CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Judge Ross H. Hicks announced Wednesday that he will retire from his position on the Circuit Court for the 19th Judicial District, effective June 30, 2021.
“I have been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people in the court system,” Hicks said. “I have been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people in the court system.”
The 19th Judicial District consists of Montgomery and Robertson Counties. Hicks was appointed to the 19th District bench by Gov. Don Sundquist in 2002 to fill a vacancy created by the death of Judge James Walton.
Prior to his appointment, Hicks held a private practice in Clarksville for over 30 years with the firm of Cunningham and Mitchell and its successors. During this time, Hicks served for 23 years as the attorney for the Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board and as president for the Tennessee Council of School Attorneys.
Hicks has served as president of the Clarksville area Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Montgomery County Tourist Commission and Clarksville Montgomery County Economic Development Council. He is a former trustee of the Austin Peay State University Foundation and was Chair of the first Metropolitan Charter Commission.
A nonpartisan legacy
In a statement from his office, Hick’s shared his appreciation for bipartisan support throughout his 19 years in office.
After his appointment in 2002, Hicks ran for reelection three times as an independent.
“Each of those elections were nonpartisan, and all candidates were listed as independents on the ballot. I think that is the way it should be, particularly for judicial positions.”
“It is unfortunate that the Republican Party in Montgomery County has chosen to make local elections partisan. I hope they will reconsider that choice with respect to judicial elections,” Hicks said in his statement.
A changing court system
Hicks’ departure marks the third change to Montgomery County’s courts in recent months.
Judge Jill B. Ayers, who has served as a Circuit Court judge for the 19th Judicial District, was appointed to the Middle District Court of Criminal Appeals on Jan. 12 by Gov. Bill Lee.
On the same day, Sharon Massey-Grimes was selected to succeed her late husband, Judge Ray Grimes, on the General Sessions Court, following a vote by the Montgomery County Commission.