Gary R. Wade (born May 31, 1948[1]) is a former Chief Justice of the
Tennessee Supreme Court. Following retirement he was named vice president and Dean of Lincoln Memorial University's Duncan School of Law on July 28, 2015, taking the position on September 9, 2015.[2]
Education
Wade received his
Bachelor of Science degree cum laude from the University of Tennessee in 1970 and his
Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1973.[3]
Career
Wade was in private practice from 1973 to 1987. He served as the mayor of
Sevierville from 1977 to 1987. Wade was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals in 1987, and was elected 1988. He was re-elected in 1990, 1998 and 2006. Wade served as presiding judge of the court from 1998 to 2006.
Wade was appointed to the Tennessee supreme court on May 30, 2006, by Governor
Phil Bredesen and took office on September 1, 2006. He was one of four justices on the five-justice court appointed by Bredesen. Wade served as chief justice on September 1, 2012, from to August 31, 2014.
Wade was retained by Tennessee's voters to a full eight-year term on the court in August 2008 and retained again in August 2014 to another eight-year term.[4] Wade retired on September 8, 2015.[5]
The state's Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission recommended Justice Wade be retained for another term in the August 7, 2014 retention election.[6]
Awards and recognition
2011: Scouts of America Great Smoky Mountain Council Good Scout Award
2010: Recipient of the Legacy Award from Friends of the Smokies[7]
2009: Lincoln Memorial University Commencement, Keynote Speaker
2007–2008: Power100, Business TN
2007: Raymond L. Gardner Alumnus of the Year, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity
2007: United States Department of Interior Citizens Award for Exceptional Service
2006: East Tennessee Regional Leadership Award
2006: University of Tennessee College of Law Commencement, Keynote Speaker
2005, 2008: American Legion Boys State, Keynote Speaker
2005: Garden Club of America Conservation Award
2004: Appellate Judge of the Year, American Board of Trial Advocates
2004: Judicial Excellence Award, Knoxville Bar Association[3]
2004: Citizen of the Year, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce
2004: Sevier County High School Wall of Fame
2001: Thornton Athletic Student Life Center Award, University of Tennessee
2000: Walters State Community College Commencement, Keynote Speaker
1999: Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellow
1997–Present: United Way Leadership Society
1996: Pellissippi State Technical Community College Commencement, Keynote Speaker
1996: Superintendent's MVP – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1987: Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Award
1987: Gary R. Wade Boulevard
1987: Key to City Award by City of Sevierville
1987: American Heart Association Presidential Award
1983, 84, 85, 97: Sevier County Mover and Shaker of the Year by The Mountain Press
1980: Outstanding Young Men of America, Who's Who in American Law