Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0136 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

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4	4	SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 136
5	5	By Seal
6	6
7	7
8	8	SJR0136
9	9	003448
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12	12	A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Reverend William L.
13	13	Swafford.
14	14
15	15	WHEREAS, we were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Reverend William L.
16	16	Swafford of Talbott, a veteran, religious leader, inspiring pastor, humble servant of God, and
17	17	faithful friend; and
18	18	WHEREAS, after serving in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War era, Reverend Swafford
19	19	studied at Belmont College and then at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville,
20	20	Kentucky; and
21	21	WHEREAS, serving as a pastor for seventy years, Reverend Swafford led the people of
22	22	Talbott Baptist Church to cherish the things of heaven and not cling to the things of earth, and
23	23	through his long service on several committees of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the
24	24	effects of his shepherding surpassed the local confines of his congregation; and
25	25	WHEREAS, he was known as a man of God and led his people to discover the graces in
26	26	this pilgrimage, and he confirmed and comforted his people in faith, whether marking the new
27	27	beginnings of marriages or commemorating at funerals those who have fallen asleep; and
28	28	WHEREAS, Reverend Swafford actively cultivated his God-given talents, and his artistry
29	29	in woodworking is a testament to his multifarious skillset; and
30	30	WHEREAS, a true servant-leader, Reverend Swafford generously gave much of his time
31	31	volunteering in local senior centers, and he always manifested a loving care that revealed the
32	32	effect of grace within him; and
33	33	WHEREAS, in addition to his good work from the pulpit and beyond, Reverend Swafford
34	34	was wholly devoted to his family and friends, and he is still cherished and remembered by his
35	35	son, Jeff (Michelle) Swafford; his daughter, Patrice Swafford Welch; his grandchildren, Ashley
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38	38	- 2 - 003448
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40	40	Swafford, Julia Welch Riddle, Lauren Burress, and Patrick Welch; his several great-
41	41	grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; his special friend, Charlie Roesser; numerous
42	42	other friends; and many others whose lives he touched; and
43	43	WHEREAS, in addition to his parents, James Swafford and Lestial Dooley Swafford, he
44	44	was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Yvonne Malone Swafford, and his brother, Carlton
45	45	D. Swafford; and
46	46	WHEREAS, Reverend Swafford served his faith and his community with distinction for
47	47	seven decades, and he should be remembered for his many contributions and the example he
48	48	set for others; now, therefore,
49	49	BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH
50	50	GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF
51	51	REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Reverend William L.
52	52	Swafford, reflecting fondly upon his resolute service to God and humanity, and extend our
53	53	sympathy and condolences to his family and many friends.
54	54	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
55	55	for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
56	56	the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
57	57	without House or Senate designation.