Memorials, Recognition - Stratton Bone Made in Tennessee Building -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by John Clemmons

The bill designates the James E. Ward Agricultural Center building in Lebanon as the “Stratton Bone Made in Tennessee Building” to recognize Stratton Bone, Jr.’s lifelong contribut

Adopted, Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 2

#memorials #recognition

Purpose and Intent

HJR 1430 is a House Joint Resolution recognizing and commending Stratton Bone, Jr. (Sam Stratton Bone, Jr.) for his lifelong public service and contributions to Wilson County and Tennessee’s agricultural community.

The resolution designates a specific agricultural facility in Lebanon as the “Stratton Bone Made in Tennessee Building,” in honor of his public service and leadership.

A dedication ceremony is planned for April 30, 2026.

Key Provisions

Declaration of commendation: The Tennessee House of Representatives, with concurrence by the Senate, expresses commendation for Stratton Bone.

Honorific designation: The James E. Ward Agricultural Center building in Lebanon is to be named the “Stratton Bone Made in Tennessee Building.”

Formal presentation: The resolution states that an appropriate copy of the resolution will be prepared for presentation, with specific formatting instructions regarding copies.

Scope of recognition: The resolution highlights Bone’s roles and achievements in both Wilson County and the state’s agricultural sector, positioning the honor as a tribute to his legacy and impact.

Who/What Is Affected

The primary impact is symbolic and ceremonial:

Stratton Bone, Jr., as the honoree whose name will be affixed to the building.
The James E. Ward Agricultural Center (Lebanon, Wilson County), through the building designation.
Wilson County and Tennessee’s agricultural community, which gains public recognition of Bone’s contributions.

No new budgets, programs, or statutory changes are introduced by this resolution. It serves to memorialize and recognize rather than to create or modify policy.

Background Information Highlighted in the Resolution

Bone’s service:

Lifetime farmer and leader in agricultural policy.
Wilson County Commissioner for 24 years; the only living commissioner who voted to purchase the land for the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in 1974.
Seven-term member of the Tennessee House of Representatives (representing Wilson County) and former Chair of the House Agriculture Committee.

Notable achievements:

Advocate for agricultural innovation and funding.
Proponent of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program, credited as its “father,” with program impact cited as providing over $289 million to farmers across all 95 counties and supporting more than 92,500 projects.
Founder of Ag Day on The Hill, an event highlighting agriculture’ importance during legislative sessions.
Inducted into the Wilson County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2025.

Procedural/Timeline Details

Introduction and Sponsorship:

Sponsored by Rep. Clemmons (co-sponsor: John Clemmons).

Procedure:

The House adopted the resolution with votes recorded as Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 2 (on April 15, 2026).
Following House action, the resolution was referred to the Senate Calendar Committee and sent to the Senate after engrossment.

Dedication:

The resolution notes a dedication ceremony for the named building on April 30, 2026.

Practical Significance

This is a symbolic act that publicly honors an influential Tennessee agricultural leader.

It recognizes long-term contributions to farming, agricultural policy, and rural community development.

The designation helps preserve Bone’s legacy within the state’s agricultural history and serves as a public reminder of his impact on Tennessee’s farming sector.

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