Name: Visitation for Jerry F. Wetzel
Start: 2016-07-22T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-07-23T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home, & Cremation Center

Jerry F. Wetzel

Hendersonville, TN

Mr. Wetzel passed peacefully into the Lord's presence on the morning of July 17, 2016 at the age of 82.

An only child, he was born May 26, 1934 in Van Lear, KY to the late Raymond and Fannie Wetzel.

Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Marines Corps from 1956-1958. Stationed at Parris Island, he played First Chair French Horn in the Marine Band.

He touched the lives of countless students during his tenure as a high school band director in Metro Nashville from 1964-1986 at Antioch High School and from 1987-1989 at Hunters Lane High School.

Jerry will forever be remembered for his love of God, deep passion for music, and his proud service as a Marine. All of these core elements radiated from him and were tangible to all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his wife Doris Jean Jaggers Wetzel. Jerry is survived by his son Dr. Mike (Maria) Wetzel, many other extended family members, all of "Mr. Wetzel's Kids," the affectionate name given to his band students, and numerous other treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jerry F. Wetzel to The Island Chapel (Building Fund), 1271 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL, 33715.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN (615) 824-3855. A Celebration of Jerry's Life will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2016 beginning at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of First Baptist Church Hendersonville, 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd., Hendersonville, TN. Interment will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

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

Published by Tennessean on Jul. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Wetzel

Sponsored by Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home, & Cremation Center Hendersonville Funeral Home - Hender.

12 Entries

Missy Kapral

July 16, 2023

Remembering you, praying for your family.

Lauren Rolston

July 8, 2021

Mr Wetzel was my band teacher when I was a kid and something said look him up. My Mom and I talk about him all the time b/c I had to be the only black kid that didn’t have any rhythm. He would take a block and beat on the band stand so I would keep the beat . I can’t wait until my son can sign up for band. Countless memories and fun. Thank you Mr Wetzel. Your Brick Church kid
Lauren

Lauren

July 8, 2021

Alicia Gilbert

July 16, 2020

Mr. Wetzel allowed me to think outside of the box musically, which was different than my band teachers prior to him. Not only was I inspired to increase my flute practice daily but I also would arrange songs I heard on the radio into flute arrangements and show them to him. He would actually give pointers on improving my ability to do that. I mentioned that I wanted to learn more instruments and had a desire to learn some percussion which he encouraged. In band class I had the opportunity to play Xylophone on a couple of songs. He also encouraged those who were interested to learn conducting. Learning to conduct in band allowed me to do it with my youth choir in church also. It was a joy to reconnect with Mr. Wetzel online and to let him know how much he inspired me, that I have done some Music industry work and that I still play the flute. He is greatly missed.

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Missy Kapral (Gann)

July 16, 2019

Remembering you, my Mentor in Music! Your dedication to your students and their success inspired thousands!

LaJuan (Hardwick) Carlton

August 12, 2016

Mr. Wetzel was a wonderful, kind man and an inspiration to me. I was a part of the Antioch Marching Bears Band under his direction from 1975-1979. He was tough and expected a lot from his band...those expectations prepared me for life. He will be missed.

Gerry Humphries Rodda

July 25, 2016

I am not surprised that Jerry is held in such high regard by his former students. I lost touch with him after our graduation from Western in 1956 but knew him then as a good guy who was very serious about his music studies. We both took a PE class in social dancing and were often dance partners. My condolences to his family -- he was a person deserving of much admiration.

Sandra Strain

July 23, 2016

Jerry ..you were a great teacher, band director and co-worker. You inspired the young people you worked with to reach for the moon and many of them did. It was an honor to know you. Prayers to those you left behind.

Missy Kapral

July 22, 2016

Mike, your Dad influenced thousands of lives through music. He allowed us to be "kids" but exacted the very best out of each of us. He was an honorable man who loved God, his family, and his country. He will be missed by so many, but none as much as you. May God bless you, give you peace, and bring you comfort.
In His love,
Missy (Gann) Kapral
Apollo Jr. High/AHS
1967-1973

Teresa Bailey (Grantham)

July 21, 2016

I feel so blessed to have had Mr. Wetzel as a band director. I was a member of the Big Blue Machine color guard from 1973-1975 and have so many great memories. Mr. Wetzel was one of a kind. A good and honorable man, soft spoken yet demanded the best from all of us. "Bring that foot all the way up to your knee"! "Snap"! "Straighten your back"! We were proud with a great leader! I know there is some great music going on in heaven now. You will be missed Mr. Wetzel!

Alicia Gilbert

July 21, 2016

Mr Wetzel taught my brother and I. He taught me at both Apollo and Antioch. He encouraged us all to study theory thoroughly and allowed us to stretch as musicians by trying different instruments. I was a flautist but Mr. Wetzel allowed me to try percussion at one point, and I played Xylophone on a couple of songs we played in band. I used to create arrangements for flute of songs from the radio. I showed some of them to Mr. Wetzel and he gave constructive feedback. A few years ago we reconnected on Facebook. He found out that I am still a musician and have played and sang in Music throughout my adulthood off and on. He mentored and encouraged me until his illness. I will never forget Mr. Wetzel for all of his support. I am praying for his son Mike, daughter-in-law and the entire family. May Mr. Wetzel's soul be at rest. He doesn't have to suffer any physical struggles anymore.