12 Facts About Beverly Briley

Beverly Briley had previously served as county judge of Davidson County for several terms, from 1950 to 1963.

Beverly Briley attended Vanderbilt University before transferring to Cumberland University's law school, graduating in 1932.

Beverly Briley served in the US Navy during World War II as a quartermaster aboard the USS David Taylor.

Beverly Briley was a champion of metropolitan government and supported the merger of Nashville and Davidson County government.

Beverly Briley was prevented by term limits from running again in 1975.

Beverly Briley remained active in Nashville politics until his death five years later.

Beverly Briley readily cooperated with black leaders and is generally credited with helping smooth the transition away from racial segregation in Nashville.

In 1965, Beverly Briley described the Ku Klux Klan as "merchants of hate" and said they were "not welcome" in Nashville.

Beverly Briley died of bladder cancer on September 14,1980, at the Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville at the age of 66, just months after the death of his wife.

Beverly Briley's funeral was held at the Inglewood Baptist Church, and he was buried at Spring Hill Cemetery in Nashville.

The city-owned Beverly Briley Building, a major component of Nashville's redesigned Public Square, was named for him.

Beverly Briley's grandson, Rob Briley, was a politician who formerly represented the 52nd House District, a Nashville district, in the state legislature.