John Howard Roe Jr., one of the founding partners of Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison, died Tuesday after a brief but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mr. Roe, 77, was known for his strong work ethic, his razor-sharp memory, his love of the outdoors and his expert legal acumen. He dedicated himself to providing his clients with not only the best legal advice, but a holistic approach to their business needs and goals. Over his 50-year legal career, he developed an expertise in real estate and tax law and co-wrote the Tennessee Condominium Act of 2008.
“John leaves behind the legacy of a wonderful family and a superb 50-year legal career,” said Tom Sherrard, his friend and business partner of more than 40 years. “We were all the beneficiaries of his wisdom and leadership in establishing our law firm, which is truly a family for all of us. We will miss John terribly and mourn his passing, but we will celebrate our shared memories and remember the kindness he showed others.”
Mr. Roe began his legal career in Atlanta, Ga., and then moved back to Nashville in 1974 to be closer to his childhood home of Clarksville. In 1981, he and Sherrard opened the law offices of O’Hare, Sherrard & Roe, now Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison. He remained active in the firm until his gradual retirement beginning in 2019 and ending only recently.
“John inspired generations in our firm and in our community with his keen intellect, warm humor, generous mentoring, and adventurous spirit,” said Bill Harbison, a partner and longtime leader at the firm.
Mr. Roe was born Dec. 29, 1946, in Springfield, Tenn., to the late John Howard Roe Sr. and Lillian C. Roe. He grew up in Clarksville and got involved in the local Boy Scout troop when he was in elementary school. He spent his summers at Camp Boxwell and rose to the rank of Eagle Scout.
He graduated from Clarksville High School and went on to attend Davidson College, where he received his undergraduate degree. After he graduated from college, he moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt Law School. He received his juris doctor degree in 1972 and graduated first in his class as Founder’s Medalist.
Mr. Roe was committed to the Nashville and Clarksville communities. He was involved in the Nashville chapter of Boy Scouts until his passing, and he was to be honored in April for his lifelong service to the organization. He was a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville, serving as board chair in 2005.
He partnered with one of his best friends from high school, Jerry Clark, to purchase the abandoned 100-year-old building in which his high school was housed. He and Clark restored it into an apartment building, saving the historic structure from demolition. Mr. Roe also helped found the Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park in Clarksville.
In his spare time, Mr. Roe enjoyed sailing, backpacking, canoeing and fishing trips with his family. A lifelong student of history and an adventurer, he enjoyed traveling to places all over the world. His favorite pastimes were hiking, swimming, and sitting on the deck with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends at his home in Monteagle.
Mr. Roe is survived by his wife of 20 years, Jane Buchi Roe; his children, Lillian (Nate) Gilmer, John (Alicia) Roe and Alan (Tatiana) Roe; stepchildren Marla (Topper) Doehring, Hunter (Katty) Connelly and Will (Lauren) Connelly; 15 grandchildren; and his sister, Lynne Wilson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Emily Hunt Roe.
Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Feb. 10. Visitation will be held at 2:30 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.