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Linville is also recognized as the only remaining judge who was appointed by the Governor of the State of Tennessee rather than the County Legislative Bodies as is the procedure today.

Judge Lonnie Thompson, of Shelby County, president of Tennessee General Session Judges Conference, announced the award at the 2026 conference.

“This award was very unexpected, I am very thankful,� said Linville. “To do your job for so long and then out of the blue you are recognized for your efforts, it’s very gratifying. It makes you feel good.�

Linville ran for office in 1974 and was elected as Circuit Court Clerk. In 1977, the 15th Judicial District in Tennessee was formed and Governor Ray Blanton appointed Linville as the General Sessions Court Judge on July 6, 1977.

Linville isn’t only the longest serving judge in Tennessee or the last governor-appointed judge in the state; he is also the last of the judges that were grandfathered in and allowed to hold a judicial office without holding a license to practice law in the state. Since 1984, General Session court judges must be licensed to practice law in Tennessee.

2026 marks Linville’s 52nd year serving in the court system.

“It’s unbelievable to think the people of this community have kept me in office for 52 years,� said Linville. “It has been the biggest honor to be bestowed on me to have the confidence of the people of this community for so long.�

Serving as a General Sessions judge for the time that he has, Linville has witnessed changes in procedures in the legal system, advancements in technology use for the courts and even some of those “just when you think you’ve seen it all� moments.

“It has been a most interesting career through the years,� said Linville. “Our world today is so fast paced. It’s quite different than it was in 1974.�

When asked if he had any plans to retire, Linville said he still has four years left of his term to serve.

“You know, I never thought I’d be a judge or be one for this long or even live this long — 80 years is a long time,� he said. “As long as my health and mind are good, I’ll continue serving and carrying out my responsibilities.�

Judge Linville is a life-long resident of Trousdale County and one of 14 children born to his parents. He is a graduate of Trousdale County High School and Middle Tennessee State University. He and his wife have two daughters and five grandchildren.