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HJR 540

Memorials, Death - William "Bill" Curtis Siler -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Johnny Shaw

Tennessee honors William C. Siler with a ceremonial memorial resolution recognizing his lifelong community service, faith, and generosity; non-binding with no fiscal impact.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 540

Summary of House Joint Resolution 540 (HJR 540)

Overview

HJR 540 is a ceremonial joint resolution adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly to memorialize and honor the life and service of William "Bill" Curtis Siler of Silerton. The measure is non-binding and serves to recognize Siler’s contributions to his family, his community, and the state of Tennessee. The Governor signed the resolution into law on April 15, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • Officially memorialize the life, character, and public-spirited activities of William C. Siler.
  • Express condolences and sympathy to his family.
  • Recognize Siler’s lifelong commitment to faith, community, and public service in Hardeman County and Silerton.

Key Provisions and Details

  • It identifies William "Bill" Curtis Siler (born April 18, 1934; died March 10, 2025) as a lifelong Silerton resident.
  • Highlights military service: United States Army in 1956, stationed at Upper Heyford, England, as part of a radar squadron in an anti-aircraft unit.
  • Family: married to Vonda Siler for 66 years; father to Gary Curtis Siler and William Barry Siler; grandfather to Kirsten Alexandria Siler.
  • Community and work history:
    • Early involvement in Silerton baseball as a pitcher, player, and coach.
    • Worked on family land and later at Armira Leather Tannery, Harman Automotive, and the Hardeman County Tax Assessor’s Office in Bolivar.
    • Lifelong gardener with a large home garden.
  • Civic and charitable involvement:
    • Lifelong blood donor, donating more than 43 gallons of blood platelets.
    • Active in Loaves and Fishes (local food pantry), collecting donations and distributing food.
  • Framed as a “pillar of the community,” noted for generosity, work ethic, and commitment to Hardeman County and Silerton.
  • Formal language includes typical memorial clauses:
    • Resolution of remembrance and appreciation for Siler’s life and legacy.
    • Expression of sympathy to his family.
    • Provision that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation.

Who Is Affected

  • Family and close friends of William Siler.
  • Residents of Silerton and Hardeman County who benefited from his community service.
  • The state of Tennessee, through the formal acknowledgment by the General Assembly.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced: March 31, 2025 (sponsor: Shaw).
  • House actions: Engrossed and adopted April 3, 2025; sponsor additions on April 3 and April 10, 2025.
  • Senate actions: Received in Senate; referred to appropriate committees; concurrence occurred (April 11–14, 2025).
  • Transmittal to Governor: April 14, 2025.
  • Signature: Governor signed on April 15, 2025.
  • Status: Signed by Governor (final, ceremonial memorial resolution).

Fiscal/Legal Implications

  • No fiscal impact or new statutory requirements.
  • Purely ceremonial; creates a commemorative record and expresses sympathy, with no changes to existing law or policy.

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

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