Clyde Augustus “Scutter” Dunn
Clyde Augustus “Scutter” Dunn, 88, of Newport, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A devoted husband, father, and friend, Clyde lived a full and vibrant life marked by service, dedication, laughter, and love.
Born on December 8, 1937, in Etowah, Tennessee, to parents whose values of hard work and perseverance shaped his life, Clyde spent his early years in Etowah, Maryville, and Oak Ridge. He attended Etowah High School before enrolling at Columbia Military Academy, where the structure and high expectations instilled in him a discipline and determination that became guiding forces throughout his life. Graduating as salutatorian, Clyde went on to attend the University of Tennessee in 1955, majoring in Business Administration. A member of the ROTC program, he was recognized as Outstanding Junior Cadet in Leadership and Command and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate with the rank of Second Lieutenant.
While at UT, Clyde was also a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where he formed lifelong friendships he cherished and maintained throughout his life. Working to support himself through college, he developed a strong work ethic and drive that would define his professional and personal life. After earning his degree in 1960, he married the love of his life, Mary Parrott, on July 30,1960. Their marriage, spanning more than six decades, was the cornerstone of his life.
Following a brief honeymoon, Clyde began his military service as a personnel officer at Fort Stewart, Georgia. In 1962, he and Mary welcomed their first daughter, Lindsay, and soon relocated to Fountain City, Tennessee, so that Clyde could attend law school at the University of Tennessee. While pursuing his degree, he worked at a brokerage firm and welcomed his son, Boe. His professional journey began in Charlotte at North Carolina National Bank in the trust department before the family settled in Newport, Tennessee, in 1966. Soon after, daughter Lucy was born, followed by Courtney and Rachel. In Newport, Clyde embarked on a long and successful career as an attorney. He devoted nearly six decades to serving his clients with fairness and integrity. His ability to think on the fly and shoot from the hip was unmatched. He also served as County Attorney and President of the Bar Association.
1991 marked the start of another great passion—the Newport Theatre Guild. Clyde’s first role as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls sparked a love of the stage that would carry him through nearly forty productions with his last role being the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz. His commanding presence, sharp wit, and charm made him a beloved member of the theatre community. He served as president of the Guild and on its board, finding in it a second family and endless joy in the friendships and memories created.
An avid golfer, Clyde was a longtime member of Smoky Mountain Country Club and later Holston Hills, where he enjoyed countless rounds, went on many golf trips, and made great friends while doing so. He was fortunate to play Augusta National in 1983, a lifelong dream. He once remarked, “I will play as long as the Good Lord permits.” He did.
Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lucille Dunn; his brother, Dan Dunn; and his son-in-law, James Rufus Graham, Jr.
Clyde is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Lindsay McNabb (Steve), Clyde Augustus “Boe” Dunn, Jr. (Margot), Lucy Hooper (Ben), Courtney Graham, and Rachel Dunn (Johnny Williams). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Clyde Augustus “Zack” Dunn III (Ariel), Ben Walter Tige” Hooper IV (Julia), Sydney Claire Dunn, Theodore Dunn Hooper (Cara), Jon William “Will” Woods, Jr., Mary Isabella “Bella” Mathis (Ike), and Meredith Allyson “Ally” McNabb; and his great-grandchildren, Ben Walter “Walt” Hooper V and Bennett Wade Hooper.
The family will receive friends Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church Newport with funeral services following at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be in Union Cemetery on Monday June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. His family invites all who knew him to join in honoring his memory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church or the Newport Theatre Guild.
The family extends special thanks to Hanna Cancer Associates, Dr. Christopher L. Brett, Dr. Wahid T. Hanna, and Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2026 with funeral services following at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with David Woody and Marta Cogburn officiating.
Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, June 8, 2026 in Union Cemetery.
Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.
