Memorials, Death - Thomas Hayes "Tommy" Schumpert -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Massey

The bill memorializes Thomas H. "Tommy" Schumpert for a life of public service, highlighting his roles in education, Knox County leadership, and community impact.

Signed by Governor.

#death #memorials

Purpose and Intent

SJR 604 is a memorial resolution honoring the memory of Thomas Hayes "Tommy" Schumpert of Knox County.

The resolution celebrates Schumpert’s life of public service, leadership, faith, and commitment to Knox County and its youth.

It expresses sympathy to his family and requests that an official copy of the memorial be prepared.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal recognition: The Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives memorialize Thomas Hayes "Tommy" Schumpert, reflecting on his character and contributions.

Biographical acknowledgement: The resolution recounts Schumpert’s life milestones, including his birth (December 5, 1938, in Dayton), long residence in Fountain City, education (Knoxville Central High School; University of Tennessee, 1960), and a career in education and public service.

Professional and community contributions:

Education: Teacher at Knoxville Central High School (starting 1960); head baseball coach (1968–1973); led the football program as head coach starting in 1973, with state-level recognition.
Public service: Knox County School Business Manager, Knox County School Assistant Superintendent; elected Knox County Trustee (1990); Knox County Executive (mayor) from 1994–2002.
Achievements as county mayor: Oversaw creation of eight new parks, salary increases for county employees, and infrastructure improvements to county roads.
Post-mayoral career: Program director of Edsouth (Edscholar), a nonprofit focused on postsecondary education loans; during tenure, facilitated more than $16 million in scholarships to over 870 students.
Religious and community involvement: Longtime member of Fountain City United Methodist Church; Sunday School teacher and various leadership roles.

Personal legacy: Emphasis on family, faith, and service to the community; recognition by multiple local institutions (schools, halls of fame, and a park named in his honor).

Affected Parties and Impact

Primary subject: Thomas Hayes "Tommy" Schumpert (honored posthumously).

Communities impacted: Knox County, Fountain City, Knoxville area, and local educational institutions.

Broader impact: The resolution highlights public service as a model for leadership and community involvement, which may influence local appreciation for educators and public officials.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Legislative status: Passed both chambers via consent and appropriate readings; became part of the official records as a memorial resolution.

Enactment timeline:

Introduced and advanced through Senate processes in January–February 2026.
Concurrently considered by the House; ultimately concurred and transmitted for signatures.
Signed by the Governor on February 12, 2026, completing the process.

Final form: The resolution includes a customary closing offering condolences and notes that an official copy be prepared; the text specifies that the copy be prepared with certain formatting language (omitting the final clause from the copy intended for presentation).

Notable Details

Sponsor: Senator Massey; Co-sponsor: Becky Massey.

The resolution is framed as a respectful tribute rather than policy changes or funding appropriations.

Dates referenced in the narrative provide a biographical timeline of Schumpert’s life and service (birth in 1938, UT degree in 1960, mayoral term 1994–2002, Edsouth tenure, etc.).

If you’d like, I can convert this into a concise one-page briefing or extract key biographical dates into a timeline visual.

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