Albert Ray Vetter, Jr.

Albert Ray Vetter, Jr. passed away on Friday, August 12th, 2016. He was preceded in death by parents Albert and Clara Vetter and brother Larry Dean Vetter. Ray leaves his wife of 47 years Nancy Coleman Vetter.

Residing in Nashville are his children: Tammy Vetter McKinney, husband Mark, Misty Vetter Parsley, husband Bill and Chaz Vetter, wife Echo Hill Vetter. He was Granddaddy to Maggie, Austin and Reagan Sanders, and Meadow, Granite, Canyon and Haven Vetter. Also survived by sister Sherry Vetter Dorris, husband Jim of Birmingham, AL.,and a host of nieces and nephews.

Ray was born on August 5, 1947, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. His childhood was spent in West Nashville, graduating from Hillwood High School as president of the student body. Ray attended Lipscomb University before being drafted into the Army. After basic training at Ft. Benning, GA, he was sent to Anchorage, AK where he met his wife Nancy. After their marriage and Ray’s completion of service moved to Nashville. Ray became a master electrician, and in 1986, opened Vetter Electric Inc, which is still being run by his son Chaz.

During his life, Ray was an involved member of the church of Christ serving in roles of teacher, deacon, elder and mentor to many. He could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Ray was a devoted husband, loving father and a loyal friend to many. Throughout his life until his last days, he had an incredible sense of humor, endearing himself to those surrounding him.
In 2007, Ray and Nancy pursued a passion for ministry and moved to south Texas where they made their home in Brownsville, TX. They settled into an over 55 resort community and enjoyed the warm weather, beaches, game playing friends, and served as Docents at Gladys Porter Zoo. Ray loved to garden and after putting in his yard, began the community garden for his neighbors.

A celebration of Ray’s mark on this world will be held at the Smith Spring Church of Christ on Saturday, August 20th at 2 p.m. with family visitation to follow.

The family is appreciative for all who eased Ray’s life as he lived with Parkinson Disease: Mayo Clinic, Debra and Phillip at Hands of Compassion in Rochester, the compassionate caregivers at Sunshine Haven Hospice and all of you who were such encouragers and motivators over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s honor can be made to: Hands of Compassion Rochester, MN, Sunshine Haven Olmito, TX, and American Parkinson Disease Association of Middle Tennessee.