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HJR 1441

Memorials, Death - Gary Odom Roach -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrew Farmer

The bill memorializes Gary Odom Roach for his lifelong service to Sevier County education and community, honoring his career and impact.

Received from House, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
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Bill Summary · HJR 1441

Summary of Bill: HJR 1441 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Bill at a Glance

  • Type: House Joint Resolution
  • Sponsor: Representative Andrew Farmer (co-sponsor)
  • Subject: Memorializes Gary Odom Roach of Sevierville
  • Status: Passed House (Engrossed and transmitted to Senate as of 2026-04-16)
  • Effective timing: Not applicable; this is a ceremonial memorial resolution rather than substantive law.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose of HJR 1441 is to honor and memorialize Gary Odom Roach for his life, service, and contributions to education and the Sevier County community.
  • The resolution commemorates Roach’s career, character, faith, and impact on public life and local education.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Acknowledges the passing of Gary Odom Roach and outlines his life story, work, and achievements.
  • Highlights Roach’s:
    • Educational background: B.Ed. from East Tennessee State University (1971) and M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Montevallo (1974).
    • Professional career in education: roles as teacher, transportation supervisor, assistant principal, and principal at Sevier County High School (noting 18 years as principal, the longest-serving in the school’s history).
    • Achievements as principal: initiatives such as the Smoky Salutes Veterans Day program, Sevier County High School Alumni Association, and state championships (football in 1999; girls’ basketball in 2002).
    • Recognitions: Tennessee Transportation Supervisor of the Year; TSSAA Regional Principal of the Year; Tennessee Secondary Principal of the Year.
    • Community honors: City of Sevierville’s designation of “Gary Roach Day” on April 30, 2009, and 2023 induction into the Sevier County Education Hall of Fame.
    • Faith and family: long-time deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church Sevierville; strong family ties.
  • The resolution provides that an appropriate copy of the memorial be prepared and presented, with language adjustments for presentation as required.

3) Who or What Is Affected

  • While it has no direct legal effect or policy changes, the resolution formally recognizes and honors an individual:
    • Gary Odom Roach (1969–202?; referenced lifespan elements from the text)
    • The Sevierville/Sevier County education community and the broader public who value Roach’s contributions.
  • Recipients and audiences: Roach’s family, colleagues, students, alumni, and local citizens; state lawmakers as the signing body.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced/Filed: April 15, 2026
  • House Action: Adopted by the House on April 16, 2026 (ayes 92, nays 0, PNV 0)
  • Next Steps: After House approval, the resolution will be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence (typical process for joint memorials).
  • Nature of Document: Ceremonial; does not create or modify statutory rights, duties, or funding.

Notable Details

  • The memorial emphasizes Roach’s long tenure and impact at Sevier County High School, including specific programs and state championships that marked notable achievements.
  • The document reflects a traditional legislative practice of recognizing distinguished citizens posthumously or upon retirement.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with similar Tennessee memorial resolutions or extract quotes for a quick briefing sheet.

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

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