(Murfreesboro) General Sessions Judge Ben Hall McFarlin officially retired October 1, 2021, after serving 23-years on the bench. The Rutherford County Commission selected his son Trey, who has been a licensed attorney for 20-years, to serve his remaining term as General Sessions Judge, Part 1.
As you recall, on June 1, 2021, Judge McFarlin submitted this letter to the commissioners, “It is with deepest emotions I humbly submit this letter of resignation for General Sessions Judge, Part One so that I may officially retire as of October 1, 2021.”
The County Commission then took applications from qualified individuals who wished to serve the remainder of Judge Ben Hall McFarlin's term in office. The commissioners chose local attorney Trey McFarlin, his son. Trey will serve almost 11-months, until retired Judge Ben Hall McFarlin's term ends on August 31, 2022.
Election Administrator Alan Farley noted, "If he wishes to serve another term, he would then need to win next year's (2022) May Primary and August General Election."
Newly installed General Sessions Judge Ben Hall McFarlin, III practiced law with Burger, Scott and McFarlin for almost 20-years.
Swearing-In
So that there would be no break in the judicial chain, the swearing-in of Ben Hall McFarlin, III (Trey) was held at 3:00 o'clock Wednesday afternoon (9/29/2021) in the Rutherford County Judicial Center. The retirement celebration for Judge Ben Hall McFarlin, Jr. took place the following afternoon at 2:00 o'clock (9/30/2021), and both events overflowed with emotions and celebration. The father and son photo below was taken just after the swearing-in of Trey McFarlin.
Above photo by Frank Caperton
A Life of Helping Others
The day after (9/30/2021) swearing-in of the new judge, a special celebration honoring retiring Judge Ben Hall McFarlin, Jr. was held in the Rutherford County Judicial Center. Throughout his life, friends have said that he always treated others in the manner in which he would like to be treated.
On the bench, General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Ben Hall McFarlin built a reputation of honesty with verdicts arrived at through caring, humble and honest interpretations.
In addition to his work in the criminal courts, Judge McFarlin also presided over Veterans Court. In that position he was able to turn-around the lives of many vets who were suffering from PTSD that often-included substance, mental and physical abuse to themselves and those around them.
The judge’s soft-spoken demeanor, built confidence in the veterans and helped them get control of their lives and become positive members of society.
Judge McFarlin grew-up here in Rutherford County and attended MTSU where he met and fell in love with Brenda. They married and had a son and daughter, Trey and Elizabeth.
Ben Hall thoroughly enjoys local history, and, like many others, truly loves Rutherford County.
That allegiance for this community is felt by many who call this area home.
above photo submitted by Mrs. Tate
Judge McFarlin grew-up in Murfreesboro and has many fond memores for those formulative years. He is not the only one with those ties. The above photo was made at a recent General Sessions judges conference. (L-R: Judge McFarlin, Trey McFarlin, and Deborah Taylor Tate).
Deborah Taylor Tate also grew-up in Murfreesboro and attributes the excellent public school system to helping set the groundwork for her future. Prior to being appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as a commissioner with the Federal Communications Commission, she was the chair and director of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. The Volunteer State native is now director of the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.
PROGRAM NOTE
Judge McFarlin will be on WGNS, Thursday morning, Oct. 28, 2021 (8:10-9:00AM Central Time). He will share memories of why he feels the Heart of Tennessee is so special. If you grew-p here or have lived in Ruthrford County for a while, this broadcast will include many memories. For those who have recently moved here, the radio show will help you learn more about your new home.
