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SJR 343

Memorials, Death - Albert Broward Blanton, Jr. -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jessie Seal

Memorial resolution honoring Albert B. Blanton, Jr. for decades of public service and community leadership in Sevierville, expressing condolences and preserving his legacy.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SJR 343

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution 343 (SJR 343)

Overview

  • Type: Joint Resolution (memorial)
  • Title: Memorials, Death — Albert Broward Blanton, Jr.
  • Purpose: Honor and memorialize the life, service, and contributions of Albert Broward Blanton, Jr. of Sevierville.
  • Status: Transmitted to Governor for action; signed by Governor on 2025-04-16.
  • Introduced: March 27, 2025
  • Key theme: Ceremonial recognition of a prominent local public servant and business leader.

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution pays tribute to the memory and character of Albert Broward Blanton, Jr. (known as Al or A.B.) and acknowledges his extensive public service, leadership, and community involvement.
  • It expresses sympathy to Blanton’s family and friends and offers condolences from the General Assembly.
  • It is a formal, ceremonial acknowledgment intended to preserve Blanton’s legacy and recognize his contributions to Sevierville, Sevier County, and the broader region.

Key Provisions and Provisions Summary

  • Honors Blanton’s life, integrity, loyalty, and commitment to public and private life.
  • Documents Blanton’s life milestones, including:
    • Birth: June 1, 1934; lifelong Sevierville resident.
    • Education: Clemson A&M College, B.S. in Textile Manufacturing (1956).
    • Military service: U.S. Army, 2nd Lieutenant; 82nd Airborne Division; deployed to South Korea (1957).
    • Career: Forty-two years at Cherokee Textile Mills (plant manager, president, board director); co-owner of The Old Mill and related businesses; involvement with The Cherokee Group and Citadel Construction.
    • Community leadership: Numerous boards/associations (e.g., Leadership Sevier, Nine Counties One Vision, Sevier County Library Foundation, Walters State Community College Foundation, Sevierville Rotary, Tennessee Hospitality Association, Sevier County Chamber of Commerce) and founding roles (e.g., Sevier County Library Foundation, Friends of the Smokies).
    • Awards and recognition: Multiple honors, including the 2018 Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.
    • Faith and family: Active member of First United Methodist Church of Sevierville; family described with wife Mary Nelle Blanton and children.
  • Provisions regarding memorialization:
    • Directs the preparation of an appropriate copy of the resolution for presentation.
    • Includes a standard clause allowing the language after the State seal to appear without House or Senate designation.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Albert Broward Blanton, Jr. and his immediate family and friends.
  • Legislative bodies: Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives (ceremonial acknowledgment within both chambers).
  • Local community: Sevierville, Sevier County, and organizations with which Blanton was affiliated.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: 2025-03-27
  • Passed First Consideration: 2025-03-31
  • Engrossed/Transmit: 2025-04-07
  • Adopted on Senate consent: 2025-04-07
  • House actions: Concurred and enrolled in mid-April 2025
  • Signed by Governor: 2025-04-16 (transmitted for action on the same date)
  • Overall: Final ceremonial resolution formally memorializing Blanton and transmitted to the Governor for signing.

Significance

  • SJR 343 serves as an official, commemorative acknowledgment of Blanton’s impact as a civic leader, businessperson, veteran, and devoted community member.
  • It documents a comprehensive biographical tribute and expresses the General Assembly’s condolences to his family.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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