Robert Heatherly

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; brother in law, Dale Clements of Dallas, Texas; 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. Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.