Sources |
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 25 Feb 2014.
Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice, Inc. Presents The Golden Couple 53 Years Clyde A. and Mary (Parrott) Dunn
-By Janice Casey
Clyde Dunn, the son of the late Charles and Lucille Dunn, was raised in Etowah, TN; Mary is the daughter of the late Theodore and Doris (Mims) Parrott and was raised in Newport.
The couple met while they were students at the University of Tennessee, where he was a sophomore and she was a freshman. They dated “on-and-off” while they were in college and decided to make their relationship permanent. Clyde and Mary were married on July 30, 1960, at the First United Methodist Church, where they still attend. Rev. Harold Harris officiated at the ceremony. The newlyweds honeymooned in Florida en route to Ft. Stewart, GA. Clyde was a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. They lived there for 2 1/2 years.
After his discharge from the Army, Clyde completed law school. In 1965 they moved to Charlotte, NC, where he worked in the Trust Department at the North Carolina National Bank. Mary was an educator during that time. Clyde, an avid U. T. sports fan, learned that North Carolinians did not share his enthusiasm for the Volunteers and decided to move to a friendlier place, so they moved to Newport in 1966; he set up his law practice, and Mary worked for DHS.
They have been blessed with five children: Lindsey (Steve) McNabb; Clyde A., Jr, affectionately known as “Bo” (Margot); Lucy (Ben III) Hooper; Courtney (Jay) Graham: and Rachel Dunn. The family is complete with seven grandchildren, referred to as “our pride and joy.”
The Dunns have always been active in our community. Clyde coached Little League football and baseball while the children were growing up. Mary has taught exercise and yoga classes for the past 36 years. Clyde enjoys his time on the golf course, and together they play a mean game of tennis. Mary has taught Sunday School at their church. Clyde is active in the Newport Theater Guild and has appeared in several productions in Newport and Morristown. Mary has choreographed several of the musicals for the Guild.
When asked to advise couples contemplating marriage, Clyde states, “You need understanding and consideration. You must learn to make adjustments.” Mary, who truly believes they were raised in the best of times, states, “We took our marriage vows very seriously,” and that, she says, is what needs to be done today.
They celebrated their golden anniversary with their family at Treasure Island.
We salute Clyde and Mary Dunn for their successful marriage by honoring them as the Golden Couple for February.
|