Retired Bankruptcy Judge Tom Stinnett Dies At 72

  • Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Judge Tom Stinnett
Judge Tom Stinnett

Retired Chattanooga Bankruptcy Court Judge Robert Thomas "Tom" Stinnett died Tuesday at the age of 72.

Judge Stinnett had retired effective Jan. 3, 2010, after reaching age 65.

The native of Nashville was practicing law in Knoxville with the firm of Stone and Hinds when he was appointed to the Chattanooga post on May 4, 1994.

After serving a 14-year term, he was re-appointed in May 2008.

Judge Stinnett said at the time, "I love the job, but it's time to give somebody else the opportunity to serve."

He handled the Wheland Foundry bankruptcy as well as the Standard-Coosa-Thatcher case and the bankruptcy of Toby McKenzie of Cleveland, Tn.

He graduated from East Nashville High School, then completed the University of Tennessee in 1968. Afterwards, he was commissioned a second-lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served in Naples, Italy, from 1968-1971.

He returned to UT and completed law school in 1974.

He was married to the former Libby Parrott for 48 years. Her father, Judge James Parrott, was clerk of Federal Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, then was presiding judge of the Tennessee Court of Appeals.

The Stinnett sons are Rob, of Franklin, Tn., and Jay, of Knoxville.

He was past president of the Chattanooga Civitan Club and  was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 30 years.

The family said that Judge Stinnett "loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, bridge at the Chattanooga Bridge Center and being with both new and lifelong friends.  Tom loved the warmth and sunshine of winters in Mexico and the camaraderie of friends and neighbors he met there.  He spent many hours 'holding court' at the pool, winning at poker and bridge and hosting many house guests.  Wherever he was on Feb. 29, he always had fun on his leap year birthday and delighted in reminding you that this year was only his 18th birthday. Tom loved life, never met a stranger and relished every new day.

The family will receive friends and celebrate his life Friday at the Mountain City Club, 729 Chestnut St., from 4-6 p.m.

The funeral service will be Monday at 4 p.m. with burial following in the columbarium at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 544 N. Broadway, Knoxville.   Friends and family will gather in the fellowship hall following the service to celebrate and share memories of Tom’s life.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. 
Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 3/28/2024

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ADERHOLT, FELICIA DAWN 1110 ST CLAIR ST DUNLAP, 37327 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous ... more

Signal Mountain Must Determine How To Use Remainder Of ARPA Funds
  • 3/27/2024

The town of Signal Mountain has $358,637 remaining from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds it received and there must be a plan in place by the end of the year for how the money will be ... more

2 Men Charged In Dalton For January Drive-By Shooting
  • 3/27/2024

The Dalton Police Department has charged two men for their roles in a Jan. 28th drive-by shooting near downtown Dalton. Joshua Lee Edwards, 36, of Dalton was charged with two counts of aggravated ... more