Tennessee SJR 22: Memorials, Death - Samuel Melvin Browder -

Bill Text

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 22
By Yager

SJR0022
000174
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A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Samuel Melvin Browder
of Knoxville.

WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly were greatly saddened to learn of
the passing of Samuel Melvin Browder; and
WHEREAS, Sam Browder was an exemplary gentleman and consummate professional
who worked assiduously to improve the quality of life for his fellow citizens in numerous
capacities; and
WHEREAS, born in the Wheat community of Roane County on August 15, 1927, Sam
Browder was the only child of Joe H. Browder and Lona McCall (McGarr); and
WHEREAS, at only seventeen years of age, Mr. Browder enlisted in the United States
Navy and bravely served in the Pacific Theater during World War II; following the war, he was
stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he met Leinhard "Lynn"
Matthes, the love of his life; he returned to Tennessee and was soon joined by Lynn, whom he
married in 1950; and
WHEREAS, Sam Browder had an active and colorful career at the University of
Tennessee, Knoxville, where he majored in business and joined Pi Kappa Phi with his best
friend and best man, Howard Baker; and
WHEREAS, upon his graduation, Mr. Browder joined the family business, Harriman Oil
Company, and due to his industrious leadership, the company grew to become one of the
largest Shell Oil distributors in the nation; he was also involved in a number of other industries,
including banking, automotive dealerships, real estate, and commercial development; and
WHEREAS, Sam Browder was a staunch proponent of education who enthusiastically
supported his alma mater throughout his life and was instrumental in the founding of Roane
State Community College; and

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WHEREAS, Mr. Browder held his pilot's license for more than fifty years and was an avid
fisherman and outdoorsman; he was forever proud of raising four Eagle Scouts with his wife and
watching his sons grow up and have families of their own; and
WHEREAS, a member of St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, he was also deeply devoted to
his family, and he always endeavored to remain true to family values of the highest order; and
WHEREAS, Sam Browder is survived by his sons, Samuel M. (Nancy) Browder, Jr., Joe
H. (Mary Beth) Browder II, and John F. (Janene) Browder; his grandchildren, Jacqueline
Chaffee, David Browder, Michael Browder, Laura Browder Krantz, Matthew Browder, Alex
Browder, Cayman Browder, and Carly Browder; and his great-grandchildren, Caroline Chaffee
and Alexandra Chaffee; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his parents, Mr. Browder was preceded in death by his wife of
fifty-five years, Leinhard "Lynn" Matthes Browder; his dear son, Carl M. Browder; his beloved
stepmother, Ruth S. Browder; and his special aunt, Ruth Plyman; and
WHEREAS, Sam Browder leaves behind an indelible legacy of integrity and probity in
public life, compassion and loyalty in private life, and diligence and dedication in all his chosen
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the members of this General Assembly should pause to
remember the bountiful life of this exceptional public servant and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED TWELFTH GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Samuel Melvin Browder, reflecting fondly upon
his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life with courage
and conviction.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we express our sympathy and offer our condolences
to the family of Mr. Browder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to

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the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.