William Herrick

Bill was born March 19, 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was raised in Metamora, Illinois, and moved to Nashville, Tennessee after graduating from Southern Illinois University with a degree in journalism. He worked for many years with surveying instruments before going back and earning his Masters in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. He worked tirelessly to prevent suicide and child abuse in Nashville and Spartanburg, SC.

He was active in theater in Nashville for many years, and most recently in Greeneville, TN. He was an accomplished woodworker and artist, designing and building furniture, lamps and cabinetry. Most recently, he took up beekeeping with all the enthusiasm, study and commitment that he brought to so many areas of his life. Bill believed that no man matures past the age of 13, and he filled our days with fun, tacky humor, endless imitations, creative inventions and silly risks. He leaves behind a hole that will never be filled.

He is survived by his wife, Heather Patchett; stepchildren Brendan Nancarrow (fiancée Sari Rovinsky), and Lauren Nancarrow; sister Jane Herrick Dubois (Pierre) and daughter, Desiree; nieces Lori Martin Bolt (Wayne), and Jennifer Martin Faulkner (John) and her daughters Sarah, Kristen and Melissa; and nephew Mike Martin and children Carl and Vanessa. He is also survived by parents in law Jeanne and Darrell Ray, Jerri and Frank Patchett, and Michael Glasscock III, and a beloved sister-in-law, Ann VanDevender (Karl). Devoted lifelong friends David Swanger and Avis Kennedy, Barbara and Roy Suhadolnik, Linda Torres and Don Webb also survive him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, John and Winifred Herrick, sister Diana Herrick Martin, and brother Richard Herrick.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in Christ Chapel at First Presbyterian Church in Greeneville, TN on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Dan Donaldson and Mr. Mark Stokes, Chaplain of Tusculum College, officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the Simon Room. Friends and family will gather In Nashville, TN on Saturday, February 1 at 6 p.m. at the home of his sister-in-law to share memories and love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Rural Resources of Greeneville, Theatre-at-Tusculum, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.