Knoxville Bar Association
Annual Meeting - December 8, 2006

KBA President J. Steven Collins presided over the Annual Meeting of the Knoxville Bar Association on Friday, December 8, 2006. More than 300 lawyers and judges were in attendance. Mr. Collins announced that the following KBA members were elected as officers for 2006: Adrienne Anderson - President-Elect, Thomas R. Ramsey, III - Treasurer and Samuel C. Doak - Secretary. The KBA elected the following KBA members to the four open positions on the Board of Governors: Cynthia L. Chapman, Wade V. Davies, Paula R. Voss and Patty K. Wheeler. In addition to these officers elected, Ruth T. Ellis assumed the presidency of the Knoxville Bar Association at the close of the meeting.

When asked about her goals for the KBA in 2007,  Ruth Ellis observed “Knox County lawyers recognize the value of membership in the KBA. Next year we will continue our community service and service to our own members. While acting as the legal profession’s ambassadors to the community, our goal is to help our members meet the challenges of modern law practice and increase their enjoyment and sense of purpose in practicing law.”

The 2006 Knoxville Association Governors Award was presented to Robert E. Pryor, Jr.   Bob Pryor was described by presenter Bill Vines as a person who loves the law and the challenges of the courtroom. A Knoxville native, he attended the University of Tennessee College of Law, graduating in 1969. Bob Pryor has distinguished himself as a practicing lawyer. While serving with distinction as professor and author, Bob’s real strength is in the spoken word due to his wonderful sense of humor. Simply, he is possessed of a natural ability to entertain and so he has tastefully with humor, taught us not to take ourselves too seriously. Those same talents are utilized at a trial where he handles personal injury and professional malpractice cases.

The 2006 President’s Awards were presented to Keith Stewart and Charles A. Young Jr. for their service to the KBA membership and the community. In addition, the family of Judge Carey Garrett was presented with the Courage in the Face of Adversity Award. In presenting the award, KBA member Judith DePrisco acknowledged Judge Garrett’s exceptional courage, unselfishness and professionalism while facing considerable health issues for the last few years as he served as Juvenile Court judge for Knox County.


KBA President Steve Collins provides an overview of activities held during 2006.




Bill Vines provides the KBA membership with some war stories about Bob Pryor who is shown with his wife.



A surprised Bob Pryor graciously accepts the Knoxville Bar Association's highest award.




Bob Pryor is flanked by his family during the award presentation.



DICTA Editor Mike King and Justice Gary Wade present Hon. Joe Tipton with the 2006 DICTA Award.



New Barristers President Penny Arning presents a plaque to Jason Long for serving as Barristers President in 2006.

 Judith DePrisco, who serves on the KBA Professionalism Committee, presents the Courage in the Face of Adversity to the family of Judge Carey Garrett. 

KBA President Steve Collins presents the Presidents Award to KBA members Chuck Young and Keith Stewart.



Incoming President Ruth Ellis presents Steve Collins with a plaque recognizing his contributions as KBA President during 2006.



Ruth Ellis took over as KBA President for 2007 at the end of the Annual Meeting.

A special thanks to Pamela Reeves who graciously agreed to don angel wings this year at the annual KBA meeting. With her assistance, the Knoxville Bar has adopted 50 angels this year.  Pam is shown her with Jenny Rogers and Jennifer White who serve on the Barristers Hunger & Poverty Relief Committee.