Obituary
Stephen (Steve) Eugene Herriman, Sr., Memphis, TN, and Venice, FL, 82, passed September 1, 2024, at King’s Daughters and Sons Home in Bartlett, TN. He was born February 12, 1942, to Earnest Herriman and Minnie Louise Taylor Herriman in Memphis, TN. Steve grew up in Memphis and attended Messick High School.
He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1960. He served his country for 32 years, with 20 years of active service, including deployment overseas, and 12 years in the Air Force Reserve. He was a proud and dedicated patriot, retiring in January 2002 as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. His accommodations include Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal with 1 device, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 6 devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon/Rifle, Air Force Training Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 device, and Presidential Unit Citation.
He was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, and New Hope Christian Church in Nokomis, FL, serving faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and speaker. He loved our Lord, Jesus Christ, discipling to many.
An avid reader and learner, he attended Memphis State University, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Mid-South Theological Seminary, and LaSalle Extension University, where he earned a degree in American Law and Procedure. Songwriting was a passion, and he produced several gospel songs.
He loved baseball, and later in life, golf. In his youth, he played baseball, including a stint in the minor leagues. He played softball throughout his 30s and early 40s. He then took up golf and enjoyed outings with friends in Memphis, TN and Venice, FL.
Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind wife, Martha Thweatt Herriman and his children Mike McKelvie of Panama City, FL; Karen Brasher (Steve) of Eupora, MS; Stephen Herriman, Jr. (Dena) of Edmond, OK; Linda Herriman of Memphis, TN; Sean McKelvie (Sarah) of Cookeville, TN; Terri Thweatt Safdari (Nick) of St. Louis, MO; and 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Minnie Louise Herriman; sister, Marie Herriman Thompson; wives Laura Lollar Herriman and Patricia Smith Herriman.
A celebration of life will be held at New Hope Christian Church in Nokomis, FL, on November 30, 2024. Burial will be at Sarasota National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN
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