William P. Ortale

Mr. Ortale passed away at the age of 79 on May 21, 2010, after a year's valiant battle with cancer.  In 1952, Bill graduated with degrees in political science and chemistry from Hanover College in Hanover, IN.  He attended law school at Vanderbilt, graduating in 1955, and went to work as a claims adjustor with State Farm Insurance for eight years.  In 1971, he founded the law firm of Ortale, Kelley, Herbert & Crawford with John W. Kelly, Jr., David B. Herbert and William H. Crawford, Jr.  The firm today comprises over 50 people, including staff.  Mr. Ortale was a fellow in the Nashville and Tennessee Bar Associations, and was active in numerous industry and charitable organizations, including the Tennessee Defense Lawyers, the Vanderbilt Law School National Alumni Council, the Exchange Club of Nashville, and the Jaycees.  He was a member of Richland Country Club and a regular speaker and joke-teller with the World War II Club.  Over the past 30 years, Bill and his surviving and beloved wife, Jean, traveled extensively to France, Italy, Russia and China.  He is sorely missed, but fondly remembered by his family, friends, and firm.  His spirit and energy live on in the Ortale, Kelley, Herbert & Crawford Firm.