CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – John W. Carney Jr., former district attorney general for 19th Judicial District, died Saturday, according to current DA Robert Nash. He was 74 years old.
“Our prayers go out to his family, co workers, friends and colleagues,” Nash said.
Carney retired in September 2021 after 28 years in the position. Carney was elected to office on Sept. 1, 1993, according to Leaf-Chronicle archives.
A native of New Providence, Carney is a 1968 graduate of Clarksville High School. He received his bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Nashville School of Law. He started his career as a criminal investigator with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and served as TBI’s director for two years prior to his election.
Over the years he has had several key responsibilities, including being assigned to Secret Service details protecting former President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. He secured the governor’s office during former Gov. Ray Blanton’s pardons and paroles scandal. And he was instrumental in founding the Montgomery County Child Advocacy Center, assisting with the forensic interviews of child sexual abuse victims, according to the archives.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Correction: Carney was 74.
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