Arthur J. (Art) Fettig, Jr, 91, of Hillsborough, NC passed from this life May 18, 2021, after a long and healthy life ended with several major health issues attacking him in his final 6 months. Art was born July 5, 1929 in Detroit, MI to deceased parents Arthur Fettig, Sr. and Jennie Sands Fettig. He was “little brother” to deceased sisters, Virginia (Sister Marie Therese) Fettig and Florence Fettig; and surviving sister, Barbara Monahan of Grosse Point Shores, MI; and big brother, to Joseph (deceased).
He served 2 years in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, returned to Detroit and in 1954 married first wife Ruth Zepke Fettig (deceased); they became parents to Nancy Smith (Mike); Daniel Fettig (Karen); Amy Trexler (Robb); son David (deceased) and Rosemarie (deceased).
Upon graduation from University of Detroit High School, highly motivated and creative Art began work with Grand Trunk Western Railroad, retiring in 1983 as Corp. Communications Officer. With his innate gift of gab, humorous nature, desire to make the world a better place and encouraging all he met to do likewise, and capitalizing on all opportunities for further enhancing his talents (including writing), coupled with a love for travel, he became a Certified Speaking Professional (NSA)-in numerous fields. In 2002 he was awarded the Distinguished Service to Safety Award by the National Safety Council. He authored around 50 books on various subjects and for 32 years wrote “Monday Morning Memos”, many of which are still available on artfettig.com.
Tiring of winter snow and searching for new adventures and a new wife, he in 1998 met and married wife (now of 20 years) Jean Collier Fettig in Hillsborough, NC. In doing so he acquired new sons David Collier (GeeGee recently deceased); Christopher Collier (deceased); Kevin Collier (Michele); new grandchildren, great grandchildren and many new relatives.
He continued speaking, much of which was as “Almost Andy”, Art Fettig’s hilarious adventures when mistaken for North Carolina native Andy Griffith/Matlock. His swan song in this persona was just short weeks before Andy died when then gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory thought he was the real Mckoy before several TV cameras and newspeople. Art truly enjoyed life in Hillsborough and the South, wrote some books about our town and several songs about the South.
Survivors also include daughter-in-law, Senka Fettig; granddaughters, Tiffany Fettig(Nikki), Alison Havercamp (Nick), Carli Fettig, Jennifer Wyatt(Paul), Michelle Swart(Derek), Kate Collier, Anna Collier; grandsons, Rory Packard(Veronica), Trevor Packard, Mickey Tomanovic, Michael Collier(Amanda), Alex Collier; and 5 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held May 27th at 11:00 am at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, 102 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC, followed by graveside service at 3:00 pm at Old Bluff Presbyterian Church, Godwin, NC.
In lieu of flowers, Art would wish that all would light little candles wherever a need is seen, making the world a better place.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Hillsborough. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.
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