Seattle– EDA today announced the death of Steve Eatherly who passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday at the age of 64. A true innovator and enthusiast, Steve loved the industries within which he worked, founding (with his father) P&E Distributors, All Things Audio, and Elite Distributor Alliance. His love of cars was legendary within the industry and he enjoyed being able to work in a field that centered around his love of cars and racing.
Steve believed deeply that quality 12 volt distribution was a great service to the industry and that identifying key distributors that could work together, share best practices, and join together in buying decisions could be something that would work well and resonate across the United States. Steve initiated the very first call on December 14, 2014 and now, nearly six years later, EDA has matured and grown to be a significant industry buying group representing well over one hundred million dollars in twelve volt wholesale business.
Steve is remembered as a true gentleman with a dry sense of humor. He was admired as a man of integrity with whom the veterans of our industry loved doing business.
Ray Windsor, EDA’s first executive director and the recipient of that first call, said, “I’ve known Steve Eatherly a long time and can say with conviction that he was a man of integrity and a straight shooter. He tried to pretend that he was a simple country boy but he was always the smartest guy in the room.”
Kevin Taliani, president of Davis Distribution said, “Since joining the EDA, the Eatherly & Taliani families developed a very close business & personal relationship. We cherish your friendship, & our hearts go out, to each of you, during this painful time. We undoubtedly know how wonderful the Eatherly family is, which is an evident reflection of what a great man Steve was. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Eatherly & P&E family.”
Steve is survived by his wife Darcy, his children Josh and Stephanie, and three grandchildren. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no services are scheduled.
About Elite Distributor Alliance: EDA is a member owned alliance of like-minded distributors committed to the highest standards and serving the 12 volt industry. Find out more at www.elitedistributoralliance.com
Photo: Steve Eatherly is pictured on the far left.
To Josh and the Eatherly family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to offer you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences.
Steve was always a forward thinker , always a step ahead of everyone…
Back in 2000 I called ATA Distributors and spoke to Steve, and he gave me a shot when others did not.
Steve was a gentleman and his word was gold… full of knowledge and experience with an eye for Quality.
He was always very warm and welcoming at his distribution shows in Tennessee, And always had special way of making everybody feel like family.
Our 12volt industry needs more people like Steve Eatherly, a true Class Act that will be missed but never forgotten.
Prayers and condolences to the family.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Steve for my almost my entire 12-volt career going back to 1990 when he was running All Things Audio. For as long as I have known Steve he never changed, he was always gentleman and a genuine pleasure to do business with. Ray hit it right on the head with his quote, well said. My condolences to his entire family. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace Steve