<BillNo> <Sponsor>
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 61
By Walley
SJR0061
002909
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Billy Ray Helton, Sr., of
Lawrenceburg.
WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of Billy Ray Helton, Sr.; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Helton 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, a native of Lawrenceburg, Mr. Helton served with acumen and alacrity as
the president and chief executive officer of Lawrenceburg Federal Bank for a number of years;
and
WHEREAS, in addition to his career in banking, he served as a trustee for Freed-
Hardeman University, commissioner of finance for Lawrenceburg, and vice mayor of
Lawrenceburg; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Helton was an active and devout member of the Pulaski Street Church
of Christ, which he served faithfully for many years as an elder, deacon, and teacher; and
WHEREAS, deeply devoted to his family, Mr. Helton always endeavored to remain true
to family values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, Billy Helton enjoyed the loving companionship of his wife, Donna G. Abrams
Helton, who preceded him in death; he was the proud father of Billy R. "Biff" (Penny) Helton, Jr.,
Angie (Terry) Wright, Andrea Helton, and Holly (Daniel) Winkler; and
WHEREAS, he is further survived by his eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-
grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his wife, Mr. Helton was preceded in death by his parents,
William and Edna Jackson Helton, and two siblings, Gene Helton and Betty Brewer; and
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WHEREAS, Billy Helton 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 ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Billy Ray Helton, Sr.,
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. Helton.
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.