General Sessions Judge Ron Durby announced Tuesday that he is stepping down from the bench because of a disability, according to a letter sent to Gov. Bill Haslam.

In the letter drafted Monday, Durby says that he hopes a replacement for his seat will be temporary.

"It is my hope and prayer that I may recover quickly and sufficiently return to my duties serving the people of Hamilton County," Durby wrote. "However, I must now respectfully request that you appoint a temporary replacement to serve in my stead until I can return to service."

Durby's specific disabilities are not outlined in his letter.

The judge was not at the courthouse Tuesday and did not respond to requests for comment left at his home, but clerks said he would be back in his office today.

Because Durby cited medical disability as the reason he is stepping down, state law mandates that the governor will appoint his successor instead of the Hamilton County Commission. Those interested in applying for the post may apply to the governor's office.

Durby has acted as judge since he was first appointed to the Sessions Court bench in 1996. Before that, he was clerk and master of Chancery Court for 10 years.

He was last reelected to the post in 2006. The next judicial elections are in 2014.