John Stephen Jeter

John Stephen Jeter, age 77, of Nashville, Tennessee passed away Sunday, October 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  John was born December 29, 1945, in Monticello, Arkansas, to Ruby Elizabeth Jeter and John William Jeter. 

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Peggy Wallick Jeter, his daughter, Pam Hunter (Ben) of Brentwood, Tennessee; his brother, Allen Jeter (Carla) of Fairview, Tennessee; grandsons Jacob and Will Hunter of Brentwood, Tennessee; nephew Brandon Jeter (Ashley) of Hendersonville, Tennessee; niece Allyson Wallace (Michael) of Nashville, Tennessee; along with 3 great nephews, 2 great nieces and a host of cousins. 

John is preceded in death by his son, Jason Jeter, and his parents, Ruby and John Jeter.

John graduated from Monticello High School and Harding College, where he played football and baseball.  He was a four-year starter in football and made All Conference in baseball.  He obtained his MBA from the University of Arkansas in 1968.  John was a professor at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma for 31 years.  He and Peggy also ran a successful photography business in Lawton and Nashville until their retirement.

Above all, John was a devoted husband, father and Papou.  He loved his family fiercely and brought laughter into each life he touched.   John had a way of spending time with people – communicating with a warm smile and humor that made you feel like you were old friends.  One of his favorite activities was watching his grandsons and great nephews and nieces participate in their sports and musical activities.  He loved to travel – taking awesome pictures wherever he went.  He enjoyed golf and watching football, especially the Tennessee Titans.  John fought cancer and Parkison’s with humor and grace until the very end. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Stacey Vallejo and the Medical ICU nurses at St. Thomas West for their exceptional care and compassion during the last two weeks of his life.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in memory of John Stephen Jeter to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://stjude.org or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org .

A celebration of life will be held on November 11, 2023, at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, 1949 Old Hickory Boulevard, Brentwood, Tennessee from 1pm – 4pm, with a short service at 3pm.

Jason and best friend Gary Wheatly will join him on the first tee in Heaven.

Nashville Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with handling Mr. Jeter's arrangements. Please visit his guestbook to leave a thoughtful note for the family.