John William Dalton III

John W. Dalton, III, was an original Nashvillian, as he liked to tell friends. He was born and raised in Nashville and grew up on his family farm on Sneed Road where he lived with his parents, John W. Dalton, Jr. and Jeanne Harvis Dalton, who both predeceased him. John graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy and then headed to the University of Virginia. John later attended law school at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. John’s quick mind, diligence, and highest standard of ethics made the perfect ingredients for a career in law, and he dedicated his talents to the citizens of the State of Tennessee as a public servant in Nashville. Along the way, John worked as an attorney with the legal offices at TennCare and the Department of Health. He spent most of his career as Senior Counsel for the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General and Reporter (CLASS and Education and Employment Divisions) working under five Attorneys General. John advised clients from Memphis to Mountain City on complex matters involving employees of the State’s agencies and higher education institutions. And he fiercely advocated for each of these clients before the courts in his distinctive baritone. Whether arguing motions, conducting trials, or presenting to appellate courts, John was always there to make the case for his clients. Although reserved by nature, John was a supportive and thoughtful person who made life-long friends and touched the lives of countless others. John was always ready to join friends for an after-work or weekend outing—especially if movies, trains, music, or cars were the topic of conversation or the destination of the event. He particularly enjoyed collecting antique cars, train rides on steam trains, and concerts with his friends. John’s quick wit and willingness to help his friends were two qualities that those who knew him could always expect. Although John had battled illness for this past year, his sudden passing was still an unexpected shock. He will be missed by his friends and the legal community. Our sympathies go out to all who knew him.

John supported two local charities, Second Harvest Food Bank of Nashville and the Governor’s Early Literacy for Children program. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these groups in John’s memory.

A gathering of friends and family will take place from 12:30pm to 1:30pm at Mount Olivet Funeral Home & Cemetery, 1101 LEBANON PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN 37210 on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. A Graveside service for John will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023 from 2:00pm to 2:30pm at Calvary Cemetery, 1001 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Dalton family.