Circuit Court Judge Rex Henry Ogle has announced that he will be taking a medical leave of absence starting on June 3. He said that he has sent notification to Gov. Bill Lee who will make a direct appointment to fill the judgeship.
Ogle, 69, has served the Fourth Judicial District, which covers Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson and Sevier counties, since Sept. 1, 1990.
When asked how long he expects the leave to last, he said that he has no idea. “It is an indefinite leave,” he said. “Some of my doctors have advised me to do this. I have issues that I need to take care of, and that is why I am taking leave.”
Ogle has been the longest serving circuit court judge in the history of the Fourth Judicial District.
“The people of Cocke County have been absolutely wonderful,” Ogle said. “They gave me an opportunity to do an important job. The people of Cocke County have welcomed me and my family. They have been so faithful to me. It has been a true joy to serve.”
“This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make,” the judge said. “I would certainly like to return, but I do plan to follow my doctor’s advice.”
Having undergone several surgeries, Ogle said that he has been hospitalized three times since January, “so it is time that I go on leave.” He explained he does not want to be a burden to his fellow judges.
“They (my fellow judges) have been so kind to me. They have their own heavy caseloads and they are taking on my cases as well. They need help,” he explained.
A new courts building is being built in Sevier County, and Ogle said he would love to be able to hold court in that building, but he said, it is most important that the building get finished.
“I have worked with some wonderful judges from Cocke County,” he added, mentioning retired Judge Ben Hooper and the late Judge Kenneth Porter. He also commended the clerks of the court, including Peggy Lane and Kristy Nease.
“I love them all dearly, and they are so special to me,” he added. “I have been treated by Cocke Countians like I am one of their own. I cannot say enough about how wonderful it has been to serve Cocke County. The people of Cocke County have opened their hearts to me and my family, and it has been even greater than I could have imagined.”
Ogle said that he had hoped to complete his term, but it depends on what his doctors tell him in the future.
“It has been a great run. People gave me the opportunity to be involved in some of the most important cases in the county’s history, including violent crimes and murders. I have worked with exceptional individuals and I am proud of the jurors and others who carried the load to see these cases through over the years,” Ogle concluded. “I thank Cocke County from the bottom of my heart.”
Ogle served as president of the Tennessee Judicial Conference 2001-2002. He graduated from the University of Tennessee and Memphis State University.
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