x
Breaking News
More () »

Federal judge Greer to retire, take senior status

U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer has served on the bench in Greeneville since 2003.

U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer is retiring and will take senior status.

The federal judge, who presides in the Greeneville division of the Eastern District of Tennessee, plans to vacate his position June 30, 2018, according to the U.S. District Court.

By taking senior status, he can continue to carry a docket -- with it a reduced caseload.

Greer has formally notified President Donald Trump of his plans, according to the court.

President George W. Bush nominated Greer for the position in April 2003. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June 2003 and began his service shortly afterward.

Photo: U.S. District Court

Chief Judge Tom Varlan said in a statement: "Judge Greer has served the public with great distinction as a U.S. District judge, and during his tenure he has handled a myriad number of complex civil and criminal cases. He will be greatly missed as an active district judge, but the court is very appreciative of his willingness to continue to hear cases as a senior judge of the district."

Greer was born in Mountain City, Tenn., and attended Johnson County schools.

He got a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University and a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

Greer has worked in private practice and was Greene County attorney in the mid 1980s.

Trump will have to nominate a replacement, subject to approval by the U.S. Senate. Trump has vowed to add more conservative jurists to the judicial branch of government.

Before You Leave, Check This Out