Major Fred “David” Sherrill
United States Army
Vietnam War Veteran – Helicopter Pilot & Instructor
Born: September 29, 1942 – North Carolina
Passed: December 26, 2025 – Statesville, North Carolina
Age: 83
Service to Country
Fred “David” Sherrill enlisted in the United States Army at 18 and spent the next 20 years in uniform, retiring in 1981 with the rank of Major.
A Vietnam War veteran, David served as a helicopter pilot and instructor, flying demanding missions and then teaching others how to do the same. Over his career, he earned an impressive list of awards, including:
- Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm
- Vietnam Service Silver Star
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Three Army Commendation Medals
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Parachutist Badge
- Senior Army Aviator Badge
- Valorous Unit Award
- Presidential Unit Citation
Those decorations tell the story: courage under fire, skill in the cockpit, and consistent excellence over two decades.
Teacher, Rider, Community Man
After the Army, David kept right on serving:
- He taught ROTC at North Iredell High School, shaping the character and discipline of young cadets.
- He was a member of Rolling Thunder, honoring POW/MIA and supporting fellow veterans.
- He co-owned Lakewood Golf Course for 25 years, helping build a place where community, camaraderie, and a good walk spoiled could all live together.
He was known as a man of loyalty, faith, and quiet strength, the kind of mentor who could both demand your best and believe you had it in you.
Family
Left to cherish his memory are:
- Daughter Suzanne Hutchcraft
- Son Steve Sherrill (Sara)
- Grandchildren Riley Hutchcraft and Tanner Sherrill
- His special friend, Allison Holloway
They remember him not just as a decorated officer, but as Dad, Granddad, and a steady presence who loved them fiercely.
🌟 Reflection
Closing out the year with Major Fred “David” Sherrill feels right:
- A combat pilot who risked everything in Vietnam
- A teacher who invested in the next generation
- A veteran advocate who never stopped caring about his brothers and sisters in arms
He shows us that service is not a chapter.
It’s a way of life.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Troutman Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Dale officiating. The family will visit with friends from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm before the service. A private burial will follow at a later date at Salisbury National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in David’s honor to your favorite veteran’s group or local American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Coolbeaners New Year’s Eve Appreciation
On this New Year’s Eve, as we honor our final Veteran of the Day for 2025, mickyspano.com/ and The Micky Spano Show proudly recognize Major Fred “David” Sherrill, United States Army — Vietnam helicopter pilot, decorated officer, devoted teacher, and lifelong servant to his community and fellow veterans.
May his legacy carry forward into the new year as a reminder of courage, duty, and heart.
mickyspano.com/
The Micky Spano Show
Honoring a Veteran of the Day, each and every day.
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