Dr. Sherman Edward Wilson
Apr 6, 1956 — Jun 9, 2026

Dr. Sherman Edward Wilson, educator, mentor, leader, craftsman, gifted storyteller, and faithful servant of God and humanity, can be most fittingly remembered as a man who pursued excellence and abundance not for himself alone, but for everyone whose life he was blessed to touch. Possessed of a brilliant mind and an even greater heart, Sherman moved through this world as a seeker of knowledge and a tireless teacher, leaving each person he encountered a little wiser, a little stronger, and a little more certain of their own God-given worth.

Sherman was born on April 6, 1956, in Huntington, West Virginia, to James Marbury Wilson and Vinda Ann Wilson. It was in Huntington that he professed his faith and united with Ebenezer AME Church.

He received his early education in the Cabell County School System and graduated from Huntington High School. Sherman then embarked upon a remarkable academic journey that would span a lifetime. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University, his Master of Arts degree from Tennessee State University, and his Doctorate of Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. A lifelong learner, he believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives, and he carried that conviction until his final days.

It was during his time at Vanderbilt that Sherman helped to make history. On April 26, 1975, he became one of twelve founding members, known forever as "The Genesis 12," who established the Kappa Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, at Vanderbilt University. Embracing his fraternity's timeless charge to be "Servants of All," Brother Sherman would spend the next fifty years living that creed with unwavering commitment. In every role he held and every person he met, he remained, above all, a servant to all.

Over the course of a distinguished and wide-ranging career, Sherman brought his sharp mind and steady leadership to industry, finance, and education alike. His path carried him from Marathon Oil in Lexington, Kentucky, to SunTrust Corporation in Atlanta, Orlando, and Knoxville, and finally to Servpro Industries in Gallatin, Tennessee. Yet teaching remained his truest calling. As a Lead Instructor for the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC), now the Electrical Training Alliance, he worked to build a skilled workforce and shape the next generation of leaders, treating every classroom and every apprentice as a chance to lift someone up and pass on hard-won wisdom.

Sherman was a man of many talents and an extraordinary depth of knowledge, equally at home trading ideas, working with his hands, or filling a home with the aromas of a meal lovingly prepared. In the kitchen he cooked like a chef, delighting in meals for the family and friends he loved. He shared his creativity through painting, vivid storytelling, and the woodworking and metalworking he practiced with patience and pride. He was also an avid reader and a lover of music. He gave generously of his time through community volunteerism, and he offered, freely and often, the words of encouragement and wise counsel that so many came to treasure. Whatever he did, he did with excellence, heart, and a desire to see others rise.

Dr. Sherman Edward Wilson was preceded in death by his parents, James Marbuty Wilson and Vinda Ann Wilson, and by his brother, James Marbury Wilson, Jr. His purposeful and abundant life leaves a lasting imprint on all who remain to cherish him and carry his legacy forward. They include: his devoted wife, Dr. Brenda Williams Wilson; his son, Sherman Evan Wilson, and daughter-in-law, Cara Jeanette Wilson (née Frye); the Williams, Terry, and Frye families; dear friends John and Bobbi Hunter, Elson and Debra Garrett, Larry and Kathy Brandon, Andrew and Denise Jackson and family, Jack and Linda Sterling and family, and Gary and Gwen Henderson and family; and a host of others whose lives were forever shaped by his generosity and grace.

A faithful servant to the very end, Sherman now rests in the eternal peace of the God he so dearly loved. His brilliance, his warmth, and his devotion to others will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who were fortunate enough to call him husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend.

To family and friends, in lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to: My Brothers Keeper (MBK) Nashville in honor of Dr. Sherman Edward Wilson.

Donations can be made electronically by:

#1 Clicking the following link My Brother's Keeper

#2 select the donation amount then add any additional notes/thoughts, if you so desire.

#3 search for Dr. Sherman Edward Wilson in the existing tributes box

# 4 click donate and follow the remainder of the instructions to complete the donation.

Donations can be completed via mail by completing the following:

#1 Make checks payable to Community Foundation at : 3421 Belmont Blvd. Nashville, Tn. 37215

# 2 Please put MBK Nashville Fund in Honor of Dr. Sherman Edward Wilson” on the memo line.

The family of Dr. Wilson appreciates your kind gesture.

Viewing:

Friday, June 19, 2026

1:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)

Visitation:

Saturday, June 20, 2026

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Funeral Service:

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Terrell Broady Funeral Home, Inc.

3855 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37218

Interment:

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Springfield memorial gardens

3366 Hwy 41 S, Springfield, TN 37172