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.
Jean will appreciate your kind words. I will pass this along. – Webmaster
Recently going through my own poetry from more than 30 years, I came across one of arts poems in a book I collected. Dated August 3rd 1979, the poem is called growth. First line is:. I don’t ever want to be what I want to be.
As he conveniently put an address into phone numbers there I tried to reach the phone, and through google, learned that he is probably the man who died last may. If he’s the author of this poem, I tell you, jean, I was thankful to read it again. It was printed on a piece of paper with a tree. Not sure how it came into my hands, although I did work at Star Commonwealth schools in Albion for 12 months in the ’80s some point.
His poem made me curious, the website made me more curious. And the comments about him going to be with the Lord are encouraging. I will look forward to knowing better who he was, and exploring more what he wrote. I too love jesus, he is the author and perfecter of my faith and my life. I am who I am because of his impact.
So I know we don’t grieve like the rest of the world who have no hope. I also know that when we spend a long time loving someone, they’re absence leaves a hole that takes part of us with it.
I’ll pass along your comment to Art’s wife, Jean. She will appreciate it. – Webmaster
I just found out that Art Fettig has gone to be with our Lord. Our prayers to his family. My wife and I met Art in 2012 during our 1st wedding anniversary in Mt Airy, NC. It was a great pleasure to have met Art and sent a little time talking with him and getting pictures with him as “Almost Andy” Matlock. Thanks for the memories Art.
I just found out that Art Getting has gone to be with our Lord. Our prayers to his family. My wife and I met Art in 2012 during our 1st wedding anniversary in Mt Airy, NC. It was a great pleasure to have met Art and sent a little time talking with him and getting pictures with him as “Almost Andy” Matlock. Thanks for the memories Art.
Last year snd this also has been out of normal…I need to say that I was far of the media but today came to my memory this gentil man who always cheer up my heart and I just found out that he’s now in better place.
I met him in a yard sale in my home and my husband and I were grateful impressed for the happiness, kindness and good vibes of Art.
I’m sorry that so beautiful being is not more around, world needs more people as him.
Rest on peace ♡
thank you
Ow! I just learned that Art went to Glory. I have been listening to two or three of Art’s talks to the Toastmaster International Convention==each time to standing ovations.
His book, “How to Hold An Audience In the Hollow of Your Hand” is a classic. I never met Art in person. But I feel like he mentored me through this book. He loved his audiences and they loved him. I will buy a couple more of his “How to hold an audience . . .” and pass them along to friends, out of gratitude for what he taught me.
Dr. Rich Breiner, Ph.D.
Professor in Communication
University of Great Falls (Now University of Providence, Great Falls)
3-time World Champion of Public Speaking Finalist
Ow! I just learned that Art went to Glory. I have been listening to two or three of Art’s talks to the Toastmaster International Convention==each time to standing ovations.
His book, “How to Hold An Audience In the Hollow of Your Hand” is a classic. I never met Art in person. But I feel like he mentored me through this book. He loved his audiences and they loved him. I will buy a couple more of his “How to hold an audience . . .” and pass them along to friends, out of gratitude for what he taught me.
Dr. Rich Breiner, Ph.D.
Professor in Communication
University of Great Falls (Now University of Providence, Great Falls)
3-time World Champion of Public Speaking Finalist