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HJR 1563

Memorials, Retirement - M. Kevin Knowles -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Carringer

Honors Kevin Knowles for over four decades in cemetery and funeral service, recognizing his leadership as Director of East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries and national recognit

Signed by Senate Speaker
#memorials #retirement
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Bill Summary · HJR 1563

Summary of Bill: HJR 1563 (Session 114, Tennessee) – Memorials, Retirement – M. Kevin Knowles

Purpose

  • A House Joint Resolution honoring and commending M. Kevin Knowles upon his retirement as Director of East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries.
  • Recognizes decades of public service, leadership in cemetery operations, and contributions to Tennessee veterans.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Declares appreciation for Kevin Knowles’ career, noting:
    • More than four decades of experience in cemetery and funeral service.
    • Since 2016, served as Director of East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries in Knoxville.
    • Oversight of daily operations across multiple facilities, staff supervision, and dignified interment of veterans.
  • Highlights specific accomplishments:
    • Administration of more than 1,000 pre-registration applications and hundreds of interments annually.
    • Collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration to ensure compliance with national standards.
    • National Cemetery Administration’s Operational Excellence Award in 2023 (awarded to only a select group of cemeteries nationwide).
  • Lists professional background:
    • Leadership roles with Service Corporation International and Stewart Enterprises.
    • Experience as a senior licensed funeral director and embalmer.
    • Certifications such as certified disaster casualty responder.
    • Participation in leadership programs (Tennessee Government Management Institute, LEAD Tennessee).
  • Public service and community involvement:
    • Volunteer work with Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry.
    • Deacon at New Providence Presbyterian Church.
  • Personal notes:
    • Family: wife Lauryi, three children, three granddaughters.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Primary: M. Kevin Knowles, honoring his retirement from the role of Director of East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries.
  • Secondary: The East Tennessee State Veterans Cemeteries community and Tennessee veterans who benefit from continued cemetery operations and standards following his leadership.
  • No policy changes or budgetary allocations are proposed in the text of the resolution; the effect is ceremonial recognition.

Procedural/Timeline Details

  • Status: Introduced and filed for introduction on April 21, 2026.
  • Placement: Placed on the House consent calendar for April 22, 2026 (action indicated as “Intro., placed on H. consent cal. for 4/22/2026”).
  • Vote: As a concurrent resolution, it requires approval by both the House and Senate (which is typical for memorial resolutions recognizing individuals).

Notes

  • The resolution emphasizes Kevin Knowles’ leadership excellence, national recognition for Tennessee cemetery operations, and his service to veterans and the community.
  • The text includes a standard ceremonial clause to provide an appropriate copy of the resolution for presentation.

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

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