(DRESDEN, TN) Long time attorney, legislator and outdoor enthusiast Roy Brasfield Herron passed away Sunday morning (7/9/2023) after suffering from a jet ski accident a week ago Saturday (7/1/2023) on Kentucky Lake. 

The 69-year-old had been in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for the past week. He sustained numerous injuries in a water accident. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years Nancy Miller-Herron and their three sons, John, Rick and Ben.

WGNS communicated with longtime friend and fellow broadcaster Paul Tinkle, president of Thunderbolt Broadcasting who told us that he had interviewed Herron more than a hundred times. Tinkle is a west Tennessee broadcaster and industry leader and member of the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters. 

Tinkle said, “Roy was soft spoken and when he spoke, he looked you right in the eye and made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. No matter who else was in the room. Roy had a special charisma that was genuine. Without question, Herron’s faith was more important to him than anything else.” Tinkle explained, "On the day of the accident, Herron was taken to the Henry County Medical Center in Paris, and then air-lifted to Vanderbilt, where he was in intensive care. He was placed in palliative care Sunday (7/9/2023) before he passed away. 

The West Tennessee leader was active in many political campaigns including President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore’s election. He unsuccessfully sought the 8th District House seat after Congressman John Tanner announced he would not seek re-election.  Herron also served as Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee in 2013 where he served one term.

Herron also authored four books “Things Held Dear: Soul Stories for My Sons,” Tennessee Political Humor: Some of These Jokes You Voted For,” How Can A Christian Be in Politics? A Guide Toward Faithful Politics” and “God and Politics: How Can A Christian Be In Politics?” Outside of politics Herron competed in many marathons and Ironman Triathlons.  He also was an avid bicyclist.

Former state representative and close friend Phillip Pinion said “Roy was always thinking about the people first.”

Dresden Mayor Mark Maddox, who succeed Roy Herron in the House of Representatives when Herron ran for the State Senate said “Dresden has lost a piece of its rich history with Roy’s passing.  His gift was helping people.”

He was a graduate of Dresden High School, UT Martin and Vanderbilt University where he received his Law and Masters of Divinity degrees. Herron succeeded Ned Ray McWherter in the Tennessee House of Representatives when McWherter became governor in 1986.  Herron would serve 26 years in the House and Senate combined.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.