Bob Heatherly Obituary

Name: Visitation for Bob Heatherly
Start: 2017-06-23T22:30:00.000Z
End: 2017-06-24T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Jackson's Newport Funeral Home

Bob Heatherly

Nashville, TN

Mr. Robert Gray "Bob" Heatherly of Nashville, Tennessee, departed this life on Monday, June 19, 2017 at the age of 73. He was born September 19, 1943 in Newport, Arkansas, the son of Ezra Phil and Lavada (Marks) Heatherly.

Mr. Heatherly was a graduate of Newport High School, and a United States Army veteran.

He was a beloved longtime Nashville Music Industry executive, whose career started in St. Louis in 1971 at RCA. Mr. Heatherly moved to New York and later to Nashville, spending many years in sales and marketing with various record labels, including Columbia Records and Atlantic Records. In 2001, he joined country legend Charley Pride in launching the indie label, Music City Records, where he served as President and CEO.

He had a love of music, and was instrumental in the careers of many country music artists. Mr. Heatherly enjoyed fast cars, NASCAR, loud music, and fine wine. His favorite drink was a Tanqueray Martini on the rocks with olives.

Mr. Heatherly worked alongside his wife Laura for the T.J. Martell Foundation, which supports cancer research and treatments. His greatest love was time spent with his family and friends.

Mr. Heatherly was preceded in death by one brother, Richard "Dickie" Heatherly; one sister, Phyllis Clements; and his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Laura (Squair) Heatherly of Nashville, Tennessee; one son, Robert Hill of Jonesboro, Arkansas; one brother, Jim Heatherly and wife, Shirley, of Newport, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Trevor Hill and Jennifer Hill, both of Jonesboro; parents-in-law, Bob and Sally Squair of Dallas, Texas; his sisters-in-law, Leslie Baker and husband, Robert of Dallas, Texas, and Mary Etheridge and husband, Michael, of Lubbock, Texas; one brother-in-law, Dale Clements of Dallas, TX; many nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.

Friends may visit at the funeral home, Friday, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Graveside services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Remmel-McCall Cemetery, with Mr. David Howard officiating.

A special Celebration of Life will be held in Nashville, TN on Monday, July 17 at 4:00 pm at Green Door Gourmet's Grand Barn 7007 River Road Pike.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the T.J. Martell Foundation, 1114 17th Avenue South, Suite 101, Nashville, TN, 37212.

To leave a message of condolence, light a memorial candle, or sign the guest register, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com

Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tennessean on Jun. 22, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Bob Heatherly

Sponsored by The Tennessean.

9 Entries

Chuck Moss

July 21, 2025

I was a district manager for Boot Country in the nineties. Everyone on music roll new him, not just his name, or that he was in the music business. They knew the man. We did so many cross promotions.
He got our staff and to backstage events. At a time that was the truth rebirth of country music in the nineties. So many things I remember about him. But one of the best was how excite it he was over confederate railroad, neil mccoy, tracy lawrence, and he designed a trashy woman t shirt that I still have to this day based on the song from computer railroad. If you didn't like bob and couldn't get along with bob you probably couldn't get along with anyone. Miss those days and working with people like Bob.I was so blessed to know him.

Mark

February 17, 2024

Bobby was my cousin and has surely been missed. A lot of fun to be around. I wish I could´ve visited him at some of the recording studios. I was thinking about him just now and wanted to say something. 12:50am 2/17/2024. Mark Heatherly

Nancy Mardin

June 19, 2018

I did not know Bob very well, but when I lived in Nashville, I did have a couple of encounters with him. Sweet, sweet man. God bless.

Virginia Durham Yarbrough

December 10, 2017

You will be missed my old friend

September 26, 2017

Bob was one of the finest people I ever knew in the music industry. Always smiling and willing to help everyone. He took the time to show me the ropes when I was first starting out on Music Row. The industry had no greater friend than Bob. His attitude, personality, and commitment was second to none. He contributed so much and will be missed by all that knew him.
--John Lentz

Denise Whitaker

June 29, 2017

I was introduced to Bob in June 1994 when I first moved to Nashville. Not knowing anyone Bob and I fast became friends. He was instrumental in getting me acclimated to my new life in Nashville. My furniture had not yet arrived when I moved into my new home and Bob showed up one day with beds for my sons so they wouldn't have to sleep on the floor. He was a very generous man with a great sense of humor that was infectious. While we had lost touch in recent years, I have never forgotten how his kindness and generosity in those early days made my transition to Nashville so much easier.
I am extremely saddened to learn of his passing and extend my sincere sympathies to his wife and family. God truly has called another angel to be by His side.

Terry & Jeanie Dixon

June 22, 2017

Laura, we are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We enjoyed talking to him from next door through the fence when we was out with Macy Grace. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all of his family.

Michael Williams

June 22, 2017

RIP Bob. Blessings. Michael and Lee Anne

Nancy Mardin

June 21, 2017

When I moved to Nashville in 1996, Bob took the time to sit with me and gave me insight on what it's like to get in. Even though getting in did not work for me, I sure enjoyed the three years that I was there! The Bluebird, CMA fest, Vince Gill (with Cash in the audience!) And so much more .
Thank you Bob for everything and God Bless. ♡

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