<BillNo> <Sponsor>
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 685
By Miller
HJR0685
007926
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A RESOLUTION to commend Osie B. Lewis, Jr., for his service to
the State of Tennessee.
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should salute those
citizens who, through their extraordinary efforts, have distinguished themselves as community
leaders of whom we can all be proud; and
WHEREAS, Osie B. Lewis, Jr., is one such estimable person, who evinces the greatest
integrity and probity in all his chosen endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis is the son of Osie B. Lewis, Sr., and Janie Lewis; he is a 1968
graduate of Hamilton High School, where he played sports, sang in the choir, and played in the
band; and
WHEREAS, following graduation, Osie Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Political Science from LeMoyne-Owen College and a Juris Doctor degree from Southern
University Law Center; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis went on to clerk for Ratner, Sugarman, and Lucas Law Firm and
work for the National Labor Relations Board and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western
District of Tennessee; and
WHEREAS, an active leader in his community, Mr. Lewis found his calling at the
Memphis Park Commission, where he has served as a coach and recreational director for more
than thirty-eight years; and
WHEREAS, he also served as director of the Ed Rice Community Center, in which
position he oversaw community outreach programs, mentoring classes, and senior services;
and
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WHEREAS, Osie Lewis was proud to devote his time and talents as a volunteer for St.
Jude Children's Hospital; he served as a first board chairman and charter member of the Mid-
South Peace and Justice Center and board member of the Child Advocacy Center; and
WHEREAS, most recently, Mr. Lewis served as a chartering member of the Magnolia
Castalia Community Organization, in which he was named a 2025 Black History Month honoree
by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners and unanimously selected by the Memphis City
Council to have the Ed Rice Community Center pool named in his honor; and
WHEREAS, his many professional accomplishments aside, Osie Lewis is most grateful
for the love and support he shares with his wife, Dr. Gloria J. Pryor; together, the couple have
five children and three grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis is a faithful member of St. John Baptist Church, where he
currently serves as trustee, deacon, and usher; and
WHEREAS, the success of the State of Tennessee, the strength of our communities,
and the overall vitality of our society depend, in great measure, on the dedication of people such
as Mr. Lewis, who use their considerable talents and resources to serve others; and
WHEREAS, Osie Lewis is wholly committed to the noble precepts of public service that
have earned Tennessee recognition as the Volunteer State, and he should be specially
recognized; 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 hereby commend Osie B. Lewis, Jr., for his leadership, thank him for
his sterling service to the good people of this State, and extend to him our best wishes for every
continued success in his future endeavors.
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
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the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.