Local Legend passes at 89

Former Lewis County Herald Editor & Publisher Byrne K. Dunn passed away peacefully at the family home early this week. A lifetime community leader, Mrs. Dunn was 89.

Since her retirement in 2012, Mrs. Dunn spent her days at her home on Oakdale Drive in the company of family and caregivers. A series of mini strokes caused the onset of dementia, but the ever-strong mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend rallied for many years to prove her tenacity.

As the oldest daughter of John L. and Ruth Keaton of Milan, Byrne spent her younger years cooking, sewing and caring for her younger sisters and brother while helping at home. After her 1950 graduation from Milan High School, she worked in insurance sales. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Hulon O. Dunn.

A marriage on January 5, 1952 bound the two for life. A few short years later, the World War II Navy Veteran and his bride learned the Lewis County Herald in Hohenwald was for sale.

With the assistance of Byrne's uncle, William Keaton, then mayor of Hohenwald, the 24 and 30 year olds made the move with newborn son, Hulon Jr.

Ever community minded, they took ownership of the newspaper and print shop from Ernest Pollock in March 1956.

One year later, a second son, Walton, was born, and the family settled in to their new life with ease.

Hulon and Byrne were lifelong members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, serving as elders, Sunday School teachers, and she, as treasurer of the CPW (Cumberland Presbyterian Women) and a member of the choir.

Never in the office or at home were negative words spoken of the community or its people, a family member commented. Ethics of hard work and honesty carried them through their life together.

At the untimely death of Mr. Dunn in June 1987, Byrne smoothly transitioned from Society Editor and proofreader to Editor & Publisher, a title she held for more than 25 years.

Continued was the dedication to Hohenwald, Lewis County and the reporting of events and news. A print shop under her leadership thrived alongside the newspaper.

Both Hulon Jr. and Walton worked alongside her in the immediate years following the death of their father.

Mrs. Dunn was a world traveler, most often with friends, Annette Peery, Barbara Hinson, Tony Turnbow, Kenneth Kistler, Gabby Spears, Glenda Hayes and others. She made trips that included most of the United States and a special visit to New York City.

Members of this group visited European countries, including Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Trips to Norway, Alaska and Hawaii are documented in family photos and stories. Mrs. Dunn, always active in her local church and regional Presbytery, also traveled to China and was an ambassador to Japan for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 2008.

She began passing the torch of office management, editing and writing to her daughter, Becky Jane Newbold, in 2003. Her business acumen and common sense brought prosperity to the Lewis County Herald, success she generously shared with local civic groups and her family.

Her high standard of character blessed Hohenwald, Lewis County and she never wavered from doing what she believed right, even when her decisions may have been unpopular with a few.

She provided consistent support to her youngest son, Robert, helping establish him as a highly successful Nashville-based contractor.

In addition to service to her faith, Mrs. Dunn supported many community groups through her business and with her personal time.

She held an active membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 393 for 50 years. A charter member of the Pilot Club of Hohenwald and member for more than 25 years, Mrs. Dunn devotedly raised money for brain-related issues. She was a past member of the Volksport organization and a member of the Alpenrosli German Chorus of Hohenwald.

Mrs. Dunn was not only mother to four children, but also adored 12 grandchildren, spending as much time as possible with them. No one ever left her house hungry or without a hug. Homemade meals and desserts, home canned foods from her garden, jellies and wine, as well as hand tailored clothes were simply an extension of her personality she shared with those she loved.

Numerous hours were spent propagating African violets, gardening, designing quilts or experimenting with needlework. Crossword puzzles kept her occupied as did playing Bridge with the Tuesday Night Bridge Club when it was active.

She volunteered her time delivering Meals on Wheels to seniors in Hohenwald for many years.

Mrs. Dunn served on a variety of local and regional boards including the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance, the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, the Lewis Health Center Community Advisory Committee and the Lewis County Health Council.

In 1992, she was honored with the Heritage Award by the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce. In 2000, the Lewis County Herald was presented the Business of the Year Award and the same year, she was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame by the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce.

In 2009, the Chamber of Commerce recognized Mrs. Dunn with one of their highest honors, the Legend Award, making her the first female to ever receive the honor.

Her accountant once asked where she went to school, praising and admiring her business achievement. Upon hearing her highest education was a high school diploma, he shook his head and remarked, "That's amazing. She is one of the smartest business women I've ever known."

Byrne K. Dunn is survived by her daughter, Becky Jane Newbold; three sons, Hulon O. (Valaurie) Dunn Jr., Walton L. Dunn of Hohenwald, and Robert A. (Jessica) Dunn of Pegram; two sisters, Nancy Tucker and Elizabeth Ownby of Milan; a brother, John L. (Elaine) Keaton of Albuquerque, New Mexico and a brother-in-law, William Sherrell (Phoebe) Dunn of Augusta, Georgia.

She is survived by 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and son-in-law Charles Elliott "Shane" Newbold III.

The family wishes to recognize caregivers Chasity Tiller, Mia Hinson, Lauren Tiller, Holly Graves Carroll and Betty Dye for years of service and friendship.

Funeral services are planned for today, Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at McDonald Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:30 a.m., prior to a memorial service.

Pastor Paul Tucker of Greenfield, a nephew, will conduct services. Internment is expected to follow at Swiss Cemetery where she will lay in rest next to her husband.