Fred Joseph Cassetty Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred J. Cassetty, Sr. and Maxine Hughes Cassetty, and by his sister, Patricia “Patsy” Clarke. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Curry Cassetty; daughter, Perian Cassetty (Sam) Strang; son, Elliott Eugene (Veronica) Cassetty; grandchildren, Samuel Bartow Strang V, Holland Scott Strang, Parker Isabelle “Pia” Strang, and Drew Cassetty; nieces and nephews, Karen Clarke (Mac) Pirkle; Pat Clarke (Jill), Betsy Clarke; cousin, Joe Byrne (Ana); and many grand nieces and nephews; stepchildren, Leslie Curry Bay (Dale), Robert Sims Curry, John Meadows Curry, Michael Gray Curry; step grandchildren, Mary Gordon Curry, Robert Capley Curry, and Shannon Schrenger.

Fred was born and raised in Nashville, a city that would remain both his home and the beneficiary of his life’s work. He attended the Duncan School and graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy, where he formed friendships that would endure throughout his life. He went on to attend Vanderbilt University, earning a degree in engineering in 1960 and joining the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Just before his graduation from Vanderbilt, Fred experienced a defining moment: the death of his father. In that instant, he stepped from student into responsibility, entering the family’s coal business—an enterprise already in its third generation.

Fred’s professional life was marked by quiet determination and remarkable foresight. In 1964, he purchased the family’s Cassetty Coal Company from his mother and led its merger with the Alley family’s business, forming what would become the Alley-Cassetty Companies.

At a time when coal was rapidly declining as a primary energy source, Fred recognized that the true value of the business was not the product itself, but the relationships, infrastructure, and trust that had been built over decades. With that insight, he began a transformation that would define his career.

In 1971, Fred acquired Capitol Building Supply, moving the company into construction materials—brick, block, and related products—aligning it with the growth of Nashville and the Southeast. He later established Alley-Cassetty Trucking to support the business’s logistics needs, expanding into transportation, truck service, and regional distribution.

Over the course of more than 50 years, Fred led the company through expansion across multiple states, diversification into new industries, and ultimately the successful transition away from coal altogether. What began as a local coal yard evolved into a major regional building materials and logistics enterprise, employing hundreds and serving communities throughout the Southeast.

His leadership was not defined by public visibility, but by steady stewardship—building something durable, adaptable, and quietly influential. Fred always said his employees were the cornerstone of the business success.

Fred’s accomplishments were recognized by his alma mater when he was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni at the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering in 2006.

He was deeply engaged in both business and civic organizations throughout his life. His affiliations included the Rotary Club of Nashville, the Nashville Home Builders Association, the American Trucking Association, the Brick Institute of America, and the Society of International Business.

He was also a longtime member of the Business Leadership Council, a group of Nashville business leaders who met regularly for decades to share challenges, insights, and encouragement as they built companies that collectively represented billions in economic activity. Those relationships were a meaningful part of his professional and personal life.

Fred gave generously of his time and resources to causes he believed in. He supported the Nashville Symphony where he was on the board of advisors, and Vanderbilt University, particularly its engineering school.

Fred’s lifelong commitment to the YMCA reflected both his character and his roots. A member since the 1950s, he was a daily presence at the Downtown YMCA—so much so that many in Nashville knew that if you were looking for Fred in the early morning, you would find him there. He embraced the Y’s mission and carried forward his family’s multigenerational legacy through decades of leadership and generosity, helping support facilities downtown and in Brentwood. As a member of the YMCA Foundation of Middle Tennessee Board and the Heritage Club, Fred ensured his impact would continue for years to come.

Fred was a man of quiet faith. He was a member of Blakemore Methodist Church and faithfully attended West End United Methodist Church with Debbie for many years. His faith was not something he spoke about often, but something he lived—steadily, humbly, and without display.

Those who knew him best consistently describe the same qualities:

• A calm and steady presence

• A man who never spoke ill of others

• A person who faced challenges without anger or complaint

• A true gentleman in every sense of the word

• A supreme optimist who saw the best in people and in life

Fred was constantly sharing that he “has had a wonderful life.”

As one close friend reflected after more than 45 years of friendship, Fred “never had a bad word to say about anyone” and met every situation with quiet strength and grace.

While Fred’s professional accomplishments were significant, it was in his relationships and shared experiences that his life was most fully expressed.

He was an avid golfer, discovering the game later in life and embracing it with enthusiasm. What began on a trip to Las Vegas following a Grand Canyon rafting adventure became a lifelong passion—one that led to thousands of hours on courses in Nashville, Destin, Naples, Mesa, and beyond.

He was also an accomplished skier, spending more than 30 years skiing with a close group of friends who jokingly referred to themselves as the “Ski Kings.” Their time together at Beaver Creek was filled with camaraderie, storytelling, and deep friendship.

Fred loved adventure, even if he approached it with a measure of caution and humor. On a fishing trip in Alaska, he once found himself reeling in what may have been the largest salmon of the trip—only to have a large brown bear decide it wanted the same prize. The line was cut just in time, and Fred later reflected, with characteristic good humor, that the bear had enjoyed an excellent meal.

He also participated in a memorable Grand Canyon rafting trip with family and friends, where his curiosity and willingness to step into new experiences were on full display.

At the center of Fred’s life was his family, especially his children, Perian and Elliott, and his grandchildren. His marriage to Debbie was one of deep affection, gratitude, and mutual support.

Fred, dubbed “Pepe” to his family, was beloved by his and Debbie’s children and grandchildren. He took great pride in the successful incorporation of Sam and Elliot into the family business.

Fred J. Cassetty Jr. lived a life defined not by self-promotion, but by steady contribution. He built businesses, strengthened communities, and nurtured relationships that endured for decades.

His influence can be seen in the physical growth of Nashville, in the lives of those he worked alongside, and in the quiet example he set.

Fred was, as many have said, a true gentleman—calm, kind, and deeply respected.

And perhaps the simplest and most fitting summary comes from a close friend:

A life well lived is a life well served. Fred’s life was both.

Fred constantly told Debbie to tell everyone after he is gone that he had a wonderful life.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19 at West End Methodist Church, 2200 West End Avenue, Nashville, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by services. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at a later date.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Abe’s Garden and Alive Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abe’s Garden, West End Methodist Church, YMCA of Middle Tennessee, and Alive Hospice.