John Clinton Hayworth, age 52, of Nashville, Tennessee died on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Born on December 10, 1967 in Memphis, John spent his formative years on Penrose Farm in Knoxville, Tennessee. Starting at a young age, he worked every aspect of the farm, including caring for the numerous horses, driving the tractor and the farm truck and breaking the first ice off the troughs. John first developed his lifelong love of the great outdoors on the farm, especially hunting and fishing. During high school, he attended Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut, a place and time that John held dear. After graduating from Colby College in 1990, John moved to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt University Law School earning his degree in 1993. He was also a member of the Order of the Coif.
After completing a year as a Federal District Court clerk, John entered private practice in Nashville. He engaged in a long successful litigation practice at Bass, Berry and Sims; Walker, Tipps and Malone; and Butler Snow. A well-respected litigator, he brought a quiet and determined approach to each case; his thoughtful judgment was widely appreciated.
A community leader, John served on the boards of Harding Academy, the Economics Club of Nashville, and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. He was also a communicant of St. George’s Episcopal Church and a member of Belle Meade Country Club. Most recently, John taught undergraduate business law at Belmont University.
John’s sense of humor and his laugh were contagious. He was well read, had a keen intellect and could tell a story like no other. His famous dance splits at parties were the highlight of any gathering. His gentle spirit, quick wit and devotion to his beautiful family and loyal friends will be missed and remembered.
He is predeceased by his mother, Carol Easler Hayworth and by his father, Dr. Ray Milton Hayworth. He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Martha Hacker Hayworth; daughter Margaret Manning Hayworth and son John Hedges Hayworth. He is also survived by his mother, Christine Goodman Hayworth, and sisters Leslie Hayworth(Sid) Johnson, Katherine Hayworth Sims and Debbie Hayworth, as well as his in-laws Margaret and Larry Hacker and brother-in law Jim(Shelley)Hacker.
A small private family service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT, 06070. Please indicate the gift is “In memory of John Hayworth.”
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18