Celebrating the life of Franklin Emmett Lewis.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Travis Hackworth

The resolution ceremonial recognizes and honors Franklin E. “T-Bone” Lewis for his 25+ years of public service as Saltville mayor and community leader in education, journalism, and

Bill text as passed Senate (SR2017ER)

Summary of Senate Resolution No. 2017 (2026 Special Session I)

Purpose and intent

SR 2017 is a senate resolution officially recognizing and honoring the life and service of Franklin Emmett “T-Bone” Lewis, a longtime educator, coach, journalist, and public servant in Saltville, Virginia.

The resolution expresses the Senate of Virginia’s sadness at his passing and acknowledges his extensive contributions to the Saltville community over more than 25 years as mayor and through other civic, educational, and journalistic endeavors.

The resolution requests that a copy be prepared for presentation to Lewis’s family as an expression of the Senate’s respect.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition: The resolution notes Lewis’s biographical details, professional roles, and community impact.

Education: Teacher and coach at R.B. Worthy High School (Saltville), later a guidance counselor; academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree from Emory & Henry University and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia.
Athletics and honors: Inducted into multiple sports halls of fame (Smyth County, Hiwassee College Athletic, Emory & Henry Sports).
Civic and professional roles: Local journalist who established the Saltville Progress newspaper and contributed as a columnist; served on Saltville Town Council; served 26 years as mayor; held positions with Field Enterprise Corporation, S&L Coal Sales, Highlands Union Bank, and the Virginia High School League.
Community initiatives: Led the Smyth County Litter Attack Program (economic benefits and youth employment) and an anti-smoking campaign addressing student health.

No policy statutes or budgetary provisions are included in the resolution; the actions are ceremonial and commemorative in nature.

Who or what would be affected

The primary recipients of the resolution are Franklin Emmett Lewis and his immediate family.

The resolution publicly acknowledges and honors Lewis’s work and character, and serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Virginia Senate.

There are no direct fiscal impacts, regulatory changes, or operational programs created by this resolution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Official action: Introduced and presented on April 23, 2026, during Special Session I.

Sponsorship: Primary sponsor is Senator Hackworth, with a co-sponsor listed as Travis Hackworth.

Next steps: As a ceremonial resolution, it would typically be prepared for presentation to the family by the Clerk of the Senate and does not require further statutory processes or enactment steps.

Additional context

The resolution highlights Lewis’s multifaceted career and community leadership, emphasizing a legacy of public service, education, journalism, and youth-focused initiatives in Saltville and the broader region.

If you’d like, I can convert this into a one-page briefing for distribution or tailor it for a local news briefing.