Billy Condon Rather

Billy Condon Rather was born in Nashville, TN to Forrest and Maddie Elizabeth Rather. He attended Battle Ground Academy High School where he played basketball and football. After graduation, he attended the University of Tennessee and received a BA degree in Business Education. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in 1952, and after serving two years attended the University of California, San Jose and received a Master’s degree in Business.

He then went to New York City and became Vice President of Fur Flyers Inc., a company that made and sold fur hats, also becoming a model in New York.

He later moved to New Mexico and attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, advancing in Business Administration. He then opened the first vegetarian restaurant in Albuquerque called Mother Nature and Son. Billy was famous for his fresh, whole grain bread that he baked in a pizza oven. It was at the restaurant that he met the love of his life, Martha (Marty) and they married on March 13, 1981.

In the early 1980’s, Billy’s mother needed help, so Billy and Marty sold the restaurant and moved back to Tennessee in a large, converted school bus! After returning back home, Billy worked for many health-related businesses, including Wild Oats and Whole Foods. He also became a master basket weaver and displayed and sold his creations at Crafts Fairs and Markets. Billy always had a wonderful garden and loved to work in his yard.

Billy’s passion for healthy eating and lifestyle was widely known, and he became a wonderful resource for customers who had questions about supplements and nutrition. His life was a living example of someone who ‘practiced what he preached’ and he didn’t retire from Whole Foods/Whole Body until he was 92. He continued to remain healthy, strong and active and beloved by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Marty. He leaves behind so many friends, including his spiritual family of the Nashville Meditation Group of Self Realization Fellowship. He also was lovingly cared for by Jim and Peggy Neal and Laura Smith.