Don Haynes was born and raised in Knoxville. This East Tennessean learned the value of hard work and service from an early age. His father worked for Southern Railways, while his mother served the community as a psychiatric nurse. Their example helped shape a lifelong commitment to helping others.
After graduating from Fulton High School, Haynes attended the University of Tennessee, earning a degree in Business Administration. His educational journey continued in Nashville, where he completed a degree in Mortuary Science at John A. Gupton College, preparing for a career that would allow him to serve families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
His personal story took a remarkable turn when he met the woman who would become his wife. He was 29, and she was 17 when they first met. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and on their second date, he purchased an engagement ring. More than four decades later, their marriage remains a testament to lasting love and commitment. Together, they have raised four children and now enjoy the blessings of three grandchildren. His wife pursued a career in healthcare and served as a registered nurse at UT Medical Center until her retirement.
Professionally, he began his career at Stevens Mortuary in Knoxville, working as a funeral director and embalmer. After 10 years, he transitioned to the business side of the profession, serving as a manufacturer’s representative for companies supplying products and services to the funeral industry. Eventually, however, he returned to Stevens Mortuary, where he resumed his role as funeral director and embalmer.
Today, he continues to serve families through his work at Stevens Mortuary and plans to retire in December 2026 after a distinguished career spanning decades. His expertise and dedication to the profession were recently recognized when Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee appointed him to the Tennessee Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers serving as the Continuing Education Liaison for funeral service practitioners in the state.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has been actively involved in community service organizations for many years, including the Bearden Rotary. Named a Paul Harris Fellow, a highly coveted Rotarian honor, Haynes has long supported efforts that strengthen the community and improve the lives of others.
Through his devotion to family, his commitment to his profession, and his service to the community, he has built a legacy marked by compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others.
As part of the Bearden Rotary Club’s “Know Your Rotarian” segment, fellow member Dick Hinton shared four facts about Don—three truths and one lie:
Three Truths and a LIE
- While a member of the University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Band as a trumpet player, he once played the Tennessee Waltz on stage in the French Quarter in New Orleans.
- Is currently a member and chair-elect of the Board of Directors for the British Institute of Embalmers North American Division.
- At age 10, he told his Dad that when he grew up, he wanted to be a Funeral Director
- Once made TV commercials for Western Sizzlin’ Steakhouses
This funeral director has a few interesting stories to tell, and most of them are absolutely true. As a member of the University of Tennessee Pride of the Southland Band as a trumpet player, he once performed the Tennessee Waltz on a stage in the French Quarter of New Orleans. He is also a current member and chairman-elect of the Board of Directors for the British Institute of Embalmers North American Division, reflecting his dedication to the funeral service profession. Another true story dates back to age 10, when he told his father that he wanted to become a funeral director when he grew up—a dream he ultimately fulfilled.
It is not true that he once made television commercials for Western Sizzlin’ Steakhouses. While it sounds believable, that’s the lie in this round of “Three Truths and a Lie.”
The Rotary Club of Bearden meets every Friday, 12:15 p.m. for a luncheon meeting/program at Bearden Banquet Hall, 5806 Kingston Pike, 37919. All guests are welcome. Contact Joseph Pace with membership questions: here.
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