Judge Boyette Denton Recognized During Plaque Unveiling Ceremony {video}

08/13/2025 Author Jennifer Smeltser

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, family, friends, and colleagues of Judge W. Boyette Denton gathered at the Hardeman County Criminal Justice Complex to honor him and witness the unveiling of a plaque recognizing several of his accomplishments achieved during his career. The seats were filled in General Sessions Court Room 2, where the ceremony was held, just like any other day in court. What was different about the moment was smiling faces were seen on everyone and all the people were happy to be there for the “day in court”.

General Sessions Judge Harriet Thompson shared complimentary words about Judge Denton. She also shared additional accomplishments achieved by Judge Denton, which were too many to be included on the plaque. Other people who shared kind words and memories about Judge Denton included Judge Charles “Chip” Carey and Judge Steven Hornsby.

Dorothy Gatewood, who worked in General Sessions, Circuit, and Juvenile courts for 43 years shared kind words about her experience working with Judge Denton.

“He was a very smart and pleasant man to work with. I think it is wonderful him being honored,” said Ms. Gatewood, who retired in 2019.

As a public defender for more than 30 years, Shana Johnson started working in Hardeman County in 1989. The first judge she worked with was Judge Thomas Ray Moore, and later she had a lot of experiences working with Judge Denton.

“Judge Denton started the recovery court which was near and dear to his heart and mine,” said Ms. Johnson, who shared a favorite memory of working with Judge Denton. “There was a need for an attorney on a case with multiple defendants. It was Halloween, and I requested someone to come over and help. Although Denton said he knew nothing about criminal law, I assured him it would only take one hour, it will be easy, I assured him. Six hours later, we were still going at 10 p.m. that evening. His wife had to bring his daughter over, so he could see her Halloween costume. After that, I don’t think he ever did another criminal case.”

On March 31, 2024, Judge Denton, a third-generation lawyer, announced he would be stepping down as the Hardeman County General Sessions judge. His early retirement was due to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which he shared had “progressed to the point where I have very limited mobility, in getting from one area to the next without falling and injuring myself.”

At the unveiling ceremony, Judge Denton was joined by his wife, children and their spouses, and his grandchildren. Although Judge Denton would have been fine without the recognition, it is an event, which many of his peers were insistent should happen.

“He in no way wanted any of it, but they kept saying we need to do this plaque. They were insistent on it! He is very grateful and honored to be recognized like this and the family is also proud of him,” said Mrs. Denton.

Since his retirement, in spite of his medical condition, Judge Denton and Melissa, have stayed quite busy spending time with their family – children and grandchildren, as well taking the time to travel.