Albert Lee Fatherree

Al Fatherree, age 87, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the Johnson City Medical Center, in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and was the son of the late Albert Lee Fatherree, Sr. and Altie Gates Fatherree.

 Al was blessed to have two wonderful wives: Donna Smith Fatherree, who passed away in 1992 after 31 years of marriage, and was survived by Lori Caudell Fatherree, who he was blessed to have for 30 years of marriage. Al and Donna had two children: a son, Albert Lee Fatherree III and a daughter, Kerry Fatherree Tripp (Robert); four grandchildren, Devin Fatherree (Allison), Emily Fatherree Francis (Josh) , Andrew Tripp, and Ashley Tripp; three great grandchildren, Lyla, Indie, and Beau Fatherree and Baby Boy Francis on the way; sister Betty Quave (David), daughter-in-law Patti Fatherree, sister-in-law Jane Burdette (Rodney), brother-in-law Steve Caudell, and several beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Dwain and Marie Caudell, and sister-in-law Lisa Caudell Westmoreland (Don). Al's family meant the world to him and he would do anything to help them with whatever they needed.

 After completing high school in Bartlett, Tennessee and attending Mississippi State University, he completed his studies in Business at Memphis State University. While in college he worked part time for Sears, which led to a 43-year career in credit management. In 1988, Al was transferred from New Orleans to Johnson City to start up a company known as Sears Payment Systems (SPS). Under his leadership the company grew from 150 to 2,500 employees. He took great pride in the employees and especially those he mentored. In 1992, the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange. Then in 2000, Citi Group purchased the company, at which time Al retired. After retirement, Al and Lori enjoyed traveling, golfing, boating, and going to Hilton Head.

 As a man of faith, his church was a big part of his life. Al loved the Lord and lived out his faith every day. He was a member of Munsey Church for 35 years where he served on the Administrative Board, Church Council, Board of Trustees, and many other committees through the years. He loved being a part of his Emmaus Community Reunion Group and the Virgil Anderson Sunday School Class, where he made so many forever friends. He and Lori recently joined Central Baptist Church.

 Service to the community was so important to Al, leading him to serve on numerous boards. As a member of the Johnson City, Jonesborough, Washington County Chamber of Commerce, he served in many roles, becoming President in 1997 and being named to the Chamber's Hall of Fame in 2017. He served on the Sun Trust Bank Board, the Bank of Tennessee Advisory Board, Milligan's Presidents Council, and the Boards of United Way, March of Dimes, Dawn of Hope, Salvation Army and other charitable organizations.

 Al was an Air Force Veteran, having served on active duty during the 1962 Cuban Crisis. He was a true patriot and loved his country. One of his passions was flying. He held a private pilot's license but gave up that passion soon after marriage. He used to brag that his flight instructor at Mississippi State (Mason Camp) was taught to fly by Charles Lindbergh.

As he chased the ultimate hole in one, Al loved playing with his golfing buddies including Mike Christian and Jim Rudy. None of them ever reached that hole in one, but they sure had fun trying. Al also loved boating with his friend Dick Shumaker. They had a recent adventure that meant so much to both of them. There are so many friends through the years, like his longtime friends Larry Taylor (deceased) and Bill Russell, and his newest friend Jim Shupe (who helped him catch his biggest fish ever). So many friends and colleagues that contributed to a life of blessings.

 A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am at the Mountain Home National Cemetery on Friday, January 17, 2025. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 am. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Central Baptist Church. Following the service will be a time for friends and family to share memories in the church Welcome Center. Thanks be to God for allowing us to celebrate this life well lived.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Al Fatherree to Central Baptist Church, 300 N Roan Street, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601 or St Jude's Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

 Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Albert Fatherree. 423-282-1521.