<BillNo> <Sponsor>
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 6001
By McCalmon
HJR6001
001996
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of William "Billy" Earl
Knight of Millview.
WHEREAS, we were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of William "Billy" Earl
Knight of Millview; and
WHEREAS, William Knight was an exemplary public servant and consummate
professional who worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for his fellow citizens in
numerous capacities; and
WHEREAS, the son of Earl Knight and Louise Pinkston Knight, William Earl Knight was
born on June 15, 1934, at the Baptist Hospital, now St. Thomas Hospital Midtown, and lived his
whole life as a resident of the Millview community, where his mother's family had lived and
farmed for generations; and
WHEREAS, a veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Knight was willing to lay down his
life for the sake of the freedoms that we still enjoy; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Knight, known affectionately as "The Mayor," loved his community and
its residents, and as a member of the Millview Community Club and the local swim club, he was
always willing to generously give of his time to support the upkeep of local institutions, even
maintaining the community center and pool for over forty years; and
WHEREAS, the son of a successful plumber, Mr. Knight joined his father's business and
received the fifth plumbing license issued in Williamson County, and he demonstrated the same
quality and care in plumbing as in all his endeavors, committing himself to ever-available service
for the sake of his customers; and
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WHEREAS, he was also renowned as one of the only pump experts in Williamson
County, and being a lifelong learner, he continued to attend seminars to hone his craft late into
his career; and
WHEREAS, thoughtful of this world and the next, Mr. Knight was a lifetime member of
Epworth United Methodist Church and attended Riverside Fellowship; and
WHEREAS, he was also deeply devoted to his family and always endeavored to remain
true to family values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, William Earl Knight will be sadly mourned yet fondly remembered by his
children, Lisa (Jim) Wilson, Becky (Brad) Wilson, and Keith Knight; his longtime business
partner whom he loved as a son, Dab (Cynthia) Boston; his grandchildren, Cale Wilson, Kayla
(Cody) Scott, Justin (Callie) Wilson, Olivia Wilson, Knight Wilson, and Stella Knight; and his
great-grandchildren, Sunny, Memphis, Korbin, and Mason; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-four years, Barbara
Jean Gainous Knight; and
WHEREAS, William Knight leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in
public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all his chosen
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that we should remember the bountiful life of this exceptional
gentleman and human being; 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 "Billy" Earl Knight, reflecting fondly upon
his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life with courage
and conviction.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences
to the family of Mr. Knight.
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.