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HJR 1393

Memorials, Personal Occasion - Robert "Percy" Person, 89th birthday -

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

Ceremonially recognizes Percy Person for his eight-decade shoe-shining career, community service, and mentorship in Nashville.

Received from House, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
#memorials #personaloccasion
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Bill Summary · HJR 1393

Summary of Bill: HJR 1393 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Title

Memorials, Personal Occasion – Robert "Percy" Person, 89th birthday

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill is a House Joint Resolution honoring and congratulating Robert "Percy" Person on the occasion of his eighty-ninth birthday.
  • It recognizes Percy Person’s long career as a shoe shiner and “shoe artist” in downtown Nashville, his community service, and his role as a local institution.
  • The resolution expresses appreciation for his service to clients, his mentorship to at-risk individuals, and his charitable actions (e.g., helping people in need).

Key Provisions and Provisions Change

  • Declares a formal recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly of Percy Person’s life and contributions.
  • Specifically notes:
    • His nearly eighty-year career as a shoe shiner/shoe artist, dating back to 1948 (began shining shoes at age 11).
    • Ownership and operation of Percy's Shine Service in Nashville’s Arcade district for 33 years.
    • That he has shined shoes for thousands of individuals, including politicians, lawyers, businesspeople, mayors, governors, and General Assembly members.
    • His reputation as an entertaining and insightful figure to his clientele.
    • His philanthropic and supportive actions toward friends and those in need, including providing bus tickets and food.
  • The resolution requests the presentation of an appropriate copy, with a formatting clause about the copy’s appearance.

Who/What is Affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Robert "Percy" Person.
  • Indirectly affected: The Nashville community and the General Assembly, through formal recognition and tribute.
  • The measure has no regulatory or financial impact; it is ceremonial.

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Greg Vital.
  • Introduction and Action Timeline:
    • Filed for introduction and placed on the House consent calendar on April 13, 2026.
    • Passed the House by consent on April 13, 2026 (Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 3).
    • Engrossed and transmitted to the Senate on April 14, 2026.
    • Received from the House and referred to the Senate Calendar Committee on April 15, 2026.
  • Final form: A concurrent memorial; if enacted, a copy would be prepared for presentation to Percy Person.

Notable Details

  • The bill explicitly identifies Percy Person as the “King of Shoe Artists” in a colloquial sense, reflecting his stature in the community.
  • The date referenced for the birthday event is July 6, 2026, marking the eighty-ninth birthday celebration.

Bottom Line

HJR 1393 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the lifetime contributions of a long-serving Nashville shoe shiner, Percy Person, on the occasion of his 89th birthday, acknowledging his career, community service, and longstanding role in the local downtown business and civic community. It is a non-binding tribute, moving through the standard legislative consent process.

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

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