Nellis Don Headrick

Nellis Don Headrick, of Denton, Texas passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the age of 83, after a few months of battling heart problems. He was being released from Baylor Scott and White Heart Hospital when he went to his home in Heaven. He passed away knowing he has coming home. Don was born September 29, 1938 in Maryville, TN to Martin Edgar Headrick and Doris Gardner Headrick. He was raised alongside his sister, Peggy McClintock, in the area of Maryville known as Pea Ridge. Don attended the University of Tennessee and graduated with a degree in Business in the summer of 1960. In the fall of 1960, Don married the love of his life Sylvia Cotter Headrick and they were married for 61 years. Soon after they wed, Don joined the Army, he spent 2 years active duty and 4 years as a reservist in the Air Force. After his Active Duty requirement was complete, he was hired by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) into their Management Trainee Program. In 7 years, he attained the level of Executive Management Program. He spent 27 years of his life supporting the military during battle and peace. He, Sylvia, and their 3 children moved 19 times with the Army and Air Force Service living in several countries and multiple states. After he retired from AAFES in June of 1990, Don moved to Texas where he started a sales company that supplied products to AAFES for America’s troops worldwide. The sales company he started was called Headrick and Associates and he worked in conjunction with Paul Williams of Williams and Associates. Don continued to work until December 2021. Don’s work ethic and passion for life was inspiring to anyone who met him. His loved ones remember him as a man of loyalty and love to God, country, and his family. Don is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sylvia Cotter Headrick; adoring children Kelly Headrick Douthit (David), Larry Mark Headrick (Angela), Tracy Headrick Miller (Ben), 8 grandchildren, sister Peggy Headrick McClintock and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Smith Trinity Chapel. The Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM with Rev. Chris Pass officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 3:00 PM for Interment at Grandview Pavilion, 2316 Graves Road, Maryville, TN 37803. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project can be made in memory of Don at support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Nellis Don Headrick please visit our Sympathy Store.