<BillNo> <Sponsor>
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 540
By Shaw
HJR0540
006637
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of William "Bill" Curtis Siler
of Silerton.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of William "Bill" Curtis Siler on March 10, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Bill Siler was born on April 18, 1934, and was a proud lifelong resident of
Silerton, where he devoted his life to his family, his faith, and his community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Siler honorably served his country in the United States Army in 1956,
stationed in Upper Heyford, England, where he was a dedicated member of a radar squadron in
an anti-aircraft company, helping to protect national and allied security during a critical time in
history; and
WHEREAS, after completing his military service, Bill Siler returned home to Tennessee,
where he was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Vonda Siler, with whom he shared sixty-
six years of marriage; and
WHEREAS, Bill Siler was an adventurer at heart, having traveled by automobile to every
state in the continental United States with Mrs. Siler by his side, embracing the beauty, diversity,
and history of this country; and
WHEREAS, in his early years, Bill Siler was an avid baseball pitcher, player, and coach
for the Silerton baseball team, where he demonstrated his competitive spirit, teamwork, and
love for the game; and
WHEREAS, he worked the land of Silerton alongside his family, embodying the values of
hard work, dedication, and perseverance that define Tennessee's rich agricultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, he later worked until he was nearly eighty years old at Armira Leather
Tannery, Harman Automotive, and the Hardeman County Tax Assessor's Office in Bolivar,
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faithfully contributing to the local economy and exemplifying unmatched work ethic and
commitment; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Siler maintained a large home garden, growing an abundance of fruits
and vegetables that he generously shared with family, friends, and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, he always exhibited a spirit of generosity and selflessness, having
extraordinarily donated more than forty-three gallons of blood platelets throughout his lifetime,
providing lifesaving support to those West Tennesseans in need; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Siler embodied what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer, spending
many days, evenings, and weekends collecting donations and filling and distributing food boxes
for Loaves and Fishes, the local food pantry; and
WHEREAS, throughout his ninety years, Bill Siler was known as a pillar of his
community, always willing to lend a helping hand and work tirelessly for the betterment of
Hardeman County and Silerton; and
WHEREAS, his contributions to his town and the State of Tennessee were marked by
integrity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, although his passing will be greatly mourned, Mr. Siler will be fondly
remembered as a loving father to his sons, Gary Curtis Siler and William Barry Siler, and a
proud grandfather to his cherished granddaughter, Kirsten Alexandria Siler; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents, William Vernon Siler and Grace
Lee Willoughby Siler; his brother, Odous Truett Siler; and his sisters, Mildred Siler Bass, Norma
Jean Siler Sedberry, and Jolene Siler Lee; and
WHEREAS, Bill Siler's legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched, the
kindness and generosity he sowed and cultivated in his family, and the steadfast love and
support he shared with family and friends; and
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WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should remember
William "Bill" Curtis Siler and commemorate his legacy, accomplishments, and service; now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED
FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of William "Bill" Curtis Siler, giving thanks to his life
of generosity and the indissoluble bonds he brought to his family and friends.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences
to the family Bill Siler.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.