David Wayne Sherrell, 66, of Sparta, is now resting safely in the arms of his Lord and Saviour, after he departed his earthly life on Feb. 3, 2018. Wayne was born Feb. 7, 1951, in Sparta, to William Orvil Sherrell and Lillian Troglen Sherrell. As one of 10 children, Wayne learned to put others before himself, which is exactly what he did throughout his entire life. When he was only 12 years old, Wayne began his lifelong journey into the world of firefighting, as he became a well-known face at the old city hall, on Bockman Way, where he would assist in all aspects of dispatching and provide aid to anyone who entered the doors. Wayne also delved into the world of photography, which led him to become one of the youngest employees at The Expositor in the early 1960’s. He continued his employment at the newspaper for several years and even ventured out on his own with a smaller publication. He also worked at Sparta Police Department where he was responsible for obtaining grants that helped the department grow and flourish in its mission of protecting the residents of Sparta. Wayne also served as a dispatcher and would work countless hours to ensure his beloved hometown was safe. Wayne continued his career in emergency services and became the director of White County E-911 where he remained until his declining health caused him to retire. However, the brotherhood of firefighters was his first love, and in that circle of his fire family is where he continued to serve his community and the state of Tennessee. Wayne was a selfless individual who would reach out to those in need. Although he was not a man of great wealth, his life can be measured by the richness of his friendships. He was a resident of NHC Healthcare of Sparta for many years before his death. Although he was bedridden, Wayne continued to share his photographic memories of Sparta via Facebook. Equipped only with a laptop, Wayne would take White Countians on trips back in time with his vast collection of photos he had taken over the past 50-plus years.
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