<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 57
By Massey
SJR0057
002505
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Jack E. Williams of
Knoxville.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of Jack E. Williams of Knoxville; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williams 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, born in Knoxville on October 29, 1942, Jack Williams was the son of Bill and
Zelma Williams; following graduation from Rule High School, he attended the University of
Tennessee (UT), where he earned his bachelor's degree in history and was a letterman in
baseball; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williams went on to work for his alma mater, retiring from UT as the
Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs after a thirty-six-year career; he was also a
lifelong ambassador for UT and a true Vol for life; and
WHEREAS, he was known for connecting others and celebrating moments by creating
photographic memories everywhere he went, including the Evergreen Ball; and
WHEREAS, he also contributed his time and talents to serving on various boards over
the years, including those of the Pat Summitt Foundation for Alzheimer's, Friends of the
Smokies, and the East Tennessee Historical Society; and
WHEREAS, his deep love for the Museum of Appalachia and the Smoky Mountains
National Park inspired over three decades of volunteering with Friends of the Smokies; his
selfless contributions as an Honorary Director, consultant, and fundraiser created a lasting
legacy, including a pictorial history treasured by the organization; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Williams was wholly devoted to his family, and he always endeavored to
remain true to family values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, he will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his wife of sixty years,
Carolyn Williams; son, Jack (Hayli) Williams; daughter, Jennifer (Randy) Meredith;
grandchildren, Hannah Meredith, Addie Meredith, Avery Meredith, Blake (Loraine) Williams, and
Lexi (Cole) Stooksbury; great-granddaughter, Valerie; brother, John (Peggy) Williams; and a
host of special cousins and extended family members; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williams 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 the members of this General Assembly should pause to
remember the bountiful life of this exceptional public servant and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE O NE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Jack E. Williams, reflecting
fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life
with courage and conviction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences
to the family of Mr. Williams.
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.