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A resolution honoring the life of Mr. Arnett H. Bodenhamer, Sr.
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WHEREAS, Mr. Arnett H. Bodenhamer, Sr., was born on April 17, 1934 in Giles County, Tennessee, to parents William “Sam” and Pearline Bell (Pryor-Brown) Bodenhamer; and
WHEREAS, after the death of his father, Mr. Bodenhamer moved to Nashville where he went on to graduate from Pearl High School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bodenhamer desired to improve the quality of life for all residents and showed this every day through his leadership, commitment, and devotion to Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bodenhamer served in the U.S. Army for more than twenty years, including service in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Panama Canal Zone, retiring in 1973; after retiring he was the National Sales Manager for a Soft Lines Apparel Company, and later served as President and CEO of Arnett & Associates Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bodenhamer was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (“NAACP”) and on November 16, 2004, was elected to serve as president of the Nashville Branch of the NAACP, a position which he held with distinction; and
WHEREAS, some of his major accomplishments during his tenure as President of the NAACP included an increase in membership, the continuation of a successful Freedom Fund Raiser, the revitalization of the Nashville NAACP Branch Act-SO Program, the revitalization of two college chapters (Fisk University and Tennessee State University), and getting youth involved in programs and leadership positions; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bodenhamer was instrumental in assisting with the negotiations of the Clarksville NAACP Branch in successful action against the Police Department, working to assist the Franklin Firefighters in a discrimination case, working with Metro Nashville Public Schools to reduce class size and working with the local and state Government on Disparity Studies and the enforcement of the Title 6 Program; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bodenhamer was actively involved with many community and civic organizations and served on a number of Boards and Commissions of Metropolitan Nashville including the Sports Authority, Planning Commission, Metro Board of Parks, and the Auditorium Commission. He also served as Vice President 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, a prominent member of the Buffalo PAC, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Inc., where he was a lifelong member, and the Tennessee Veterans Home Board. He was also selected for Leadership Nashville; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bodenhamer’s awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (3rd Award), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Good Conduct Medal (5 Loops), National Defense Medal (2nd Award), Korean Service Medal (Bronze Service Star), Vietnam Service Medal (Silver Service Star), Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and several Letters of Accommodation and Appreciation from a number of civic organizations; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bodenhammer passed away on September 27, 2023 and is survived by son Arnett H. Bodenhamer II, stepson Pompey Hawkins, three grandchildren, and countless other beloved relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, through his invaluable efforts with the NAACP and immeasurable contributions to benefit communities, he truly made a positive impact on countless lives; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council honors the life of Mr. Arnett H. Bodenhamer, Sr., and recognizes his years of service to Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as honoring the life of Mr. Arnett H. Bodenhamer, Sr.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.