20 Nashville newsmakers who died in 2017, and the legacies they leave behind
Karen Grigsby
This year Nashville said goodbye to dozens of newsmakers who made a lasting impact, whether through service or song. 2017 was a difficult year for the music community, which saw the loss of legends Glen Campbell and Mel Tillis — and, in one particularly tragic day, Don Williams and Troy Gentry.
Here is a brief look at 20 Nashville notables who died in 2017 and their contributions.
Gregg Allman
A Nashville native, Gregg Allman was a soulful singer and songwriter whose work with the Allman Brothers Band set the stage for Southern rock and jam bands and influenced several generations of players. During its five-decade run, the band had several hits, including "Ramblin' Man" and "Jessica." Allman died May 27 at the age of 69.
The Rev. Bill Barnes
The Rev. Bill Barnes was a longtime Nashville affordable housing and civil rights advocate, a crusader for the poor and a founding pastor of Edgehill United Methodist Church. The city's affordable housing fund is named for Barnes, who fought against the further concentration of poverty in Nashville. Barnes died Aug. 21 at age 86.
More:Rev. Bill Barnes, longtime Nashville affordable housing advocate, dies at 86
Max Barry
The only child of Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and her husband, Bruce, Max Barry died of a drug overdose July 29 in Littleton, Colo. He was 22. The mayor and her husband — who received an outpouring of condolences from across the city, state and nation — chose to be transparent about the death of their son to become a voice in the growing national opioid crisis.
More:Nashville Mayor Megan Barry's son dies from apparent overdose, prompting outpouring of support
Chuck Berry
One of rock 'n' roll's key architects, Chuck Berry — who died March 18 at age 90 — also left an immeasurable mark on country's sound, and several generations of Nashville artists. Marty Robbins cracked the top 10 with his own version of Berry's "Maybellene," and Buck Owens scored a hit with "Johnny B. Goode." Berry's singular influence on Music City was formally recognized in 1982, when he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
More:How Chuck Berry's love of country inspired Nashville
Glen Campbell
A guitar virtuoso, a TV host and an influential singer whose hits included "Gentle on My Mind," "Galveston," "Wichita Lineman" and "Rhinestone Cowboy," Glen Campbell died Aug. 8, two months after the release of his last album. The Country Music Hall of Famer was 81 and had been battling a public yearslong battle with Alzheimer's disease.
More:Glen Campbell, 'Rhinestone Cowboy' singer, dead at 81
The Most Rev. David Choby
A Nashville native, the Most Rev. David R. Choby was the 11th bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville. He was known for his pastoral care and ecumenical work, and was committed to bringing men into the priesthood. While serving as bishop, 28 priests were ordained. Choby died June 3 at age 70.
More:Nashville Bishop David Choby dies at 70
Eric Dewey
Eric Dewey was known as a tireless leader in his role as president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. He is credited with focusing United Way's efforts on early childhood education, financial stability and health. Dewey died from heart complications March 31. He was 54.
More:Eric Dewey, CEO of United Way Nashville, dies at 54
Jane Dudley
A social icon in the Nashville community and beyond, Jane Dudley was the founder and honorary chair of the Swan Ball, one of the South's most prestigious white-tie charity events and a Cheekwood fundraiser. A lover of parties and people, Dudley chaired more than 25 charity events around the world, raising millions of dollars. Dudley was 92.
More:Jane Dudley, Swan Ball founder and honorary chairman, dies at 92
Jim Fyke
James H. "Jim" Fyke pushed parks expansion and protection for a half-century in Nashville and Tennessee. He served as commissioner of the state Department of Environment and Conservation and spent 39 years with Metro Parks and Recreation. He is credited with leading the $18 million face-lift for the Parthenon in 2011 and overseeing the single largest donation of land to Metro from the Al Beaman family. He died June 20 at age 78.
More:Jim Fyke, longtime Tennessee parks and conservation advocate, dies at 78
Troy Gentry
One-half of country duo Montgomery Gentry, Troy Gentry died in a helicopter crash in New Jersey on Sept. 8. He was 50. Montgomery Gentry broke into the country scene in 1999 and won the CMA Vocal Duo of the Year in 2000. The duo's hits included "My Town," "Something to Be Proud Of" and "Gone." They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2009.
More:Troy Gentry: A life of triumph and tragedy
Douglas Henry
Regarded as the epitome of a Southern statesman and gentleman, Douglas Selph Henry Jr. was a giant of the Tennessee legislature for six decades. Henry, a conservative Democrat, was the longest-serving member in the history of the Tennessee General Assembly. He was first elected to a House seat in 1954 before being elected to the Senate in 1970. He served there for 44 years, developing a reputation as a guru in state finances. He died March 5 at age 90 and became the first person to lie in state at the Capitol since 1927.
More:Douglas Henry, longest-serving member of Tennessee legislature, dies at 90
Ralphie May
A Chattanooga native, comedian Ralphie May rose to fame after appearing on the first season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing." May was known for multiple stand-up specials for Comedy Central and Netflix. He died of cardiac arrest Oct. 6 at age 45.
More:Ralphie May, Tennessee-born comedian, dead at 45. Comics react to news of his death.
Kitty Moon Emery
Katherine "Kitty" Moon Emery was known for breaking barriers in politics, business and civic leadership. As chairwoman of the Metro Sports Authority, Moon Emery helped lure professional hockey and pro football to Music City. She was a pre-eminent leader in the Nashville music industry and served on the board of directors for some of the city's most vital organizations, include the Country Music Association. She died Feb. 8 at age 70.
More:Kitty Moon Emery, Nashville business and community leader, dies at 70
Eric Mumaw
A Metro police officer, Eric Mumaw gave his life to save another. On Feb. 2, Mumaw, 44, ran into the Cumberland River trying to save a driver whose car was quickly sinking below the surface of the frigid water. The driver survived; Mumaw's body was found hours later. Mumaw was recognized throughout his nearly two decades of service on the police department for going above and beyond duty. He was the 18th Metro officer to die in the line of duty since the Metropolitan government was formed in 1963.
More:Nashville police officer dies after dramatic rescue in Cumberland River
Mel Tillis
During Mel Tillis' six-decade career, he recorded over 60 albums, notched three dozen top 10 singles — including "I Ain't Never" and "Coca Cola Cowboy — and wrote over 1,000 songs, several of which are now regarded as classics. Known for his stutter, Tillis also was a comedian and businessman. He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and a Country Music Hall of Famer. Tillis died Nov. 19. He was 85.
More:Country Music Hall of Famer Mel Tillis dead at 85
Jo Walker-Meador
Jo Walker-Meador was the first full-time employee the Country Music Association ever hired. She joined the fledgling trade organization as office manager in the 1950s and retired in 1991 after 29 years as executive director. By then, country music was an international juggernaut. During her tenure, she oversaw the creation of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the CMA Awards and Fan Fair, which became the CMA Music Festival. She died Aug. 16 at age 93.
More:Country music’s loss: Jo Walker-Meador, who led CMA to new heights, has died
Perry Wallace
Perry Wallace was the first African-American to receive a scholarship to play basketball at Vanderbilt University and in the Southeastern Conference. "He was an activist in his very existence," said Andrew Maraniss, who wrote the book "Strong Inside" about Wallace, who died Dec. 1 at the age of 69. Wallace was named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2003, and Vanderbilt retired his No. 25 jersey the next year.
More:Perry Wallace: Vanderbilt, SEC basketball trailblazer dead
Getahn Ward
Getahn Ward was a tenacious longtime business reporter at The Tennessean, a Tennessee State University professor and a beloved community and church leader. He was a bulldog of a reporter, most recently on the real estate beat. But he also was a generous mentor and a staunch advocate for black journalists. He died Dec. 16 after a brief illness. He was 45.
More:Getahn Ward, longtime Tennessean reporter, beloved community leader, dies at 45
Don Williams
Standing over 6 feet tall, with a smooth baritone and soft-spoken nature, Don Williams was known as the "Gentle Giant" of country music. He released 16 No. 1 songs between 1974 and 1985, including "Tulsa Time," "I Believe in You" and "Lord, I Hope This Day is Good." He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010. He died Sept. 8 at age 78.
More:Don Williams, country music's 'gentle giant,' dead at 78
Jessi Zazu
Jessi Zazu, whose band Those Darlins was at the forefront of Nashville's indie rock revival a decade ago, died Sept. 12 after a public battle with cancer. Zazu's uncle is country musician Steve Wariner; still, Those Darlins helped establish that the local music scene was more than just country. After the band broke up, Zazu focused on her art, designing T-shirts that said "Ain't Afraid" and selling them to help pay her medical bills. She was 28.
More:Jessi Zazu, of Nashville indie rock pioneers Those Darlins, dead at 28
