Roy Herron, a longtime influential member of the Tennessee political community, died on Saturday from catastrophic injuries suffered in a jet ski accident a week earlier at Kentucky Lake, where the Herron family owned a lodging.
Herron, 69, had served several terms in the Tennessee state House of Representatives and later the state Senate. He was first elected to the House in 1986 to succeed fellow Dresden resident Ned McWherter, who was elected governor that same year. Herron later was a candidate for a seat in the U.S. Congress and served a term as chairman of the state Democratic Party.
He was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where he had been flown. He had never regained consciousness after the accident, which occurred when a personal watercraft containing himself and Kayla McDonald, a member of a group vacationing with his son Benjamin, was hit from the rear by another watercraft traveling at high speed.
Most of the party were associates of the younger Herron, who was taking a weekend break from his studies at Emory University Medical School in Atlanta.
Reports indicate that, when their craft was struck, Herron was accompanying McDonald, who was driving to a pontoon float where other members of the party were gathered. McDonald’s injuries were also severe.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency identified the driver of the craft that collided with that of Herron and McDonald as 24-year-old Peter Fagachugad. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Fagachugrad’s craft may also have contained an 11-year-old. The TWRA is continuing to investigate.
During his years in the legislature, which began when the Democrats held uncontested power in both chambers, it was widely considered an inevitability that he would ascend to higher office. He was highly personable and was well liked on both sides of the political aisle.
Ninth District Congressman Rep. Steve Cohen, who served in the legislature with Herron, remembered him as a spark-plug, a standout orator, and a key member of the Democratic contingent. “We all thought he was on his way to the top,” Cohen said.
He had served as Democratic caucus chair of the state Senate and declared for governor in 2010 before switching to a race for the 8th Congressional seat when the U.S. House incumbent, John Tanner, opted not to run for reelection.
As it turned out, 2010 was the watershed year when overall sentiment in Tennessee, long a Democratic stronghold, passed to the Republican Party, and Herron was defeated by Republican Stephen Fincher of Frog Jump. Herron’s election to a two-year term as state Democratic chair would come in 2013.
Along with his prowess in politics, Herron was a standout athlete, who ran numerous marathons and regularly participated in iron-man triathlons. He was also the author of four books and numerous articles. He was an Eagle Scout and an alumnus of the University of Tennessee-Martin and Vanderbilt University.
He was a devoted family man. Dennis Dugan of Memphis, where Herron spent much time, said, “We were close. He was much loved within the family and outside as well.”
The Rev. Nancy Carol Miller-Herron, Roy’s spouse of 36 years, said in a statement. “Roy loved his family with all his might. He passed doing what he loved most — spending time with our sons and their friends in the Tennessee outdoors where his spirit was always most free. Roy was defined most by the love and care he showed so many. We know his thoughts and prayers would now would be with our friend, Kayla McDonald, who was also injured in the collision and who is recovering from her injuries.”
The Tennessee House Democratic Caucus is mourning the passage of former state lawmaker Roy Herron. Herron served in the State Legislature for more than a quarter century, first as a State Representative for a decade and then as the State Senator for the 24th District for 16 more years. He also served as Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party.
House Minority Leader Karen Camper spoke on Herron’s love of people and his love of God:
“Roy loved his family and loved representing his neighbors in West Tennessee. He always considered it an honor to be their voice in Nashville. He was also a God-fearing man who wrote books advising on how Christians can also serve in politics.”
House Democratic Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons also spoke on Herron’s legacy:
“Throughout his life, Roy Herron worked tirelessly for the people of Tennessee. As a lawmaker, I have sincerely appreciated and valued his sage advice and perspective over the years. Roy was a true public a servant and a man of faith who loved his family, his fellow Tennesseans, and our great State. Roy Herron will be missed by all.”
In addition to his wife, Herron is survived by his three sons, John, Rick, and Benjamin; his brother, Ben; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Arrangements for the funeral are pending, but it is expected to be held on Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Martin.
