Vincent Edward Wehby

Vincent Edward Wehby—age 85—was born on October 3, 1936, in Nashville, Tennessee, and died peacefully on July 23, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Vincent was a truly genuine man who cared deeply for his family and friends. He was the youngest of eight children born to the late Solomon and Nahlil Wehby and was preceded in death by his sisters, Edna Sanders, Imelda Todd, and Evelyn Wehby, and his brothers Andrew, Alfred, and Charles Wehby. He is survived by his loving sister, Evelyn Kempf. His parents immigrated to the United States from Lebanon, eventually settling in Nashville. Vincent’s heritage served as a source of great pride for him and shaped who he became later in life.

Vincent grew up in East Nashville and attended Holy Name Catholic Church and School. He then attended Father Ryan High School, graduating in 1954. At the suggestion of a priest at the high school, Vincent filled out an application to the University of Notre Dame. After being accepted, he studied political science and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958, graduating with honors. Vincent then returned home and attended Vanderbilt University Law School, earning his law degree in 1961. Vincent’s education was the product of years of hard work that he learned at a young age. Vincent began delivering daily newspapers for The Tennessean and The Nashville Banner while still in elementary school and continued doing so all the way through law school to pay for his education. Vincent also worked in the dining hall during his time at Notre Dame. He was truly a self-made man. The Tennessean published an article in the early 1960’s, entitled “What Happened to Those Nashville Newspaper Carriers,” in which Vincent was quoted as saying, “I am very proud of what I accomplished. I learned to be self-reliant, disciplined, and stubborn – all of which compelled me to stay in school and pursue my dreams.” That he did. Vincent lived by the motto, “I was always in a hurry; I was never late.”

Vincent practiced law for more than 50 years, earning the respect of his colleagues and the judges before whom he practiced. He was well known for his advocacy, good judgment, wise counsel, and mentorship to younger attorneys. He loved the law and the hard work and determination necessary to be successful. Shortly after beginning his legal career, he successfully litigated a case before the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1962, in which the Court complimented him for a “job well done,” calling his performance “superb,” a rare recognition by the Court. Vincent also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Nashville for a short time in 1962-63, before returning to private practice to assist his late brother, Alfred, who had his own law practice. Vincent remained a general practitioner for the duration of his professional career, handling both civil and criminal cases. In 1991, Vincent, who was affectionately called the “Godfather” of the Federal Public Defender’s Office, was recognized as the very first CJA Panel Lawyer of the Year, an award given to the attorney who consistently demonstrates a commitment to the vigorous and passionate representation of those unable to afford counsel to represent them. After a long and distinguished career, Vincent retired his law practice in 2017.

Vincent, known for his infectious personality and wry sense of humor by his friends and family, loved watching Notre Dame football, horse racing, and drinking good whiskey. He would sometimes spend his weekends doing all these things. In his younger years, Vincent was also known to play golf at Shelby Park and participate in card games with his colleagues and friends, both of which may have even involved some friendly wagering.

Vincent’s greatest joy, however, was his family. Vincent is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 58 years, Pamela Blackburn Wehby, with whom he recently shared an anniversary, and their five children: Vincent Jr. (Carla), Thomas Luke (Jenn), Philip (Ruth), Kevin (Christi), and Katie (Christopher Rand). Vincent was blessed with thirteen beautiful grandchildren: Corinne, Claire, and Noah (Vincent Jr. and Carla); Austin, Amanda, and Anna (Luke and Jenn); Sarah, Abigail, Joseph, Margaret, and Rachael (Philip and Ruth); Grace (Kevin and Christi); and Finley Rand (Katie and Christopher). Vincent loved his family dearly and worked hard to provide for his children. Vincent was affectionately known as “the King, the Boss, and the Captain,” as well as “the Old Man,” by his children, due to the legendary and wise stature he held in their eyes. In one of the family’s favorite traditions during their childhood, each Christmas season, Vincent would lead his children into the nearby woods to find the perfect Christmas tree to cut down and bring home. Of most importance, however, Vincent possessed a strong Catholic faith developed at a young age that remained with him until his passing. He instilled that same faith in his children. He was especially proud of his grandchildren with whom he shared a special relationship and many memorable moments. Vincent loved his family, and they loved him dearly.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3001 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Church with remembrances to begin at 10:45 a.m. Following the Mass, Vincent will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, 1001 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, Tennessee. The family will host a luncheon at the Parish Hall adjacent to Christ the King Church.

Pallbearers include his grandsons, Austin, Joseph, and Noah Wehby, son-in-law Christopher Rand, and nephews Andy Todd, Danny Todd, Joe Wehby, Richard Wehby, and Tim Wehby. Honorary pallbearers include his longtime colleague and friend Richard Braun; The Honorable J. Randall Wyatt, Jr.; Federal Public Defender Henry Martin; longtime friends Martin McNamara, John Moran, and Thomas Farrell; cousin Mickey Wehby; and the many friends, colleagues, and family who impacted Vincent’s life.

The family would like to thank the dedicated nurses of 7 Round Wing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center for the tremendous care and compassion shown to Vincent during his weeks-long convalescence from surgery, as well as the excellent staff who cared for him at the Health Center at Richland Place in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Room in the Inn, and the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Wehby family.