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SJR 474

Memorials, Recognition - Thomas Allen "T.A." Bryan, Sr. -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Pody

SJR 474 formally honors Thomas A. Bryan, Sr. for his leadership, philanthropy, and community service in Tennessee through ceremonial recognition by the General Assembly.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · SJR 474

Summary of SJR 474 (Memorials, Recognition – Thomas Allen "T.A." Bryan, Sr.)

Purpose and intent

  • SJR 474 is a Senate Joint Resolution that memorializes and honors Thomas Allen "T.A." Bryan, Sr. for a lifetime of service to his community and the State of Tennessee.
  • The resolution expresses the General Assembly’s respect and appreciation for Bryan’s leadership, philanthropy, and public-spirited work, and requests the preparation of an appropriate copy for presentation.

Key provisions and changes

  • Ceremonial recognition only: The bill does not create or modify laws, programs, or state funding. It serves as an official statement of commendation and tribute from the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • Publication and presentation: Upon adoption, an appropriate copy of the resolution is prepared for presentation; the copy language is specified to omit House/Senate designation on the final copy.

Who/what would be affected

  • Primary honoree: Thomas Allen "T.A." Bryan, Sr. and his family.
  • Broader impact: The recognition highlights Bryan’s contributions to Tennessee through business leadership, charitable work, and community service, reflecting positively on Lebanon and the state’s civic culture.
  • No direct regulatory or fiscal impact on government programs.

Background and biographical highlights (as cited in the bill)

  • Born January 1935 in Shop Springs; Lebanon High School graduate (1953).
  • Early career at Kingsboro Silk Mill and Hartmann Luggage; later a renowned life insurance professional with Chartered Life Underwriter designation.
  • Business and community initiatives:
    • In 1969, purchased and remodeled the Martha Gaston Hospital property in Lebanon to house offices, including his insurance agency.
    • Founded Faith Rescue Mission (late 1960s) as one of the first homeless shelters for families.
    • Founded Cedarcroft Home (1974), a state-licensed shelter for men facing homelessness or recovery issues; expanded campus to include the Margie Anna Nursing Home property.
    • Cedarcroft became a large, nonprofit 501(c)(3) facility and the state’s largest of its type, housing around 150 men.
  • Faith-based and civic involvement: Longtime member and deacon of First Baptist Church (Lebanon); active with Gideons International; 62-year Kiwanis Club member; Sunday School leadership; community service across various sectors.
  • Personal: Married to Jean for 69 years; father of three; grandfather to six and great-grandfather to nine.

Legislative history and timeline

  • Introduced: April 21, 2025.
  • Senate action: Adopted on April 22, 2025; transmitted to House; concurred with unanimous votes (Ayes 95–Nays 0).
  • House action: Concurred and passed on April 22, 2025; enrolled and transmitted for signatures.
  • Governor: Signed on May 5, 2025, completing the process.

Sponsor

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Pody.

Bottom-line

SJR 474 serves as a formal, ceremonial honor recognizing T.A. Bryan’s extensive community leadership and philanthropic work in Tennessee, acknowledging his dual impact as a business leader and humanitarian. It culminated in the Governor’s signature, making the tribute an official record of the state.

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

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