Gene Allen Sherrill

Gene A. Sherrill, LT. Col. USAF Retired, went to be with our Lord and Savior on May 27, 2018, at his home with loved ones at his side. He was 85 years old, born August 6, 1932 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Gene was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Betty E. Tidey Sherrill of Lafleche, Saskatchewan, Canada, parents George E. and Cecil M. (Browder) Sherrill, sister Louise (Bud) Byrd, and brothers Billy Joe, Bobby Neal, and Richard M. Sherrill.

He is survived by his wife Betty Cagle Sherrill, sons David (Karen), Robert (Deborah) of Springfield, Virginia, and Patrick (Sonya) Sherrill of Knoxville, Tennessee, step-children Rick (Laura) Kyle of Naperville, Illinois, and Annette (Frank) Maier, grandchildren Matthew, Carlin (Andrew) Sherrill Ferraro, Brady, William, and Ethan Sherrill, Tripp and Gena Thurston, Matthew (Megan) Kyle, Emily Kyle Colburn, Andy Kyle, Bailey Maier, and several great grandchildren.

Gene graduated in the class of 1950 from Chattanooga High School and attended the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He left Sewanee and enlisted in the United States Air Force in February, 1953. After basic training, Gene was assigned to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, as an Airborne Radio Operator, followed by assignment to Air Crew duty at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. While at Travis, Gene met and married Betty Tidey.

Gene was accepted into Officer's Candidate School and was enrolled in Class 58A at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated and received his wings as a Navigator in addition to his regular officer's commission. He returned to Keesler AFB to receive Electronic Warfare training. Gene's first operator assignment as an Electronics Warfare officer on B-52 aircraft was at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York. He served on an air crew as part of the Wing Operations staff.

The next assignment was at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, Massachusetts on the Air Division Operations staff. Gene served a one year tour of duty at U-Tapao, Thailand, where he flew B52 missions during the Vietnam War. He completed over 3,000 flight hours during his career in the USAF.

Gene then attended Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama before being transferred to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. He worked with the Strategic Air Command for six years, during which time he attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, earning his Bachelors Degree in Political Science. Gene completed his career with the USAF at the Pentagon and Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC.

After retiring in 1979, Gene and his family returned to Chattanooga, where he pursued a second career with the Tandy Corporation. managing several Radio Shack managing several local retail stores.

Gene was a faithful member of St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church for many years, serving on various boards and committees.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Alexian Village, Hearth Hospice, and Dr. Gregory Nieckula and staff for the loving care provided to Gene.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Alexian Village scholarship fund, St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, Salvation Army, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 31st from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. There will be a committal service with military honors at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Friday, June 1st at 11:00 am, with a memorial service at 1:00 pm at St Thaddeus Episcopal Church, 4300 Locksley Ln, Chattanooga, TN.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.