Memorials, Death - William Thomas "W.T." Housley -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Greg Vital

The bill memorializes and honors William T. Housley for his kindness, dedication, and family values, extending condolences to his loved ones.

Signed by Governor.

#death #memorials

Overview

Purpose: A memorial resolution recognizing and honoring the life of William Thomas "W.T." Housley of Apison, Tennessee. The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s sympathy to his family and friends and acknowledges his character and contributions.

Session/Jurisdiction: Tennessee, 114th General Assembly

Sponsor: Representative Vital (co-sponsored by Greg Vital)

Key Provisions

Tribute and Recognition: The resolution memorializes W.T. Housley and reflects on his life, describing him as a man of kindness, dedication, loyalty, and valued family-oriented principles.

Biographical Summary:

Born January 9, 1935, in Decatur.
Son of Earnest and Lizzie Lee Roberts Housley; grew up on a family dairy farm in Apison.
Profession: Large equipment operator in the Apison/Collegedale area for many years.
Personal interests: Avid antique car enthusiast.
Family: Survived by his grandson Greg Housley, son James (Sandi) Mansfield, brother L.D. Housley, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Jean Bolden Housley; daughter Cynthia Ann Housley; brothers Crawford, Hayden, Felix Housley; sisters Margie Smith and Aileene Ball; and parents.

Respectful Demeanor: Describes Housley as a “beacon of kindness, dedication, and loyalty,” emphasizing valued character and life lived with courage and conviction.

Sympathy to Family: The resolution extends condolences to the family and friends.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Action History:

Intro and filed for introduction: April 16, 2026
Placed on the House consent calendar for April 16, 2026

Message/Presentation: The resolution includes a standard closing clause requesting the preparation of an appropriate copy for presentation, with certain formatting instructions (omitting the final clause from the copy and adjusting formatting upon request).

Impact and Audience

Who is Affected: Members of the Tennessee General Assembly, the Housley family and friends, and the wider community recognizing Housley’s life and legacy.

Legal/Procedural Impact: This is a ceremonial expression and does not enact law or alter statutory obligations. It serves to formally honor an individual and record the public memorialization in the official state record.

Summary in Plain Language

HJR 1491 is a commemorative resolution by the Tennessee House (with Senate concurrence) honoring the life and memory of William Thomas "W.T." Housley of Apison. It recounts his background, career as a large equipment operator, interest in antique cars, and strong family values, while offering condolences to his surviving relatives. The measure is a symbolic gesture of respect and remembrance, filed for introduction on April 16, 2026, and coordinated for presentation through the House’s consent calendar process.

Bill