In April, the Shelby Avenue pedestrian bridge was renamed after John Seigenthaler at an event attended by top state and city officials. Credit: Metro Photo Services

John Seigenthaler – a journalist, political advisor and civil rights advocate – has died at age 86. He passed away at home, surrounded by family, according to his son.

The former publisher of The Tennessean rose the ranks starting as a police beat reporter at the paper. He would also leave to work under Robert Kennedy who was U.S. Attorney General. During the Civil Rights fights, he also worked as the Kennedy Administration’s chief negotiator with the governor of Alabama. Seigenthaler became such a figure in Nashvhille that the Shelby Avenue pedestrian bridge was named in his honor this year.

“Today we lost an iconic figure in Nashville’s history — a man who stood for inclusiveness long before it was synonymous with our city’s culture,” Mayor Karl Dean said in a statement.

His son,  John M. Seigenthaler, had this to say:

“He was proud of his hometown, Nashville, and grateful for the opportunity to share his energy and passion with this community. We celebrate his life—his devotion to social justice, his advocacy of human rights, and his enduring loyalty to friends and family.”

WPLN interviewed Seigenthaler about his life and legacy in May. Take a listen:

The family has released the following information regarding services:

Visitation
John Seigenthaler Center
Nashville, Tenn.
3-6 p.m.
Sunday, July 13, 2014

Funeral Mass
Cathedral of the Incarnation
Nashville, Tenn.
10 a.m.
Monday, July 14, 2014