The attorneys and staff of Christian & Small LLP are mourning the loss of our longtime partner and friend, Partner Richard F. Ogle, who passed away on Thursday, Oct. 27, after a courageous fight with pulmonary fibrosis. Our thoughts and prayers, as well as our sincerest condolences, are with his family and friends.

Partner Richard Ogle with Jane Edgerton's grandson, Reeves, at one of the firm's Thanksgiving lunches.
Partner Richard Ogle with Jane Edgerton’s grandson, Reeves, at one of the firm’s Thanksgiving lunches.

To quote from his obituary: “[Richard] had a burning desire to ‘Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.’ This quote was found in his desk shortly after his death. He loved practicing law and was respected for his humility, organization, preparation, integrity and trustworthiness. He cared about his clients and they knew it.”

While his full, formal obituary can be found here, we wanted to take this opportunity to share a few words and remembrances from some of our attorneys and staff members:

“Some years before joining our firm, Richard sued one of our clients and I was selected to defend the case. When I got the case, I thought to myself, ‘Who is Richard Ogle?’ I found out soon enough. Prior to trial, Richard made me a reasonable proposal for settlement. My client and I rejected the offer. We went to trial, and Richard beat me like a drum. Later, we became good friends. Not only was he a great trial lawyer, he was a good person.” ~ Thomas W. Christian, partner

“Richard was not only the ideal partner, he was also a worthy adversary. I know because I tried several cases against him before he joined the firm. I wouldn’t say he always won, but he did more often than not. We will miss him mightily.” ~ Clarence M. Small, partner

“I’m not sure when it started, but one day Mr. Ogle just started greeting me as ‘Sunshine.’ So EVERY time I saw him from that moment on, he greeted me with a ‘Hey, Sunshine!’ or ‘Good Morning, Sunshine!,’ which naturally made me smile, and it always made my day better. I adore that man. Truly.” ~ Janna M. Bearden, legal assistant to Deborah Alley Smith, John W. Johnson II and Michael A. Vercher

“Richard was the consummate lawyer – always available to help with any matter. He was very smart, and it was a pleasure to practice law with him. I will miss him.” ~ Duncan Y. Manley, partner

“I remember a case I had with him a long time ago when Richard was with another firm. It was a case with a number of plaintiffs and a number of defendants. Richard represented a defendant as did I. The lawyers did not get along and there was little tolerance for stupid questions. I asked more than a few of those and got the expected responses, except from Richard. He always treated me with respect, probably more than I deserved.” ~ Edgar M. Elliott IV, partner

“Richard Ogle was a true gentleman – a courteous and honorable man. He was one of the nicest men I have ever had the privilege of working with. When seeing him around the office, you were always greeted by name, and when he asked how you were, he truly wanted to know. Even in the midst of his physical struggles, Mr. Ogle never seemed to become discouraged. He was upbeat and encouraging to others even though he may have been struggling with health issues himself. I will miss seeing him in the office, but am thankful that I was blessed with knowing him.” ~ P. Jane Edgerton, legal assistant to Thomas W. Christian, Duncan Y. Manley, R.A. “Sonny” Ferguson Jr., David B. Walston and David L. Faulkner.

“I saw a plaintiff’s lawyer at lunch yesterday, who told me about a time when Richard represented his former partner in a partnership breakup with him. What the plaintiff’s lawyer told me is a great example of what I will remember of Richard Ogle. He told me that when the breakup was completed and the litigation concluded, that Ogle called to talk with him about how the breakup was going to be the best for both of the lawyers (which the plaintiff’s lawyer I spoke with told me was true), and that he hoped that the lawyer would feel free to call on him if he ever needed any advice on practicing law or any advice on future law firm relationships. The plaintiff’s lawyer told me that he didn’t think that the breakup and subsequent litigation could have ever led him to find a new friend and mentor, but that Ogle had become a friend and mentor to him – even though Ogle was representing his former partner. I wish that all of us could practice law, particularly litigation, with the ability to make friends and mentors out of our adversaries. I will miss him. ~ Richard E. Smith, partner

“Since coming to Christian and Small, I would visit with Richard almost daily, and we would have coffee together. We would discuss current events, politics, law and of course Auburn and Alabama sports. I have known Richard for many years prior to my retirement from the Bench and my coming here. Richard was helpful in my transition from the Bench to that as a Mediator and back into the legal community. He was ever the gentlemen, but also he would be very direct if he believed strongly about a subject. I am going to miss him very much!” ~ Retired Judge R.A. “Sonny” Ferguson

“Mr. Ogle was a kind and generous man. He never met a stranger, always remembered your name after that first meeting, and always had a kind word for everyone.” ~ Diann Lee, accounting

“Richard was the firm’s General Counsel and frequently provided wise counsel to all of us. I thought his memorial service was wonderful and special. I loved the ‘Live for the Long View’ thought and his expression ‘What you don’t understand is…’  I’ll also remember how he helped people who really needed it, his involvement in his fraternity on a national level, and what a good, strong friend, husband and father he was.” ~ Sharon D. Stuart, partner

“Richard was a mentor and was always gracious with his time, especially in working with younger lawyers. He had a way of ‘coaching’ and nudging a young lawyer to reach what was likely the best answer to the question at hand, while always allowing the young lawyer just enough room and freedom to work through the problem on his or her own – so as to take ownership of the best solution and build a little more confidence. In this way, I know Richard has made me a better lawyer. Of course, he always had a little extra time to tell a story on himself or talk politics or sports. Richard was also attentive and engaged in his own practice to the end. Even as his illness prohibited him from putting in the long hours at the office or in the courtroom that he would have liked, he was insistent that he get daily (if not hourly) full and thorough reports on the progress of his matters. He also became an expert in brief-writing and communicating via his iPhone – a skill that I daresay many lawyers of his generation have little interest in learning, much less mastering.” ~ Greer B. Mallette, partner

“My office was next to Richard’s for several years that coincided with at least two of Alabama playoff/national championship seasons. Since I am an Auburn fan, we had great fun talking about the respective weekend games on Monday. He loved his team, and I love mine so we had some rousing chats. I miss his cheerful and playful attitude.” ~ LaBella S. Alvis, partner

“Having not worked closely with Mr. Ogle, I was honored when he thought of me after attending a Bama game or related event. He had received a set of Bama-related fan items, including a lovely Million Dollar Band medallion. He gave the medallion to me, knowing my history in, and enthusiasm for, that band. What a thoughtful man.” ~ Julie G. Guier, legal assistant to Daniel D. Sparks and Bradley R. Hightower

“Richard had a brilliant legal mind, but he never intimidated you with it. He was always available and excited to discuss a case or work through a tough legal issue with you. Richard understood that good lawyers need to be able to trust their instincts and decisions. He had a unique ability to instill self-confidence in the generations of lawyers he mentored.” ~ Michael A. Vercher, partner

“Mr. Ogle was always friendly and caring. He had a greeting and a wave for anyone he encountered, no matter how busy he might be or how he was feeling. As an example, he knew my husband from the YMCA and would always inquire as to how Tom was doing.  Mr. Ogle will be missed.” ~ Lois Medders, accounting

“I first met Richard when I was a young lawyer and we represented co-defendants in a case. As a young associate, I had a very minor role in the case, but Richard always went out of his way to speak to me at depositions and hearings, ask how I was doing and make sure I felt comfortable in a room full of much more experienced lawyers. Although there was no particular reason he should remember me, every time I saw him after that case concluded, he remembered my name and always went out of his way to speak to me. I was thrilled when he joined our firm years later. He was such a pleasure to be around, freely giving of his time, his wit and his wisdom. Our firm was blessed to have him as a partner. He will be truly missed.” ~ Deborah Alley Smith, managing partner

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