NASHVILLE — State Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) presented Senate Joint Resolution 1085 in memory of Dr. Josh Wandell honoring the late public servant, educator and ALS advocate before the Tennessee Senate this week.

Wandell served the education community in various roles throughout his career before retiring as a principal from his childhood high school, East Side Elementary, in 2016. After his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) he worked to bring awareness about the degenerative disease.

“It is hard to put into words the impact Dr. Wandell had on our local communities,” said Senator Crowe. “He was an extraordinarily gifted and hardworking educator and servant to his community. He will be missed greatly by many local citizens.”

The resolution states, “Dr. Wandell 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; it is fitting that we should pause to remember the bountiful life of this exceptional public servant and human being.”

Dr. Wandell was a member of numerous public service organizations including the Tennessee Principal Association, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the All Pro Dad Organization.

“Rep. Holsclaw and I are very honored to sponsor this resolution,” added Sen. Crowe. “Dr. Wandell is very deserving of the state’s appreciation for all that he did for Tennessee and our community.”

Rep. Holsclaw said, “Josh was a friend and so well loved and respected by us all — I will miss his energy and presence in our community.”

Wandell is survived by his wife of seven years, Tabitha Wandell, and his children, Jayla Wandell, Taylor Long and J.T. Long, as well as his parents, brother and sister.