Jo Ann Haynes

Jo Ann Haynes, age 91, passed away on August 9, 2022.

She was born August 24, 1930, to Walter and Ethel Clayton and grew up in Henderson, Tennessee. Jo Ann was a graduate of Chester County High School, Freed-Hardeman College and the University of Tennessee. She excelled in her academic work and was the salutatorian of her high school class and ranked 3rd at Freed Hardeman.

Jo Ann was active in Future Homemakers of America and held offices in the statewide organization. While at U.T. she was selected for two honor societies, Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Nu. After graduation, Jo Ann taught Home Economics at Ridgely High School.

In 1955, she married W.C. Haynes. They made their home in Tiptonville for 60 years before moving to Knoxville. She was known for her fine Southern cooking and her sewing abilities. When her daughters were in school, Jo Ann went back to work as Lake County's Food Service Supervisor.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband including trips to Alaska, the Panama Canal and following the U.T. Vols football and Lady Vols basketball teams. Jo Ann was a Christian and faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Tiptonville.

Jo Ann was devoted to her husband and a loving supporter of her family, extended family and neighbors. She will be remembered fondly by those blessed to have known her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and three sisters.

She is survived by husband W.C. Haynes; daughters Nancy Haynes of Nashville and Mary K. Burnette (Phillip) of Knoxville; grandchildren Anna and John Burnette; nieces Anne Jonas, Leslee Renner, Martha Kirby and nephew Joe Guinn.

W.C. Haynes, Jr.

W.C. Haynes, a member of one of Lake County's pioneer families, died at home with his family at his side on May 22, 2023, at the age of 93.

Haynes wore many hats and held a number of county and state positions throughout his life. He was also a farmer and landowner.

W.C. is remembered by his friends, acquaintances and family as friendly, kindhearted, loyal and entertaining.

In 2015, W.C. and his wife Jo Ann moved from Tiptonville to Knoxville to be near his daughters and grandchildren.

He is the son of the late Lake County Sheriff W.C. "Peck" Haynes, Sr. and the grandson of the late Lake County Sheriff  C.H. "Kit" Haynes who opposed the Reelfoot Lake Night Riders in 1908.

W.C. graduated from Tiptonville High School in 1947 and was an athlete who enjoyed all sports.

He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in both Texas and Germany.

W.C. was a state representative for Lake County and member of the Lake County Commission from 1978 until 1994. In addition, he served on the Lake County Election Commission and was a board member of the Lake County Soil Conservation District (1981-1990).

He was Lake County's Farm Bureau Insurance Agent for many years and served on the Federal Land Bank Board of Directors  for 27 years.

He was a member of the American Legion, the Tiptonville Lions Club, a Mason and Past Master of Harmony Lodge 184.

W.C. was a huge Tennessee Volunteer fan and a past president of the Lake County UT Alumni Association. He held Tennessee football season tickets for decades, through both the great years and the not-so-great.

He and Jo Ann attended the 1998 National Championship game in Tempe, Arizona where the undefeated Vols won it all.  He followed the Vols to the end of his life and only a few months ago, he told a friend, "Those Lady Vols (softball) are special."   And they are.

W.C. enjoyed duck and goose hunting on Reelfoot Lake and he was an avid golfer with a hole-in-one on his resume.  He was a great card player and also enjoyed bird watching.

Always strong in his faith, W.C. was a member of the Tiptonville United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Jo Ann Haynes, his parents W.C. "Peck" Haynes, Sr. and Nettie Humphreys Haynes, and his sister Margaret Donnell.

He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Haynes of Nashville and Mary Kathryn (Phillip) Burnette of Knoxville, grandchildren Anna Burnette and John Burnette and nieces Anne D. Jonas and Leslee D. Renner.

Graveside services for Jo Ann and W.C. Haynes will be held at New Haven Cemetery in Ridgely, TN on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 10:30 am. with Rev. Marita Burkeen officiating. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.