“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7
Sherrill Nelson was born on February 11, 1935 and finished his race on Sunday, August 18, 2019. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Jonesborough.
Mr. Nelson was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Nelson, parents, Carl and Belle Nelson, and sister, Bernice Trent.
Those who loved and cherished him are a loving wife of 62 years, Mary Kate Ferguson Nelson; daughter, Debbie Nelson McInturff and husband Mike; daughter Scherry Nelson Graham and husband Bill; grandchildren, Christopher Graham and Anna Graham.
Mr. Nelson devoted his life to one of compassion for others and exemplified Christian love. He worked 14 years for Coca-Cola bottling company while volunteering with the fire department and rescue squad where he developed a passion for helping people. He became the first Emergency Medical Services director in 1972 where he was instrumental in growing the future of Emergency Medical Services. Under his leadership, the first group of National Registry EMT were tested in 1973 and later Paramedics. He served as director until 1985 when he purchased and ran a private ambulance service, S & S Ambulance. He served in this capacity until he retired in 1997.
He also had a love for Southern Gospel Music and instilled this in his family. He served as choir leader for many years and sang in many quartets with family and friends. Both daughters continue to use music talents to play gospel music for choir and worship services.
A very special thanks to Amedysis Hospice services and others who helped him make his days more comfortable thru the compassion they offered him and the family. We also want to thank other family and friends who have prayed for him and visited during his illness.
Services will include receiving of friends at Dillow-Taylor funeral home from 5 " 7 pm on Thursday August 22, 2019. A graveside service will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church cemetery, Jonesborough on Friday August 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Karl Gasser and Rev. Brian Nulf officiating. Pallbearers will be nephews of the family.
08/22/2019
Lynda and Ron Street
Sherrill was a good man...one who truly made a difference in the world and in the lives of so many..thru his work and his personal testimony. Thoughts and prayers for his family now and in the days ahead.
Please know that your family is in our prayers during this
difficult time. Ella Carol and I are out of town but we’re still
thinking of you. May God comfort you all,
I’m so sorry for the family’s loss. Sherrill was a good man and
a pleasure to work for during my time at the ambulance
service. He will be missed.
Sherrill was one of my first contacts in the
Johnson City area when I started establishing EMT
courses in East Tennessee. In the later years, I
visited him at his private ambulance service just
to talk with my friend.
Sherrill was always humble and respected, and I
felt privileged to be his friend.
My condolences to his family and friends.
08/21/2019
Jan Shepherd Barnes
So sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers
Debbie, Scherry and family. So sorry to hear of
your dad's passing. I won't be able to be there as
I am sending this message from the Little League
World Series in Williamsport PA. Your dad and I
always maintained our friendship and I will always
be grateful to him for giving me a job when I
really needed one. By the Lords grace we will all
see him again one day.
Thanks, Sherrill for all the lives you saved back
in the day and for all the lives that will
continue to be saved because of your work
forwarding our EMS into the EMTs and Paramedics
that are so ubiqitous today. You made a real
difference in the world.
08/20/2019
Lisa Fink Cooper
Im so sorry for your loss, praying for your
family.
Debbie, I am so sorry for the loss of your father.
I rode in the ambulances with him in the 70's when
a CCU nurse was allowed to ride with them. He was
a great man. He will be missed! I am praying for
you and your family. For comfort and mercy from
our heavenly father.
My prayers & thoughts are with you during this time of grief.
