Joseph Preston Fly

Joseph P. “Joe” Fly, 92, of Hendersonville, TN, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 10, 2025. Born on May 29, 1932, in Franklin, TN, Joe spent his life in the greater Nashville area, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and service to his community.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Joe had a passion for sports, playing semi-pro baseball during his military service. His professional life led him through a successful career in sales and marketing, with notable contributions at Sealtest Dairy, Goo Goo Chocolate Company, and Beaman Bottling for PepsiCo.

Joe was an active and devoted member of his church community, having grown up in Liberty United Methodist Church before later becoming a deacon at Bluegrass Baptist Church. He dedicated much of his time to coaching youth sports, serving as an usher for Vanderbilt football and basketball games for 30 years, and leading usher duties when the Tennessee Oilers played at Vanderbilt Stadium. Additionally, he was a proud and engaged member of the Lion’s Club.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nell C. Fly, in 2011, as well as his parents, Leslie Bryant Fly and Beulah Mai York; siblings, John Fly (Armine), Ruth Moore (John), Marvin Fly, and Claude Fly (Patsy); and son-in-law, John Heath.

Joe is survived by his loving children: Diane Heath, Jody Fly (Lori), Deborah Waller (Frank), and Randy Fly (Kristen); grandchildren: Ashley Kolber (Tony), Leslie Ward (Adam), Jason Heath (Natasha), Preston Waller (Caitlin), Jordan Heath (Rachel), Dylan Fly, Caitlin McDonald (Dylan), Allie Crumpton (Grant), and Anna Fly (Cooper Buchanan); and great-grandchildren: Ian Kolber, Jacob Heath, Drew Kolber, Jayden Heath (Emma Grace), Ailidh Ward, Ewan Ward, Deacon Kolber, Beau McDonald, Charlie Kolber, Logan Kolber, Lola McDonald, and George Waller. He also leaves behind his sister, Laura Mai Williams; sister-in-law, Marilyn Fly, as well as many dear friends, including Donna Gayle Gardner, Johnnie Gardner, Bob Brown, and Mike Mayo.

Joe lived his life surrounded by the love of his family and friends, always offering guidance, encouragement, and a helping hand to those around him. His warmth, humor, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be conducted at 12:00 P.M., Friday, March 14, 2025 in the Sumner Funeral and Cremation Lakeside Chapel with Pastor Kevin Minchey and Mike Mayo officiating. Burial will follow in the Hendersonville Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:30 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to Indian Lake Peninsula Church. The family would like to thank the special ladies who provided care for their Dad over the last several years of his life.