Anderson County law director died Friday; service Aug. 1 in Unicoi

Anderson County officials and others are mourning the death of longtime County Law Director Jay Yeager on Friday.

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing. ... Mr. Yeager, a dedicated public servant and esteemed legal professional, passed away Friday, July 26," County Mayor Terry Frank, members of the Anderson County Board of Commissioners, and Commission Chairman Tyler Mayes said in a written statement issued from Frank's office on Monday.

"Mr. Yeager was known for his unwavering commitment to his profession and Anderson County government, having joined Anderson County nearly 23 years ago, on Oct. 29, 2001. His expertise and leadership significantly contributed to our community. He was a constant presence at meetings, active in the operations of government, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.

Nicholas "Jay" Yeager was initially hired as assistant county attorney to then County Attorney Dave Clark, who now serves as the Anderson County district attorney general. He served in that role from 2001 to 2006, when he became law director. He was presently acting as a 2024-2025 Officer of the Tennessee County Attorney Association. He was awarded the Tennessee County Attorney of the Year for 2024, according to his obituary.

Prior to getting his law degree, he worked in law enforcement for many years as a police officer, sergeant, and member of the Gwinnett County Bomb Squad and SWAT teams in Georgia.

"His contributions extended beyond his professional role; he was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend to many. In his committed dedication to his work, he built relationships that he held for a lifetime," the statement continued. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Yeager’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time."

Yeager turned 65 last Tuesday, July 23. He leaves behind his father, a sister, two children and three grandchildren. His wife, Linda Marie Yeager, died in 2018.

Visitation for Yeager will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, Tennessee, with the funeral service to follow at 1:30 p.m. Internment following the funeral service will be held at Roselawn Memory Gardens, 3033 South Roan Street, Johnson City, Tennessee. The full obituary can be found at ledfordfuneralhomes.com .

Asked about Yeager's position within county government, the commission chairman in an email said the Legal Services Advisory Committe, headed by Frank, will convene and "discuss the path moving forward."

The Oak Ridger's News Editor Donna Smith covers Oak Ridge area news. Email her at dsmith@oakridger.com and follow her on Twitter@ridgernewsed.

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This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Anderson County law director died Friday; service Aug. 1 in Unicoi