yesterday's tennessee

Robert Livingston

By Lillye Younger

Rural People Best

DECATURVILLE, Tenn. — A love for rural West Tennessee is the reason cited by attorney Robert I. Livingston for moving from Memphis to open a law practice in Decaturville.

"I felt like coming to the rural area to serve the people," the youthful attorney says. "I really classify myself as West Tennessean rather than a city person."

"Rural people to me are genuine in their outlook and attitudes. They are what they are with no pretense. The only change is when a rural person goes to the big city and makes good and returns to the area and looks down on the rural class of people. This behavior never ceases to amaze me."

Livingston began his career in Memphis Feb. 7, 1955. In June of the same year he moved to Jackson where he practiced law in the office of the late Sen. Keith Short for two years.

In May 1958 he joined Charles E. Nearn, now judge of Division Four of the general session court of Shelby County, practiced as a partner of Judge Nearn until he was appointed to the General Sessions bench by Gov. Frank G. Clement in June 1965.

He has served as assistant public defender of Shelby County, and also has served as assistant city attorney of the city of Memphis under F. Patrick Johnson.

"I've been so busy in church work I haven't had time to enjoy a hobby; however, I like to fish when I have time," he explained. A member of the Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, he served as second vice chairman of the deacon body, also as a member of the board of directors and teacher of a men's Bible class of the church. "If I'm not at home, I'm working at the church or at the office," he comments.

His office hours are from 8:30 until 4:30 Monday through Saturday. He commutes daily. from Memphis to Decaturville; however, he plans to move his family to Decaturville when school is out.

Livingston is a Mason, member of the American, Tennessee and Memphis and Shelby County bar associations, as well as the American Trial Lawyers Association.

He. attended Memphis State University, Union University at Jackson, and graduated from Memphis State University Law School.

Having been reared in Memphis, the pleasant lawyer said, "I consider myself a misplaced country boy."

He is married to the former Betty Ann Phillips of Henderson. They have five children: Robert Jr., 15; Linda Carol, 12; James, 10; George, __; and Kathy, 6.