominee for U. S. Congress (8th Congressional District), and he chaired the state Democratic Party from 2013-15.
Herron graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin. In 1980, he was one of the first two students to earn joint law and divinity degrees at Vanderbilt University. Herron was ordained a deacon in the United Methodist Church in 1980 and was an adjunct faculty member at both UTM and Vanderbilt. He was also the author of four books.
Herron’s legislative career focused on healthcare, public education, consumer protection, and victims’ rights, but his legislative interests and contributions were vast. Herron fought to make healthcare available to all Tennesseans. Along with others, he convinced the legislature to ban smoking in public places to fight the effects of secondhand smoke. He sought always to protect children, the working people of Tennessee, and those who were disadvantaged. His longtime friend, Joe Hill, said, Herron’s advocacy for the “least of these” is also his legacy.
“Roy Herron was a dedicated and joyful warrior for the causes he held dear. Behind that warm smile, he was as tenacious as they come and never better than when he was fighting for public schools, affordable healthcare, and working families,” said Sen. Raumesh Akbari.
According to former Vice President Al Gore: “Roy Herron was a dear friend and one of Tennessee’s most devoted citizens. His untimely passing is a tragedy. Roy was a steadfast advocate for the working people of Tennessee and always stood up for our most vulnerable. My heart goes out to his beloved family Nancy, John, Rick, and Ben.”
Herron is survived by his wife, Nancy Carol; his sons, Rick Herron, John Herron, and Ben Herron; his brother, Ben Herron; his nephews, Richard Herron, Jim Herron, Will Kinton (Melissa) and Sean Dugan; his niece Erin Dugan; sisters-in-law Diane Herron and Jan Dugan (Dennis); as well as great nieces, Taylor Rose, Shelby (Jess) and Lindsey (Mitul); and great nephew, Zeb.
Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Friday, July 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Martin, Tennessee; and from 11-2 pm, Saturday, July 15. The service will begin at 2 pm, Saturday, following visitation. Burial will be at Sunset Cemetery in Dresden.
The Martin Methodist Church will be offering live streaming by going to <www.martinfumc.org>.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to: The Volunteer Center, c/o Mark Maddox, P.O. Box 5, Dresden, Tenn. 38225; or Vanderbilt University Cancer Center, c/o Nancy Miller-Herron, P.O. Box 5, Dresden, Tenn. 38225; or Dresden First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 105 S. Church Street, Dresden, Tenn. 38225
