Donald Dwight Lincoln

Posted on September 10, 2021

Donald Dwight Lincoln, longtime publisher of the Taco Times and the Perry News-Herald, died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at the age of 66.

A native of Birmingham, Ala., Lincoln was born to Homer Madden Lincoln and Gladys D. (Fitts) Lincoln on April 22, 1955.  He graduated from Vestavia High School in 1973. He then graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism.

Lincoln’s first job as sports editor was at The Valley Times-News, a five-day daily serving the river region defined by Lanett, Ala., and West Point, Ga.  He shifted to a news reporter position and then sold advertising at the LaGrange (Ga.) Daily News.

In 1981, he married Susan Harrison, also a journalist who was then working at The Valley Times-News.  They were recruited to assume management of the Live Oak (Fla.) Post, which they did for two years before the two competing publications were merged.  They moved to Perry, Fla., as publisher and managing editor of the two newspapers which were merged here.

Lincoln served as publisher for 33 years, working closely with economic development efforts in the community. He completed multiple terms on the Taylor County Development Authority and also the board of directors for the Perry/Taylor County Chamber of Commerce. 

He served several terms as president of the Perry Kiwanis Club, notably acting as its president during its 75th anniversary. He also held an advisory position on the Policemen’s Pension Board for the City of Perry.

He was an avid golfer and served on the board of directors for the Perry Golf & Country Club. 

He was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church.

Lincoln loved the outdoor opportunities afforded by Taylor County, especially fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed being on the periphery when the University of Florida conducted archaeological digs at Aucilla River sites. He served as associate editor of the Aucilla River Times.

He was predeceased by both of his parents.

In addition to his wife of 39 years, Susan, he is survived by two children: Katie Lincoln King and Jonathan Harrison Lincoln, both of Perry; two brothers, Bruce and Ben (Tina) Lincoln of Birmingham; a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12, at the First Presbyterian Church.