Capt. George F. Dettwiller II

[ironputts]

November 5, 2021

Capt. George F. Dettwiller II
Music City Composite Squadron
Tennessee Wing

Fred Dettwiller died this morning, Oct. 22, 2021. A leader in Tennessee's business and religious communities, and a friend to many, 89-year-old Fred Dettwiller was one of the most remarkable, multi-faceted Tennesseans of his generation. He excelled at everything he put his hand to yet he was a thoughtful, comfortably introverted and strong, and active leader who accomplished much and touched many lives.

A man who lived his life on purpose, not by accident, he once shared some of the guideposts of his life. "Do more with your life than work on your business. Use every opportunity to learn. Energy and enthusiasm usually win the day. Don't let ego get in the way. And it is possible, and necessary, to be both ethical and shrewd – as Jesus said, when commissioning the Apostles: 'Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.'"

Owner of one of Tennessee's largest beer distributors, DET Distributing, he was also an ordained priest. He established the chaplaincy program at Metropolitan Nashville Airport's public safety department, as well as serving as a Chaplin for several other local, state and national public safety agencies, including the Secret Service.

Fred played an important role in opening Nashville to the world. He chaired the Nashville Convention Center Commission and as well as the committee that recommended Nashville build Bridgestone Arena. Additionally,,because of his experience as a commercially-rated pilot and considerable business expertise, he also chaired the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission. As a champion of civil rights and education, he chaired the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, the Tennessee State University Foundation Board, and Tennesseans for Better Schools. A Memphis native, Dettwiller moved to Nashville in 1951 for his college years, and at the same time, his father started DET Distributing. After graduating from Vanderbilt University he was one of the school's first philosophy majors (the university will honor him at their homecoming football game Saturday against Mississippi State). At age 23 along with his cousin, he founded his first beer distributorship, CarDett, in Clarksville. In 1973, he purchased DET Distributing Co., then a 23-employee company serving seven Tennessee counties, and ran both companies until selling CarDett in 1979. Today, DET Distributing has grown to 300 employees and serves 24 counties. DET Distributing has won the Miller Masters award won nine times. It is the highest award given to a distributor by the brewer. Fred was named a Miller Legend in 2008 for his lifetime achievement.

Fred entered the priesthood in 2004 after a lifetime of involvement in the Episcopal Church as a lay leader. He began his church service as a deacon of St. Phillips Church in Nashville, then as the pastor of the Church of Our Savior in Gallatin .Tenn .Following his parish service, he became Canon for Special Projects for the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee. Fred remained chairman of DET Distributing as he carried out his priestly duties, but he relied on his senior managers to the handle the day-to-day workings of the company.

Fred Dettwiller is survived by his wife of 34 years Kathryn Dettwiller; Children, Sally Dettwiller (Jimmy) Corrigan, George Frederick (Denise) Dettwiller, III, Ann Kathryn Dettwiller, Helene Dettwiller (Rob) Vaughn, Jennifer Mathes (David) Baltimore and Christin Mathes (David) Robbins; Kimberly Dettwiller (Gordon) Burton and eleven Grandchildren. A small, family-only service will be held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, but a Celebration of Life Service is also planned in the coming weeks.

Comments by those who knew him well:

Tom Sherrard, founding member, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison: "Fred embodied qualities that I regard as essential to living a successful life. Fred was modest. He valued loyalty. He was someone you could count on. Fred was generous and open to forgiveness. He will be sorely missed."

Lew Conner, of counsel, Waller Law: "The lord has not put on the earth a better man than George Frederick Dettwiller. He was always a champion of ethics in a tough business, a commitment he demonstrated not only by his actions in the business world, but by becoming a priest and caring for others in body and soul. I have known him well and favorably for over 40 years, and he has been always the same – a thoroughly good and kind man. Fred was truly a man for all seasons."

Bob Vero, former CEO, Centerstone: "Fred was not just a loving and generous man, but also a true Renaissance Man for the ages. I was witness to his generosity and saw in action his deep passion for helping people and families during times of crisis. And, of course, through the many chaplaincy programs he established at public safety organizations, he was especially devoted to serving those whose mission was to serve others in need."

John Curley, Chief Operating Officer, DET Distributing: "You can't talk about Fred Dettwiller without talking about his incredible business acumen, but that is only part of the story. He was a true Southern gentleman who was deeply involved in important work outside of this business, including with the church and community. He led this company with compassion and wisdom, and with those two traits you can create a very strong company, which he did. He was master at all he did."

More info:
https://www.mainstreet-nashville.com/business/business-and-religious-leader-fred-dettwiller-dies-at-89/article_bb828654-3442-11ec-952a-bbce2a4c90c5.html