February 1, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Another tribute to Frank Buck
The Tennessee House of Representatives Wednesday adopted a House Joint Resolution 90 to 0 in honor the memory of Frank Buck, who served in the state house for 36 years from his first election in 1972 until his retirement in 2008. Buck died last Wednesday.
The resolution was introduced by State Representative Michael Hale, who now has the position Buck once held in the Tennessee General Assembly.
“The resolution is as follows:
“WHEREAS, it was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Frank Buck of Dowelltown, a highly successful attorney and civic leader who served his fellow citizens with distinction as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 40th House District during the 88th, 89th, 90th, 91st, 92nd, 93rd, 94th, 95th, 96th, 97th, 98th, 99th, 100th, 101st, 102nd, 103rd, 104th, and 105th General Assemblies; and
WHEREAS, Frank Buck was born on September 26, 1943, in Trousdale County to John and Georgia Buck; he graduated from Lebanon High School, Tennessee Technological University (TTU), and the University of Tennessee College of Law; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Buck married the love of his life, Lena Ann Graves Buck, as a student at TTU in 1962; settling down in DeKalb County after law school, he joined the law firm owned by McAllen Foutch and later founded his own practice, which ultimately became Buck & Buck Attorneys after his wife joined the firm as a partner in 1991; and
WHEREAS, in 1972, Frank Buck won election to the Tennessee General Assembly, representing DeKalb, Cannon, Smith, and part of Rutherford counties in the House of Representatives; he continued to represent the 40th House District for the next thirty-six years before retiring in 2008; and
WHEREAS, an active and dynamic participant in the legislative process during his time in the General Assembly, Mr. Buck rendered sterling service as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Conservation and Environment Committee and as vice chair of the House Transportation Committee; and
WHEREAS, Frank Buck introduced many bills that improved the lives of Tennesseans, including legislation preventing the Department of Health from requiring certificates of health from lemonade stands, restraining lobbyists from buying meals and paying for travel expenses for members of the General Assembly and forcing disclosure of such acts, and allowing businesses to post their logos on interstate signs for motorists; and
WHEREAS, his many honors included being named Tennessean of the Year by The Tennessean in 2005 for his work on ethics, serving as chairman of the Tennessee Judicial Council for four years, being elected as a Fellow by the Tennessee Bar Foundation, and receiving the Common Cause Award for his Cup of Coffee Bill; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Buck was deeply devoted to his family, and he enjoyed the loving support and companionship of his wife of over sixty-one years, Lena, and their daughters, Kathryn Buck (Brice) Pursell, Melinda Buck (Chase) Brown; Sara Buck (John) Doude, and Jennifer Buck; six grandchildren, Frank Forrest (Taylor) Pursell, Ann Pursell (Timothy) Williams, William Pursell, Emeline Brown (Luke) Hébert, Ellie Brown, and Lilah Brown; and two great grandchildren, Lena Pursell and Caroline Pursell; and
WHEREAS, Frank Buck 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 we should remember the bountiful life of this exceptional public servant and human being; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Representative Frank Buck and his life of service to the citizens of the State of Tennessee, reflecting fondly upon 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 Representative Buck”.