Longtime Tennessee GOP lawyer John Ryder dies

John Ryder, a Memphis attorney who was active in the state and national Republican parties for decades, has died.

Here is a statement from state GOP Chair Scott Golden:

We have sadly just learned of the passing of our friend and a true champion for all Tennessee Republicans, Mr. John Ryder of Memphis. There are very few in our state that haven’t had the impact of the life of Mr. Ryder. While working as an attorney at the firm of Harris Shelton, he volunteered and consulted in a variety of different capacities in both government and politics. Most recently, he just finished as President’s Trump appointee to the Tennessee Valley Authority. For 16 years he served our state on the board of the Republican National Committee, completing his final tenure as the RNC’s General Counsel. He’s been the Shelby County attorney and led multiple Republican redistricting efforts for the last 30 years. Mr. Ryder has been a confidant of almost every elected Republican in Tennessee for the last half century through his tireless and selfless giving, support, and expertise. With his in-depth knowledge of both legal, bylaw, and rules, Mr. Ryder has crafted the process by which the Republican Party selects our Presidential nominees during his many appearances at the RNC Conventions over the years. His unmatched legacy and resume will never be forgotten by those who knew him and I am fortunate to have called him a friend and mentor as have many Chairmen of the Tennessee Republican Party. Our deepest sympathies are with his wife, Lain, and his family during this time. Thank you for sharing John with the entire State of Tennessee and our Republican family and know that he will be truly missed by many.

And here is Lamar Alexander, a former governor and U.S. senator:

With deft legal skills and an easy manner, John Ryder helped build the Tennessee Republican Party over nearly a half century. He effectively served the Republican National Committee as its counsel and the people of this region as a TVA board member. I admired John and counted him as a friend. Honey and I send our sympathy and respect for his life to Lain and their family.