TN HJR1063

Recognizes William "Bill" F. Knowles upon his retirement as Hamilton County Clerk on August 31, 2026, after serving 52 years (since 1974) across 13 elected terms—making him the longest-serving elected official in Hamilton County history

Credits Knowles with modernizing county clerk operations, including transitioning from handwritten records to digital systems, implementing audio recordings of County Commission meetings, and digitizing historical records dating back to the county's founding

Highlights his role in making Hamilton County the first in Tennessee to offer internet vehicle registration renewal (2001) and establishing driver license renewal services through the Clerk's office (2004), innovations later adopted statewide

Notes his professional recognition including three-time County Clerk of the Year, Outstanding Official of the Year from the County Officials Association, and multiple National Association of Counties awards

Acknowledges his military service (U.S. Army Reserve, Sergeant First Class), community involvement with organizations including the Salvation Army Board, and 70-year marriage to Marlene Coulter Knowles