P&E Distributors Founding Partner Passes

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P&E Distributors

J. D. Eatherly, founding partner of P&E Distributors, passed away peacefully on Saturday at the age of 92.

Back in the early 1960s, J.D. saw the need for a speed shop in Nashville and launched Rayco Racing Division. As the company started to grow it became Tennessee Speed Sport in 1962. The business continued to grow and in 1967 it was incorporated as P&E Distributors, dba Tennessee Speed Sport.

All through the 1970’ and into the 1980’ the wholesale division of the company flourished and still continues today. J.D. was an avid NASCAR fan.  He was also a very successful real estate developer in his retirement and he was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

J.D. began his career in the 1940s working for a Rayco Auto Service franchise installing seat covers and vinyl tops in Detroit.  Shortly after that J.D. helped open a Rayco franchise store in East Nashville TN in the early 50s in order to be closer to his home, then opening a second Rayco Franchise in downtown Nashville. From there he launched the speed shop that eventually become P&E Distributors.

J.D. was born and raised in Clarksville, TN.  He was preceded in death by his son, Steve Eatherly and step-daughter, Pam White.of Nashville.

J.D. passed away peacefully in his favorite chair with his wife, Daisy Duke Eatherly and grandson Josh Eatherly by his side.

Funeral services will be Thursday January 27, 2022 at 3 PM at the Chapel of Taylor Funeral Home with Brother Steve Baggett officiating. Place of rest will be Dickson County Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday January 26th from 2 to 8 PM and on Thursday from 12 PM until time of service.

Memorials may be made to, Glaucoma.org, Autismspeaks.org, NationalMSsociety.org or Fightingblindness.org.

The Taylor Funeral Home is located in Dickson, TN and may be reached at (615)446-2808.

 

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