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Remembering a Legend: Statement from Motley Rice Co-Founder Joe Rice

Update: Aug. 23, 2013 - Arrangements for the celebration of life and for the burial of Ronald L. Motley, beloved advocate, leader, innovator, father, friend and co-founder of Motley Rice LLC, have been determined. Ron passed away on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013.
  • On Monday, Aug. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m., Ron’s family will receive guests at Motley Rice, 28 Bridgeside Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
  • On Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m., a public service will be held at St. Andrew's Church, 440 Whilden St., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 with a burial immediately following at the Holy Cross Cemetery (located at the intersection of Harbor View Road and Fort Johnson Road on James Island, Charleston, SC 29412).  

All are welcome to attend and pay their respects. Parking is limited at both St. Andrew's Church and the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Mark Elliott Motley Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1014, Charleston, SC 29402. This private foundation was founded in 2002 by Ron to help meet the needs of his community and to honor the memory of his son. The Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt public Charleston, S.C.-area charities that focus on improving the health, education and welfare of children and young adults. 
 
Mt. Pleasant, SC – (Aug. 22, 2013) – It is with the deepest sadness and most profound grief that I share with you that Motley Rice LLC co-founder Ronald L. Motley, 68, passed away today, August 22, 2013. 
 
Ron was a true giant of the legal profession. A trail blazer and innovator. A charismatic master of the courtroom. A tenacious interrogator. The greatest trial lawyer ever. All marked by unmatched courage in going after any wrongdoer, no matter how big and powerful, and by his bottomless well of compassion for those who had been wronged.

Ron and I were partners and close friends for 35 years as we worked together to fight for our clients and their causes to build Motley Rice into what it is today. Not only is this a personal loss to me, Ron’s family, my family and our firm but also for so many more for whom Ron also was a devoted friend, mentor, collaborator, legal adversary and fellow crusader for justice.

Ron’s passing is an incalculable loss for all those he devoted his life’s work to, whether it was people harmed from asbestos exposure, State Attorneys General taking on Big Tobacco, 9/11 family members seeking to bankrupt terrorism, or anyone else who wanted his or her day in court to redress injustice. Ron proudly lived life as a trial lawyer.

All of us at Motley Rice will continue to devote ourselves to carrying Ron’s legacy forward and honoring his life and memory by redoubling our efforts to put the powerless on a level playing field with the powerful, to get them their day in court, and to win justice for all. As Ron would say, “We’ll leave no stone unturned.”

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Read Ron's bio to learn more.

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