Prominent attorney passes suddenly

By Greg Bird
birdman@tmcvoice.com

 

McCreary County Attorney and businessman Tim Lavender passed away suddenly Saturday following an abrupt illness. His loss has been deeply felt across the county.

Lavender, 68, who owned and operated the Hatfield and Lavender Law Office in Whitley City for more than 40 years, was also the owner of the WHAY radio station located below the law office.
In addition to his duties at his law office and radio station, Lavender provided valuable services for the local court system as well as many boards and organizations in McCreary County.
Lavender served as Trial Commissioner for the District court, performing duties such as signing warrants and presiding over pre-trial issues. He also served as Master Commissioner for the Circuit Court – a court-appointed officer presiding over judicial sales of property to enforce judgment in mortgage foreclosure cases.
Additionally, Lavender served as attorney for the McCreary County Water District, and served on boards for United Cumberland Bank and the McCreary County Heritage Foundation.
Needless to say, the loss of Lavender, was felt deeply by his family, friends and those who had a working and professional relationship with the man.
J.C. Egnew, president of the foundation expressed his thoughts on Lavender’s passing.
“Tim was a very good friend,” Egnew said. “He was an outstanding board member for the foundation. He truly had his heart set on the revitalization of Stearns.”
“Tim made a difference, and will certainly be missed by everyone.”
County Attorney Austin Price said he was in shock to learn about the passing, and recounted times they shared a courtroom together.
“I worked with Tim for years,” Price said. “I always respected him and his abilities. He was highly intelligent and we could bounce ideas off each other. I will certainly miss him.”
Sheriff Randy Waters said Lavender had great respect among law enforcement when he served as Trial Commissioner.
“Tim was always there when we needed him to sign a warrant,” Waters said. “He was dedicated to the post and will be a hard person to replace.”
Jim Johnson, President/CEO of United Cumberland Bank, said the loss will be felt deeply.
“Tim served as the bank’s attorney in Kentucky for over 20 years and as a member of our Board of Directors since 2014. He will be missed tremendously by the bank family and his keen knowledge and guidance will be hard to replace.”

His work with the Water District had a deep impact on the growth and success of the department.
“Tim has been with us since 1989,” said Stephen Whitaker, Supervisor of the McCreary County Water District. “He was very instrumental in what the Water District has done over the years. Even our commissioners don’t know how much we relied on him for guidance. I can not express how important he was to us over the many years he has been with us. It is a profound loss and he will be dearly missed and very hard to replace.”

Circuit Court Judge Dan Ballou said it was a shock to hear the news.
“Tim was an outstanding attorney, but an even better person,” Judge Ballou said. “He was a wonderful family man, and certainly will be missed.”

An obituary for Tim Lavender can be viewed on page 6A.