Benjamin Rechter

Ben R. Rechter, longtime resident of Nashville TN, passedaway on May 7, 2021 at the age of 83.

He was much loved by his immediate and extended family, including his devoted wife of 61 years, Mary Joan Rechter.

Over the span of nearly 50 years, Ben was well known for his dedication to the Nashville Community. A true visionary, he played an integral role in projects that helped shape Nashville into the city it is today.

In addition to serving on numerous boards, he worked behind the scenes and personally touched and impacted many lives. Some of the organizations and projects he was involved in included: Fisk University, United Way of Middle Tennessee, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Symphony, Nashville Public Television, and The National Museum of African American Music.

Ben’s wise counsel extended to both family and business, and for many decades he played a central leadership role at Rogers Group, the family business begun by his grandfather.

Most recently, Ben passionately dedicated his time and energy to the “We Are Nashville” project that is currently being revealed across the city.

Ben touched many lives, and for those who loved him, it is hard to imagine a world without him in it. As husband, brother, father, and friend, he will be deeply missed and forever appreciated for his kindness and sound guidance.

He is preceded in death by his father Ben W. Rechter and his mother Helen Rogers Rechter. He is survived by his wife Joan, brothers Sam and Rick Rechter, sister Pat Daugherty, stepbrother Jerry Neely, stepsister Sharon Douglass, sons Ben L. Rechter (Jamie) and Mark Rechter (Olivia) and daughter Jennifer Paisley (Eric), six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 12th, from 4-6 p.m. at St. Henry Church, 6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205; and Thursday May 13th, from 10-11 a.m. with funeral to follow at 11 a.m. Thursday May 13th at the same location. Masks will be required at all times.

A private graveside service limited to family members will immediately follow the funeral at Harpeth Hills Cemetery,9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee or United Way of Middle Tennessee.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Alive Hospice.