Public Chapter 76

SENATE BILL NO. 187

By Mr. Speaker Wilder

Substituted for: House Bill No. 362

By White

AN ACT To designate a certain bridge spanning Parker Branch on U.S. Highway 64/State Route 15 in Wayne County as the "J.R. Cole Memorial Bridge".

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

WHEREAS, From time to time, this General Assembly has seen fit to name certain public highways and bridges in honor of those noteworthy Tennesseans who have given unreservedly of themselves for the betterment of their communities; and

WHEREAS, Mr. J.R. Cole was one such person, a lifelong resident of Wayne County, whose contributions to Wayne County and its citizenry stand as a testament to the wisdom and character of this great man; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cole's ancestors were among the first settlers in the Wayne County area, which many descendants still call home; and

WHEREAS, He was an unflagging supporter of those less fortunate, providing employment, food and shelter for many Wayne Countians in his business pursuits; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Cole donated land to the community and its neighbors for use as a community cemetery and contributed significantly to the establishment of the Leatherwood School; and

WHEREAS, He evinced his robust faith as a member of the Leatherwood Baptist Church and helped finance church building projects; and

WHEREAS, Although Mr. Cole was lost to us in 1955, the impact of his benevolence is evident in Wayne County even today; and

WHEREAS, J.R. Cole enjoyed life and was most appreciative of its many rewards, however, his greatest source of inspiration was his loving wife, Sarah Lay Cole, who at age 100 still resides in Wayne County; and

WHEREAS, As a means of recognizing this inimitable man for his generous service to Wayne County and the citizenry of Tennessee, this legislative body deems it appropriate to establish a lasting tribute in his name; now, therefore,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the bridge that spans Parker Branch at its confluence with Shakerag Creek on U.S. Route 64/State Route 15 in Wayne County, is hereby designated as the "J.R. Cole Memorial Bridge" to honor the memory of this extraordinary man who most assuredly was a worthy representative of the true spirit of Tennessee.

SECTION 2. The Department of Transportation is directed to erect suitable signs or to affix suitable markers designating such bridge as the "J.R. Cole Memorial Bridge".

SECTION 3. The erection of such signs shall be within the guidelines prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.