Leader Raumesh Akbari statement on death of longtime Democratic Senator Roy Herron

Dresden, Tenn. native served in the state House, Senate from 1986 to 2012 and then as Chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party

NASHVILLE — Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, issued a statement in response to the death of Roy B. Herron, whose decades of public service included terms in the state House of Representatives, the Senate and as chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party.

Sen. Raumesh Akbari:

Tennessee has lost as true a friend as it ever had.

Roy Herron was a dedicated and joyful warrior for the causes he held dear. Behind that warm smile, he was as tenacious as they come and never better than when he was fighting for public schools, affordable healthcare and working families.

Roy’s lifelong calling for public service took him well beyond his beloved hometown of Dresden. He traveled to every corner of this state, where he then attempted to meet every single person who had gathered nearby.

With Roy, you were only a stranger once.

He was a man of many talents and he employed those gifts often, advocating for “the least of these,” rural communities and real Tennessee values.

Our hearts go out to his wife and sons, his family and friends, and the countless number of people who were touched by his generosity and care.