Dennis Nolan Osborne

Dennis N. Osborne was born 27 October 1943 in Nashville Tennessee, the son of James C. Osborne and Roberta Baltz Osborne. He grew up in South Nashville and Donelson and attended Saint Patrick’s School and Holy Rosary Academy, prior to graduating from Father Ryan High School in 1961. Dennis joined the U.S. Army National Guard in 1965 and was on active duty during the Civil Rights riots in 1968. His son Sid Osborne was born the next year. During the sixties, Dennis worked for his uncles at Baltz Brothers Meat Packing Company. In 1970, he left Baltz Brothers to become a Kroger Store manager. In 1973, as manager, Dennis facilitated the grand opening of Krogers first Nashville Super Store. He worked for Kroger until he purchased his first independent BiRite/Foodtown Grocery Store in Donelson in 1978. His mentor, Bill Marten, was his guiding light, and Dennis was forever grateful. Dennis went on to aquire small grocery stores in Hermitage, Old Hickory, Nashville, Lebanon, Manchester, and Guthrie, Kentucky. During his career as an independent grocer, Dennis was elected by the members of the Bi-Rite/Foodtown Grocery Cooperative to serve a term as chairman of its board of directors. Dennis operated his Donelson Pike grocery until he retired in 2001. Since then, he remained close to the grocery business proudly watching his younger brothers, also longtime grocers, compete successfully in today’s difficult market.Dennis actively supported the communities in and around his grocery stores. He served as a leader for both the Jason Foundation and the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid golfer, who loved nascar racing and to exercise at the gym with his older brothers. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.Dennis is grateful for having shared his life with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his son, Sidney Osborne, eight brothers, Jerry Osborne, Robert Osborne, Frank Osborne (Donna), Mike Osborne (Patty), David Osborne (Donita), Timothy Osborne(Mitzi), John Osborne(Teresa), Kenneth Osborne (Amy), Marlea Hardin, and many nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his loving parents, and one brother, James C. Osborne, Jr.

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