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Tommy BurksAmerican farmer and politician
Date of Birth: 22.05.1940
Country:  USA |
Content:
Tommy Burks: A Rural Advocate
Early Life and CareerTommy Burks was born on May 22, 1940, in Cookeville, Tennessee. He served in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1970 to 1978 and in the Tennessee State Senate from 1978 until his death 20 years later. Upon his passing, his wife, Charlotte Burks, succeeded him in the Senate.
Conservative Beliefs
Burks was one of the most conservative Democrats in the state legislature. He opposed the teaching of evolution in schools, the legalization of abortion, gambling, and even state lotteries. These views resonated with his constituents, who were primarily rural Tennesseans.
Legislative Dedication
Tommy Burks was known for his relentless work ethic, never missing a committee meeting or floor session. He reportedly drove hundreds of miles to attend meetings while simultaneously managing his farm. Despite these grueling travels, Burks always returned to his farm during legislative sessions, unlike most of his colleagues who chose to reside in Nashville.
Tragic Demise
On October 19, 1998, Burks was shot and killed on his property by Republican challenger Byron Looper less than a month before his likely reelection. Looper, a tax assessor from Putnam County, was convicted of murder after an eyewitness came forward. He is now serving a life sentence in a Tennessee maximum-security prison. The murder weapon was never found, leading to speculation that Looper disposed of it while driving the 40-mile stretch of highway between Monterey and Cookeville.
Legacy
Tommy Burks' widow, Charlotte, won the special election to fill his seat in the State Senate. Remarkably, Charlotte's name was not printed on the ballot, as voters wrote her in, giving her a substantial margin of victory. She became the first write-in senator in Tennessee history. She went on to win reelection in 2002, 2006, and 2010.
A portion of Interstate 40 was named the "Tommy Burks Memorial Highway" in his honor, spanning Wilson, Smith, Putnam, and Cumberland counties.
