It is with great sadness that Bass, Berry & Sims announces the passing of our esteemed colleague John Richard “Dick” Lodge, Jr., on September 20, 2024. Dick was an integral part of our firm, joining in 1985 and dedicating 33 years to the practice of law and leadership in government advocacy and public policy.
A Sewanee, Tennessee, native, Dick graduated from the University of the South (Sewanee) in 1971 before earning his J.D. from Vanderbilt School of Law in 1974. His remarkable career included serving in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office and as legislative director for U.S. Senator Jim Sasser. His passion for public service included serving as chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party, the first chair of the Sports Authority of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville, and several terms on the Sewanee Board of Regents. Dick’s dedication to his community was evident in his service at Christ Church Cathedral as Senior Warden, Legal Services of Middle Tennessee, and Thistle Farms.
At Bass, Berry & Sims, Dick led the Government Advocacy & Public Policy Group, serving as a trusted advisor to colleagues; Tennessee’s top leaders; and notable clients, such as the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. His calm demeanor, thoughtful approach, and unwavering loyalty earned him the respect of everyone around him.
“Dick was an esteemed member of our firm and a guiding force in our community. As we grieve his loss, we remain profoundly thankful for his years of service, leadership, and friendship,” said Todd Rolapp, managing partner of Bass, Berry & Sims. “His dedication to his work and unwavering support for others have made a lasting impact at our firm and beyond. We feel privileged to have shared in Dick’s journey, and he will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dick was known for his love of travel, avid bird watching, adventurous culinary palate, insistence on “Outlaw Country” on long road trips and, most importantly, devotion to his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Virginia “Gina” Lodge, his children Sarah Lodge Tally (Trey) and Richard Matthew Lodge (Rachael), and his beloved grandchildren. Dick’s strong spiritual faith, good humor, warmth, love, and unwavering commitment to his family were central to his life. He also loved to prepare a good meal for friends and family, a talent with roots in his family’s Lodge Cast Iron business.
We extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to Dick’s family and many friends. A full obituary and funeral details can be found here.