Encouraging the best within us, Embracing what lies beyond us, Enriching life for all of us.

OUR FOUNDER

Fred Dettwiller

A leader in Tennessee’s business and religious communities, and a friend to many, Fred Dettwiller was one of the most remarkable, multi-faceted Tennesseans of his generation. A man who excelled at everything he put his hand to – and who always had his hand in several endeavors at once – Fred Dettwiller was a thoughtful, comfortably introverted yet strong and active leader who accomplished much and touched many lives by not letting his ego get in the way of making a difference.

Owner of one of Tennessee’s largest beverage distributors, Det Distributing, Fred Dettwiller was also an ordained priest who served as a canon in the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee and established the chaplaincy program at Metropolitan Nashville Airport’s public safety department. He also served as chaplain at several other local, state and national public safety agencies, including the Secret Service. As reflected in the Dettwiller Foundation’s areas of focus, he also championed civil rights, education and the arts through his lifelong, deep involvement in the Tennessee and Mid-South community.