Don Graves Holt

NASHVILLE — Dr. Don Graves Holt died November 17, 2024, at the age of 79. He was a retired educator and state government official having served as a McKenzie High School teacher, a staff member of the Tennessee Education Association, and as a university administrator and professor of education. He was commissioner of Personnel for the State of Tennessee during the McWherter Administration. As a professional, he earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
He was a 1963 graduate of McKenzie High School and later taught Government at his alma mater.
He leaves his wife, Shirley Brackett Holt; a daughter, Lee (Eric) Robinson; two grandsons, Brandon and John Robinson; and one great-granddaughter. He was born March 9, 1945, the son of the late Graves and Lucille Cantrell Holt of McKenzie, Tennessee.
The family will receive friends at the Harpeth Hills Funeral Home on November 27, 1 to 4 p.m. A private interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to a charity of your choice.