The Last Ride

by Martha Smith Tate

The Last Ride is the first book ever written about the murder of prominent Nashville citizen W. Haynie Gourley on May 24, 1968, and the heart-stopping, controversial trial that riveted the city of Nashville, Tennessee, and caused a sensation during the summer of 1969. Set primarily amid the racial turmoil following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, the book traces the circumstances leading up to the killing of the popular, self-made millionaire Chevrolet dealer, the extensive manhunt and police investigation, and the improbable grand jury indictment of a popular former college football star. The work follows the life of Haynie Gourley, from before an unspeakable tragedy at age eight leads to a lonely, impoverished childhood in Cross Plains, Tennessee, to his 1915 arrival as a teenager in Nashville where he takes a job as an itinerant salesman of men's made-to-order suits, to his months in the trenches of France during WWI, to his prominence in the city's automobile industry, and his rise in the society of wealthy Belle Meade, becoming a member of the exclusive Belle Meade Country Club. The story is told against the backdrop of the founding and growth of Nashville, the nascent Civil Rights movement, the racial climate at Vanderbilt University during the still-segregated 1960s, along with the social history of the charmed Gourley family. The story centers around the events of the morning of May 24, 1968. Haynie Gourley, owner and founder of a successful automobile dealership, Capitol Chevrolet Company, agrees to go for a ride with his forty-year-old business partner. The two return to the dealership 15 minutes later. Haynie, 72, is dead of three gunshot wounds - one just below the left ear, a second to the neck, and a third to the chest. The shocking murder of a much-beloved citizen sets off a year of Where is the mysterious Black killer who vanished after jumping into the back seat of Haynie's car as he rode down Elm Hill Pike with his business partner? The murder occurred just as Haynie was about to realize his dream of having his only son take over and run his lucrative business. The timing of the murder is immediately suspicious, and the ownership of one of the most lucrative car dealerships in the South is in doubt. For the first time ever, the author pieces together the events and evidence that bring into question the outcome of this notorious case. The two families involved kept silent for 50 years, refusing pleas by journalists and authors hoping to write about the murder and trial. Haunted by memories of sitting through the nail-biting trial where Tennessee's legendary legal giants faced off in a tense courtroom drama, the author spent three years interviewing those involved who still survive and carefully studying the 2,400-page transcript and delving into countless news stories about the crime. This was Nashville's most publicized trial ever, covered obsessively by local broadcast TV stations and the two daily newspapers, the Nashville Banner and The Tennessean. Both papers printed the entire transcript of the trial as it happened. Even today, the story still fascinates.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

461 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Hugh Atkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very informative. I grew up just north of Nashville and was nearly 10 years old at the time of the murder of W. Haynie Gourley. I met Bill Gourley, Jr. when he owned the Chevrolet dealership in Ashland City, Tennessee and played on a softball team with him and some of his employees in a game against some other merchants of the city, so I had a real interest learning more about the murder trial. That being said, I feel like Tate spent too much time on the social status of the Gourleys--the clubs they belonged to, social events they attended, fraternities and sororities the Gourley children belonged to, the fashion choices of Mrs. Gourley, etc. While I believe it was important to let readers know of their wealth, Tate seemed to cross over into hero worship of their lifestyle. The coverage of the actual trial got a bit tedious, but in the end, Tate gave good insight into how the trial played out, the mistakes of the prosecution team, and the thoughts of many of the people present during the trial. If you remember this murder and the ensuing trial, this book will give you a good perspective on what the Gourley family endured.

[Deepa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would. The combination of the Nashville history, the inside look into the lives of 1960’s socialites, and the absolutely wild criminal justice system made this a very compelling read. If it weren’t true, it’s a story you never would believe. Recommend this one to anyone who likes non-fiction, true crime, history, courtroom procedurals, or strange-but-true type stories, especially if you have a Nashville connection.

[Emily Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! My husband read this first in two days, and then I did the same in 3 days! Fascinating. Sad. Especially resonated since I live outside of Nashville and know the area. Highly recommend!

[Katherine Caire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is primarily about a horrendous Nashville murder that happened in May, 1968, that sadly, remains unsolved to this day. The book was brought to my attention recently when I was promoting my own memoir at a book festival. Suddenly, the gentleman sitting next to me begins to tell me the details of the agonizing story behind this book, when I realize that he is the son of the man who was murdered in cold blood fifty-four years ago. That son, barely out of college when he lost his father, is now seventy-seven, and has never talked about the details in any public forum until now.

The author not only does a great job relaying the details of the Gourley family’s life, but also brings us along for a ride through the upper crust social scene of Belle Meade (in Nashville) during that time period. She also weaves in a generous helping of Nashville’s history, which complements the events of the story.

The criminal trial of the business partner of the deceased is laid out in painstaking details, due to the fact that the author obtained the 2,400 pages of transcripts from the trial, published in their entirety in the local papers.

I found this book to be very gripping and laid out in a well thought out fashion. Throughout the story, my heart was in pieces, thinking of the pain that the deceased’s family went through, not to mention that the outcome allowed for absolutely no closure for the Gourleys.

I suspect that many who read this fascinating true story will be reminded of another U.S. trial that went awry back in 1995.

[Kathy Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who grew up in Nashville, this event and trial are lodged in our memories. Second only to the Marcia Trimble murder, this case has garnered much attention over the years. Martha Tate does an admirable job laying out the facts and the timeline of events. She was thorough in her research and had the cooperation of Billy Gourley, son of the slain Haynie Gourley, to add his personal touch to the proceedings. I also enjoyed the first part of the book, which detailed Haynie Gourley's hardscrabble childhood. This makes the story even more poignant and tragic in the end. Like most Nashvillians, I thoroughly believe Bill Powell was guilty of murdering Haynie Gourley. I was astounded that he was acquitted and carried these secrets to his grave. I only hope that Billy Gourley and his family (while they will never get over this) have been able to move forward and have a productive life, even though it is not the life they planned.

[Betsy Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vacillating between three and four stars. The topic is a high profile murder during some of Nashville’s most corrupt years and is both fascinating and disgusting. The story of the murder is one of greed and the outcome is known prior to reading the book. The disgust comes from the sloppiness of the investigation, the brazen racism and the clumsy prosecution. Today we marvel that such behavior could have been tolerated. The author starts her book from day one even before the formation of TN on up to the present. Not sure whether all of that background was necessary, think it could have been bypassed but then again not all readers are familiar with TN history. Tate did an enormous amount of research in the writing of this book and only thing that would have added to it was to have included an index.

[Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was working in my hometown in Georgia in 1968 and have a vague memory of the nightly news from an Atlanta station reporting on the murder of the owner of a Chevrolet dealership. The sensational murder story was widely covered. I’ve lived in the Nashville area since 1991 so when I came across this book, it got my attention. The author is to be commended for her well researched skillful telling of the events. It was a page-turner. I appreciate the Nashville history that Tate built into the story. I was telling a friend about the book, and they were reading it as well. The friend said that Tate was obviously in the Gourley corner so slanted the story in their favor. I disagree. The trial transcript leaves no doubt in my mind that [spoiler] Powell got away with murder.

[Robert L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a page-turner for me. I've lived in Nashville since the early 1960s.

I enjoyed the story-telling of the Gourley family and Nashville of that day. Some people and places I knew or had similar experiences or knew of. My memory of the news on the murder and trail is little to none, but throughout my days as a Nashvillian, I would occasionally hear mentions of this story. So, it was good for me to read this rather thorough review of the events.

To read of the investigation and trial was difficult. To read of one after another turn of events that ended in a questionable verdict. And the writing is good enough to make one feel he's living the history as he reads. So, good job by the author.

Thanks for the book.

[Randy Corn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sensational true crime book. In 1969 I was a 13 year old Nashvillian and lived thru the city wide fascination with this murder and subsequent trial. While reading the book, I discovered that the Nashville Bar Association had produced a documentary on this trial which was readily accessible on YouTube. Perhaps the writer was a bit biased in her presentation, being a personal friend of the son of the murder victim, but is seem very clear that Bill Powell got away with murder. I found myself asking just how the jury could arrive at a "not guilty" verdict. If you are a fan of books about real crimes and real trials, this is the book for you.

[Jeanine Mcauliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a mystery; real life courtroom drama seemed enticing. Overall though, I was intrigued and riveted through the early chapters of the book, but got lost - plus a tad bit bored and aggravated - in the disjointed writing and timelines, the despicable nature of certain characters, the malaise and ineptitude of others. I appreciated the wrap up at the end - “Where are they now/What happened to all the players?” - but the whole affair seemed a travesty of justice and very sad for the Gourley family. This hard-working, self-made man provided a charmed life for his family, until it was all tragically ripped away. A good read for book group!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book. It tells the true story of a sensational murder and subsequent trial in my hometown of Nashville in the late 1960's. How eerie to read detailed descriptions of the familiar neighborhoods, people, and culture of my early years....and to learn about this stunning murder of a prominent business man. The trial of the accused murderer captivated the city for weeks, involving a Who's Who of colorful characters.

For anyone who lived in Nashville in those years, this is a must-read.

[Deborah Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this fascinating especially since Tom Shriver was my Sunday school teacher for so many years. Nancy Whitehouse was a friend, so I had connections all around. The trial got a little tedious, I suppose, as all trials do so I don’t fault her for that. I find that the law and judicial system doesn’t always get it right, which is scary. I appreciate the insight into Belle Meade society in the 50’s and 60’s. This story proves that if you are a star in sports you will most often get a pass.

[Corinna Tang-Saporito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about Nashville, which I always love learning about since it is my new town since July 2022. I couldn't believe all the mistakes the prosecution had made. All the described injustice made it hard to finish.

Read this for book club and we were lucky to discuss it right in the courtroom where the trial took place! We invited the author to join the discussion via phone. It was great!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting for a couple of reasons. That it took place in Nashville and I recognized so many of the places mentioned. Also, it was interesting to see how court cases were conducted in the 1960s. It was very frustrating to see how poorly the prosecution conducted its case, and how the judge allowed the defense to badger the witnesses to the point of total confusion. It appears that justice was not done!

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well chronicled account of one of the biggest murders in Nashville. Haynie Gourley, a successful auto dealership owner, was murdered May 1968. His partner, Bill Powell, is on trial for the murder. John J. Hooker, a world famous Nashville lawyer, is prosecuting the case. Way beyond his prime, John J. loses the case!
This read was down right depressing!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of incredible research and facts about the murder (and investigation into) of Haynie Gourley, while also capturing the variety of emotions around this tragedy and its aftermath. This one had me captivated even though it was also definitely one that was hard to read at times given the realities. But again, it's an incredibly put together piece about these happenings.

[Amy Stabingas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written account of the historical background and details of this famous Nashville murder trial. As the author admits at the outset, she has a personal bias toward the Gourley family, but it is still hard to believe what appears to be such an egregious miscarriage of justice. It was a real page-turner even though I suspected what the outcome would be.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A true story from the late 1960's that all Nashvillian's followed with keen interest. The best two lawyers in the city dueling about the murder of a prominent businessman. His business partner was indicted.

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely on the higher side of 3 1/2 stars. Fascinating book. The trial reporting got a little long but a super important book on this true story of murder in Nashville. I feel so sorry for this family who has to live with this unsolved crime against their father

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sad that the heartbreak for the Gourley family was compounded by the trial being such a farce but kudos to the author for corralling all of the details into a very interesting read.

We came to Nashville just a few years later so familiar with most of the names and places in the book.

[Roberta Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept my attention

Quite the crime… and quite the legal case. The murder circumstances alone were so bizarre, and story told made no sense. How could anyone believe it? Yet, it played out in court. Remarkable and very interesting.

I listened to the Audible audiobook.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an interesting read!

I was completely enthralled with the story and enjoyed the authors style. It was quick and full of action.

As a former resident of Nashville, I had never heard about this trial and fully appreciated the account of events.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for Book Group. I loved hearing about older Nashville, I know the streets described here so well, it made it fun. But I don't know that anyone else would find this murder/court scene interesting.

[Troy McClellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Ride by Martha Smith Tate

A tragic true story that unfortunately describes tribal preferences that trump justice in some people's minds and behavior. Truly criminal. But now the public record is straight.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

spellbinding

If you enjoy Nashville history you will find this book to be fascinating-I had trouble putting it down between readings

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rounded down.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painful to read as there was such an obvious miscarriage of justice.

[Melinda Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Most Foul!

I could not put this book down. Being a native Nashvillian, I remember when these events occurred. Ms. Tate did a masterful job of telling the story.

[Mark Bunch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book and great TN .

[Celia Joyner · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5