Eddie Vanatta

Elmer Edward “Eddie” Vanatta Jr., a true West Nashville native, passed away after a brief illness.  Born and raised in West Nashville, Eddie was known for his big personality, his love for family, and his gift for working on cars. Eddie spent most of his life under the hood of a car and owned Vanatta Auto Repair, where he proudly served the West Nashville community. He loved working on cars and had a real passion for boxing- two things that were a big part of who he was.

He was the son of the late Elmer Edward Vanatta Sr, “Papa Pete,” and Edith Darlene Vanatta, who cared for him faithfully, especially over this past year.

Eddie is survived by his mother, Darlene Vanatta; sister, Jackie Vanatta; his children, Brandon (Brittany) Vanatta, Timmy (Sierra) Vanatta, and Amber Phillips; his 7 grandchildren, of whom he adored, Shane, Brandon Jr., Ava, Georgia, Olivia, Darryl “Smokey,” and DeCari; his wife Tammy, of many years; and many extended family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his son, John Thomas “John John” Vanatta.

A celebration of Eddie’s life will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:30AM, at Western Hills Church, located at 7565 Charlotte Pike. The interment will follow at SpringHill Cemetery in Madison.  Pallbearers will be Brandon Vanatta, Timmy Vanatta, Shane Vanatta, Justin Scott, Eric Vanatta, and Eddie Tanksley.

Visitation with the family will be on Thursday evening, December 4th from 3PM until 7PM, and again on Friday, December 5th, from 9:30AM until the service time at 11:30AM, all at Western Hills Church.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suit 104 (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Bellevue’s only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.