Jerry Bellune, founder and editor of The Lexington County Chronicle, which he owned with his wife, MacLeod, for nearly 30 years died Wednesday, just before his 90th birthday.

Jerry and MacLeod Bellune sold The Lexington County Chronicle in 2021.

The MacLeods, with their son Mark, opened The Chronicle in 1992. Before that they were with the Dispatch News in Lexington. After the sale of the newspaper, Jerry and MacLeod retired to travel and write books.

Upon retirement, the Bellunes received gifts of appreciation from: SC House members Paula Calhoun and Chip Huggins; Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon; Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall and members of the SC Press Association, including past president Bill Rogers and attorney Jay Bender.

Beloved personality Joe Pinner was on hand to roast Jerry, along with others. Lexington County real estate broker Ted McGee came to the retirement party held at Flight Deck with Owner Ted Stambolitis.

retirement party was held for Jerry and MacLeod. It was hosted at the Flight Deck in Lexington by

Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall with the Bellunes
Wednesday night a retirement party was held for Jerry and MacLeod. It was hosted at the Flight Deck in Lexington by Flight Deck Owner Ted Stambolitis.

At the party, the Bellunes received gifts of appreciation from: SC House members Paula Calhoun and Chip Huggins; Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon; Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall and members of the SC Press Association, including past president Bill Rogers and attorney Jay Bender.

Beloved personality Joe Pinner was on hand to roast Jerry, along with others. Lexington County real estate broker Ted McGee came to the party along with former Lexington Mayor Randy Halfacre.

According to the SC Press Association, Jerry previously worked as an editor at 23 daily and weekly newspapers including The State Newspaper and The Greenville News.

He is survived by his wife, MacLeod, and sons Mark and David Bellune. Jerry served as president of SCPA in 2006-2007, and was passionate about helping fellow members through coaching, training, resources and a monthly eBulletin column, according to the SCPA.