07/11/2025
The Legal Community has lost a great litigator, mentor, and colleague. We are honored to celebrate the life and Roger Bean today and take a moment to reflect on a great career full of public service and a commitment to his clients.
Roger James Bean of Tullahoma passed away on Saturday, July 5th, 2025 at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital at the age of 70. Roger was born in Spartanburg, SC to the late James M. and Peggy Rogers Bean. Roger graduated from The University of Tennessee with his B.S. in 1976, followed by his J.D. in 1979 - a true VFL. He went on to practice law for over 45 years. Roger was an excellent trial attorney, trying many jury and non-jury trials over his 45 years, and having attained the highest possible rating of 5.0 out of 5.0 from Martindale Hubbell- an international peer rating service company. He was a member of numerous professional associations, including the Coffee County Bar, the Tennessee Bar, the American Bar, the Trial Lawyers of America, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers of America. Roger was blessed with truly wonderful friends. From Vol Saturdays in Knoxville, four-wheeling in Tullahoma, to countless rounds of golf, their love for each other and love of having a good time runs deep! Traveling was a passion of Rogers, especially cruises. He visited Italy, Switzerland, France, Scotland, the Bahamas, Alaska, St. Martin, as well as countless destinations across the United States, including many fondly remembered ski trips to Colorado and Utah. Above all else, Roger loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. Roger and his high school sweetheart Linda had just celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. Their love was unconditional, and they took care of each other and supported one another in every way. Roger’s relationship with his son, Michael, was incredibly special. Their love for the UT Vols is unmatched, with golf coming in at a close second. No one was more excited than Roger to become a grandpa, or as his beloved JM and Annie called him, “RoRo”. JM and Annie were his pride and joy, and while many may remember Roger for his accomplishments in the courtroom, he was happiest on the floor playing trains, throwing the ball, or giving a bottle at any given moment. Roger valued his family, and made time to see his brother, Rick and their extended family any time that he could. Roger is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Linda Limbaugh Bean; one son, Michael Bean (Rebekah); two grandchildren, JM and Annie Bean; one brother, Rick Bean (Cathy); one niece, Laura Bean-Allen (Tony); one nephew, Eric Bean (Kirsten); and great-nieces and nephews, Levi, Maya, Jayden, Eithan, and Lailah. Visitation for Roger will be held on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 from 5:00-8:00pm at Kilgore Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place Friday, July 11th at 11:00am in the Kilgore Funeral Home chapel with Pastor Joe Rutherford and Rev. Eric Bean officiating. Burial will follow at Franklin Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Roger’s memory be made to the Tullahoma Animal Shelter – 942 Maplewood Ave. Tullahoma, TN 37388.
🧡The family requests that attendees wear their favorite Tennessee orange to services 🧡