Mark Opp Haines

Mark Haines, 72, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, passed away on August 9, 2026. Mark lived a full and remarkable life, defined by hard work, curiosity, creativity, faith, and an appreciation for the beauty found in both ordinary and extraordinary things.

    Throughout his life, Mark was an entrepreneur at heart and pursued many different endeavors. He spent much of his career in the restaurant industry as a chef and restaurateur, most notably as the owner of Bolton’s Landing in Glasgow, Kentucky. His love of good food and hospitality extended beyond his own restaurant, and he served as President of the Kentucky Restaurant Association. Later in his career, Mark worked as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, bringing the same dedication and personal connection to his clients that characterized so much of his life.

    Mark also believed strongly in service. He spent years serving on the Kentucky Personnel Board after being appointed by the governor and gave generously of his time and talents to his church. He was rarely one to sit still; there was always something to build, learn, read, improve, or do for someone else.

   Mark was a lover of all things beautiful. He appreciated art, photography, flowers, landscaping, beautiful sunsets, wonderful food, well-made items, traveling to new places, and, above all, his beautiful wife. As a master woodworker, he could create beautiful things with his hands and took great pride in his craftsmanship. He was also an avid reader with an enduring love of learning. His curiosity stayed with him throughout his life, and he was always interested in discovering something new. Above all, Mark treasured his family. He especially loved being part of his grandchildren’s lives and spent countless hours watching and cheering them on from the sidelines and stands. Whether it was volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, or soccer, they could count on him to be there. Just as much as he loved learning, Mark loved teaching and sharing what he knew. Some of his most meaningful time with his grandchildren was spent in the kitchen teaching them to cook or in the workshop teaching them woodworking—passing along not only his skills, but his patience, creativity, and appreciation for making something with your own hands. Whether he was teaching them something new or simply showing up to cheer them on, Mark made sure his grandchildren knew how important they were to him.

    Mark knew the profound sorrow of losing a child. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Michael W. Haines, whose memory remained an enduring part of Mark’s life and family. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Don Haines.

     He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Haines; his daughters, Lauren (Dustin) Clark and Blake (John) Brandon; his eight grandchildren, Mitchell (Ashley) Clark, Lawson Clark, Baylor Clark, Hadley Clark, Malone Clark, Weston Haines, Halston Brandon, and Haines Brandon; his sister, Susan (Jim) Kipp; and his brother, Walter (Paula) Haines. Mark leaves behind a legacy found not only in his professional accomplishments and service, but in the things he created, the places he traveled, the knowledge he gathered and shared, the meals he prepared, the beauty he appreciated, and most importantly, the family he loved. His was a life spent creating, learning, teaching, serving, and staying wonderfully busy—and those who knew and loved him will carry his memory with them always.

     Expressions of sympathy could be sent in the form of donations to St. Jude at https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or Samaritan's Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org.