Ricky Sherrell

Funeral services for Mr. Ricky C. Sherrell will be held Friday, November 19th at 12:00 p.m. at Willow Ave. Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Boiling Springs Cemetery. Bro. Clarence Deloach will officiate. His family will receive friends Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again Friday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Ricky Curtis Sherrell passed away peacefully at home after living fully for 57 years. Although he contended with multiple myeloma for over 5 years, he did not let the illness dampen his positive spirit or determination to enjoy life. He was born on July 6th, 1964 in Cookeville, TN, to Nell Goff Sherrell Vinson and the late Curtis D. Sherrell. He was a graduate of Cookeville High School. Ricky was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, never met a stranger, and thought the world of his friends. He was highly optimistic, quick-witted, and always willing to share his honest opinion. He was a man of integrity and principal who honored a handshake deal and believed that a successful business relationship meant that both parties must benefit. His work ethic was unwavering, and he was committed to building a successful business. Ricky often dreamed about business dilemmas and woke up ready to engineer or implement a solution to any problem. In 1984, while cruising around the Cookeville mall in his convertible, Ricky was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Tammy Ramsey. They married in 1987, and she was his lifelong companion, best friend, and devoted and selfless caregiver throughout his illness. She supported all of his endeavors and was behind the scenes helping to facilitate and encourage his ideas. When Ricky was not working, he was attending auctions for equipment- where he consistently came home with something preowned and discarded by others and promptly repaired it to working condition. Ricky was constantly rebuilding computers, servers, or large machinery- from a technology and equipment standpoint, he was never intimidated, always learning, and continually looking for a new challenge. He took pride in bringing his only child, Samantha, to work and took advantage of every opportunity to teach her about business. Over the years, Ricky became passionate about the Wounded Warrior Project and loved taking these friends on yearly hunting trips. As a licensed private pilot, he truly enjoyed any time spent in the air. Ricky's younger years were consumed by work and he lived next door to the business when it began. During his later years, he made time for the activities he loved, like hunting, fishing, flying, and spending his weekends with his lake family at Sligo Marina on Center Hill Lake. An avid supporter of many local organizations, Ricky also enjoyed being a member of Rotary Club of Cookeville (noonday) until his health prevented his attendance. He was an organizer/founder and served on the board of directors of Putnam First Mercantile bank. Ricky was a member at Willow Avenue Church of Christ and recently watched the services online but often spoke about his hopes of being back in church in person. Over the past years, Ricky and his family have felt so loved by all of the friends who constantly prayed, texted, called, and sent cards and food. He was so grateful for all the care he received from the wonderful nurses and doctors throughout his journey. He was determined to meet his granddaughter, Demi Rae, and was so joyful when he met that goal in late September. Ricky appreciated each day he was given and was still optimistic and planning for the future until his last day. In addition to his father, Curtis D. Sherrell, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Doug Harris. Ricky is survived by his mother Nell Vinson and step father Dallas Vinson, his wife of 35 years, Tammy Ramsey Sherrell; daughter and son in law, Samantha and Dexter Cross of Brush Creek, TN; granddaughter, Demi Rae Cross; sister, Cindy Harris of Cookeville; step-brother Jerry Vinson (Debbie) of Baxter; and by brother in laws, Mark Ramsey(Delisa) and Joe Ramsey(Janet). Pallbearers will be Perry Delaney, Greg Graham, Barry Howard, Terry Kendall, Jacob Ramsey, Jonathan Ramsey, Joshua Ramsey, and Brad Wood. Honorary Pallbearers will be The Team at Encompass Manufacturing, his beloved Sligo B-Pier Family, and his Upper Cumberland Regional Airport flying friends. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.