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HJR 1397

Memorials, Retirement - Judge Rex Henry Ogle -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Fred Atchley

Recognizes Judge Rex Henry Ogle’s 36 years on the Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court and honors his leadership, service, and community contributions upon retirement.

Concurred, Ayes 28, Nays 0
#memorials #retirement
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Bill Summary · HJR 1397

Summary of House Joint Resolution 1397 (HJR 1397), 114th Tennessee General Assembly

Purpose

  • HJR 1397 is a memorial resolution honoring the retirement of Judge Rex Henry Ogle from the bench of the Fourth Judicial District (Circuit Court) in Tennessee.
  • The resolution recognizes his long service as the longest-serving judge in the Fourth Judicial District and offers gratitude and best wishes upon his retirement.

Key Provisions and Content

  • Acknowledges Judge Rex Henry Ogle’s 36 years of service on the Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court, including his work on both criminal and civil cases.
  • Highlights leadership roles and professional contributions, including:
    • Six terms as Presiding Judge of the Fourth Judicial District.
    • Founding the Fourth Judicial District Task Force Against Domestic Violence and serving as its president from 1996 to 2000.
    • Receipt of the Judge Jane Wheatcraft Award from the Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence (in recognition of service in this area).
    • Appointment by the Tennessee Supreme Court to the Statewide Commission on Foster Care in 1996.
    • Active involvement in the Tennessee Judicial Conference: roles as Vice President, President Elect, and President for the 2001-2002 term.
  • Provides biographical background, including:
    • Education: B.A. in Political Science (University of Tennessee, 1976, honors) and J.D. (Memphis State University Cecil B. Humphreys School of Law, 1979).
    • Professional background prior to the bench: eleven years in private practice with the firm Ogle, Wynn and Ogle; served as attorney for the City of Pigeon Forge; instructor for the Pigeon Forge Citizens Academy.
    • Community and civic involvement: Leadership Sevier graduate; instructor for police departments in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville; involvement with Lincoln Memorial University School of Law advisory board; leadership roles with Museum Appalachia, Cherish the Child Foundation, and Sevier County Public Library Foundation; Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation; member of the Tennessee Society Sons of the Revolution.
  • Personal note: mentions his wife, Judge Norma McGee Ogle (retired from the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals) and his son Daniel McGee Ogle, a United Methodist minister in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Formal conclusion: “Be It Resolved” by both the Tennessee House of Representatives and the Senate concurring, to honor Judge Ogle and extend gratitude and best wishes.
  • Administrative note: The final copy is to be prepared for presentation with minor formatting language to omit house/senate designations on the copy.

Who/What is Affected

  • The primary subject of the resolution is Judge Rex Henry Ogle and his retirement from the Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court.
  • The resolution recognizes and codifies ceremonial praise and acknowledgment by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • This is a concurrent resolution (House Joint Resolution) typically issued to memorialize a public official or notable figure.
  • Legislative history for this session shows:
    • Intro and filing: April 13, 2026.
    • Adopted in House: April 13, 2026 (Ayes 90, Nays 0, PNV 3).
    • Engrossed and transmitted to Senate: April 14, 2026.
    • Received from House and referred to the Senate Calendar Committee: April 15, 2026.
  • The bill does not enact statutory changes or allocate funds; it is ceremonial recognition.

Impact

  • Primarily symbolic recognition of Judge Ogle’s career and contributions to the judiciary and community.
  • May be used for formal presentation and archival purposes within state government and can reflect positively on Judge Ogle’s service in official records.

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

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