Memorials, Death - Ridley Wills II -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Caleb Hemmer

A ceremonial, non-binding resolution honoring Ridley Wills II for his leadership, history writing, and philanthropy in Nashville; expresses sympathy and records his public legacy.

Signed by Governor.

#death #memorials

Overview

House Joint Resolution 87 is a ceremonial, non-binding joint resolution that honors the memory of Ridley Wills II of Nashville. The bill is a formal expression of esteem by both the Tennessee House of Representatives and the Senate, acknowledging Wills’s long-standing contributions to Nashville, its historical scholarship, and community leadership. The resolution has been enacted into law as indicated by the governor’s signature.

Purpose and Intent

Honor the memory of Ridley Wills II and reflect on his character, public service, and dedication to improving life for his fellow citizens.

Acknowledge Wills’s impact as a historian, author, and community leader, as well as his commitment to Vanderbilt University and broader Tennessee civic life.

Express sympathy to the Wills family and recognize his numerous contributions to Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Key Provisions (substantive content)

States that Ridley Wills II was a prominent community leader, historian, and philanthropist who contributed to Nashville in multiple capacities.

Recites Wills’s biographies and accomplishments, including:

Fifth-generation Nashvillian; Vanderbilt University alumnus (1956) and team captain of the varsity swim team.
U.S. Navy officer; career at National Life and Accident Insurance Company (co-founded by his grandfather); served on the board and retired as senior vice president.
Historian and author of 34 historical/biographical books about Nashville and Middle Tennessee; taught local history at Belmont University and Montgomery Bell Academy.
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of the South (2016); extensive involvement with Vanderbilt University, its medical center, and associated scholarships.
Leadership roles in numerous organizations (e.g., Cumberland Museum and Science Center, YMCA of Metropolitan Nashville, Tennessee Historical Society, Monteagle Sunday School Assembly Endowment Corporation) and service on various boards (including the National Trust for Historic Preservation).
Recipient of multiple honors and awards recognizing charitable work and public service.
Active member of The Downtown Presbyterian Church in Nashville.

Provides that the General Assembly should honor Wills’s memory, express sympathy to his family, and arrange for an appropriate copy of the resolution, with a standard ceremonial closing.

Who is Affected

Ridley Wills II’s family and survivors.

Tennessee legislators and the wider public, who will recognize the memorialization in official records and ceremonies.

Institutions with which Wills was affiliated (e.g., Vanderbilt University, University of the South, local cultural and historical organizations).

Procedural Timeline and Status

Introduced: November 12, 2024.

House/Senate actions: Filed in 2024; subsequent actions completed in February 2025, including adoption by both chambers.

Enrolled and transmitted for executive action: February 2025.

Governor’s action: Signed into law on February 21, 2025.

Related companion bill: SJR 14.

Impact and Implications

This is a ceremonial memorial with no direct fiscal impact or policy changes.

Provides an official record acknowledging Wills’s numerous contributions to public life, education, philanthropy, and historical scholarship in Tennessee.

May be used in commemorative displays or public ceremonies honoring Ridley Wills II.

Bill