Dr. Vergil Leonard Metts

Dr. Vergil Leonard Metts

Died: August 8, 2025

Dr. Vergil Leonard Metts, IV, age 67, passed away on August 8, 2025 in Iceland while on a glacier river rafting excursion.

Dr. Metts was President and CEO of Impact Associates, an award-winning management consulting company based in Maryville, Tennessee. He was a vital force in fulfilling Impact's mission to awaken people and organizations to new possibilities and to transform human potential into peak performance. He also provided executive development and individual coaching for global leaders at Yale University's Executive Development Program. Vergil held senior management positions in corporate human resources at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). He was a senior consultant at Tennessee Associates International (TAI) before launching Impact Associates.

He was known for translating cutting-edge neuroscience into practical tools for personal growth and business success. He held a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Tennessee and was a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he began studies at age 15 following his graduation from Homewood High School in Birmingham.

Vergil's journey extended beyond his academic and professional roles. His curiosity and talents fueled his passions for diverse hobbies. Just before he died, he built a snazzy cigar box guitar. In his best golf game, he shot a 67. Then, he played the back 9. In between, his first loves were music (acoustic guitar & vocals) and grilling. He enjoyed archery, hiking, all travel, SCUBA diving, downhill skiing, photography, woodworking, leather making and staging fireworks shows.

Vergil was deeply admired for his wisdom, compassion, and authenticity. From custodian to CEO, people were drawn to him, knowing he would listen with respect, speak truthfully, and always be genuine.

He was a member of the Rotary Club of Knoxville, Cherokee Country Club, Leadership Blount Class of 2011, and the de Tocqueville Society of the United Way of Blount County.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Vergil L. Metts, III, of Nashville, and his mother, Lodena "Dena" Metts, of Knoxville. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife and business partner, Kathy; half-sister, Stephanie Metts Weber (Andrew) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, their four children and seven grandchildren; sister-in-law, Tonie Glazier of Memphis, Tennessee. He is also survived by much-loved first cousins and spouses in Birmingham, Jim (Kathy) Clayton, Jan (Jerry) Bailey, Donna (Bobby) Shoemaker, Trish (Lee) Waldon), Deborah Graham, Beth Moon, Ericka (Kevin) Woode and numerous nieces, nephews, great- and great-great nieces and nephews.

Receiving of friends and family will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 2-3:30pm ET with a Celebration of Vergil's life to follow at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum in Birmingham, Alabama. Visitation will be held at Johns-Rideout's Elmwood Capel in Birmingham prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Smokies (friendsofthesmokies.org) or United Way of Blount County (unitedwayblount.org).