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HJR 1488

Memorials, Death - Billie "Bill" Gray Speck -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kelly Keisling

The bill serves to publicly recognize and honor Billie G. Speck’s lifetime of community service and impact in Macon County through a ceremonial memorial by the Tennessee General As

Concurred, Ayes 33, Nays 0
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Bill Summary · HJR 1488

Summary of Tennessee House Joint Resolution 1488 (Session 114)

Purpose and Intent

  • HJR 1488 is a memorial resolution honoring the memory of Billie "Bill" Gray Speck of Lafayette, Tennessee.
  • The resolution expresses condolences to his family and recognizes his lifelong public service, community involvement, and local impact in Macon County.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official Establishment: The General Assembly memorializes Billie G. Speck, acknowledging his roles as a civic leader, broadcaster, coach, church member, and family man.
  • Biographical Highlights Included in the Memorial:
    • Native of Livingston, moved to Lafayette in 1960 to operate WEEN Radio, which he owned and ran for 41 years.
    • Active in charitable activities, including hosting on-air benefits to aid those in need.
    • Inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame (June 2021) for broadcasting local sports on WEEN.
    • Dedicated service to Macon County, including coaching and various civic and charitable efforts.
    • Building at the Macon County Fairgrounds named in his honor for 30 years of service.
    • Served as Grand Marshal of the Lafayette Christmas Parade.
    • First recipient of the Will Hall Sullivan Award from North Central Telephone Company.
    • Active member and long-time deacon at Lafayette First Baptist Church (since 1960).
  • Personal Details Included:
    • Survived by daughter Stacye Collins and husband Tim; granddaughter Brooke Oglesby and husband John; grandson Trenton Collins and partner Jenna Meador; great-grandson Tatum Gray Oglesby; brother Grady Speck and wife Doris; several in-laws and extended family.
    • Preceded in death by wife Elizabeth “Liz” Ray Speck; son Steve Speck; parents Joe May and Janie Speck; siblings and in-laws listed in the resolution.
  • Verbal Form and Outcome:
    • The resolution ends by expressing the General Assembly’s honor, condolences, and an instruction to prepare an appropriate copy for presentation, omitting certain procedural language from the final copy.

Who or What Is Affected

  • Individuals: Billie Gray Speck’s family, friends, colleagues, and the broader Macon County community are acknowledged and honored.
  • Institutions/Entities: WEEN Radio (historical impact through Speck’s ownership and broadcasting contributions), Macon County Fairgrounds (a building named in his honor), Lafayette First Baptist Church (long-standing deacon), and the local civic and charitable networks that benefited from his work.
  • Governmental/Procedural: The Tennessee General Assembly (both House and Senate) will make a memorial record of his contributions as part of legislative remembrance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Action History:
    • Introduction filed and placed on the House consent calendar for April 16, 2026.
    • Co-sponsorship by Rep. Kelly Keisling.
  • Status: The bill is a concurrent memorial (formally recognizing and honoring an individual) that typically does not create enforceable legal changes or fiscal implications; it serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment.
  • Effective Date: As a memorial resolution, it becomes part of the official record upon passage by both chambers and presentation to the family or appropriate parties.

Summary Assessment

  • HJR 1488 serves to publicly recognize and honor Billie G. Speck’s lifetime of service and impact on his community, including broadcasting, sports, charity, church involvement, and civic leadership. It does not alter laws or allocate funds but provides a formal commemorative acknowledgment by Tennessee’s General Assembly.

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

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