Robert Daniel “Danny” Cherry was born on Sunday, June 30, 1946, to Grover Jackson Cherry and Elva Wylie Cherry in Winston County, Mississippi. On September 16, 2026, after a life marked by faith, family, service, and a genuine love for others, Danny peacefully entered his heavenly home from his residence in Decatur, Mississippi, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. His passing followed a long battle with asbestos-related illness and complications from a stroke.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church located at 362 Broad Street, Decatur, MS 39327. The funeral service will be held Monday, September 21, 2026, at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery in Union, MS.

Danny was raised on a farm in Winston County, where he learned early the worth of an honest day’s work, the importance of helping a neighbor, and the blessing of giving more than he took. Those lessons stayed with him throughout his life and shaped the man he became: a faithful husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a willing servant of his church, and a tireless servant of his community. By the way he lived and served, Danny passed those same values on to his family and to countless others throughout the community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Elva Cherry; his beloved wife, Merita Jones Cherry; and his brother, Billy Cherry.

Danny leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his daughter, Rita Kay (Cherry) Chambers, and her husband, Tim; his grandson, Malcolm “Mac” Chambers, and his wife, Lily; and his great- granddaughter, Gracelyn Chambers, whom he lovingly called “Pumpkin Bug” even before she was born. He is also survived by his sister, Arlene Johnson, and her husband, Johnny, of Louisville, Mississippi; his brother, Benny Cherry, and his wife, Pattie, of Union, Mississippi; his brother-in-law, Stan Patterson, and his wife, Penny, of Daytona, Florida; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and two very special fur babies, Sam and Strobe. Each of them held a special place in his heart. Danny also had a well-known sweet tooth. He and Gracelyn shared a special love for Reese’s Minis, a treat that became one of their sweetest little traditions together. He was also known for his love of Pepsi, ice cream, Spanish peanuts, peppermints, and, especially, his homemade sweet potato pies.

Education Work and Public Service

Danny was a 1964 graduate of Louisville High School. He later attended East Central Junior College, where he earned a degree in diesel mechanics. It was there that he met the love of his life, Merita Jones. They were married on May 26, 1968, and began a life together built on love, family, faith, and service.

In August 1967, Danny enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard. He served faithfully with the Guard until 1999 and then continued his military service in the Reserves until 2008. Many of the younger men who served under him came to know him as “Big Sarg,” along with several other respectful nicknames. To Danny, they were more than fellow service members; they were an extended family, especially during the two weeks they spent together at Camp Shelby each summer. He often said it was both an honor and a privilege to serve and protect his home, town, county, state, and country.

In 1996, Danny furthered his desire to help others by completing the Emergency Medical Technician Basic program at East Central Community College. The accomplishment held special significance because his daughter, Rita Kay, served as his instructor. This past June, he was delighted to receive his 30-year certificate from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians—an honor that meant a great deal to him.

Danny worked in the spring-up department at La-Z-Boy for more than 35 years. Retirement did not suit a man who was always looking for some way to be useful, so he went on to work with the Town of Decatur in maintenance and beautification. His love for his hometown and the people who called it home eventually led him into public office, where he served as an alderman from July 1, 2017, until March 31, 2025. In that role, as in every other part of his life, Danny gave his time, talents, and steady determination to leave Decatur a little better than he found it.

A Life of Faith and Service

In 1980, Danny and Merita began faithfully attending Clarke-Venable Baptist Church, where Danny soon took on the responsibility of running the sound system for worship and special services. He loved serving the Lord in his own special way and often joked that he was “making the windows rattle singing praises to God is an amazing time.” For Danny, that joyful noise was worship.

Those who knew Danny will remember his deep bass voice, especially when the old-time celebration songs were being sung. He took great pride in helping the church’s soloists and musicians, often meeting them at the church during the week so they could geta little extra practice. Danny patiently adjusted the sound until everything was just right. He was happiest when he could lend a hand, solve a problem, and help someone else give their very best.

Perhaps one of Danny’s greatest legacies was his more than five decades of service with the Decatur Volunteer Fire Department.

Danny joined the department in the early 1970s, beginning a lifetime of service to his fellow firefighters and the community he loved. Over the years, he served in many capacities, including firefighter, Second Assistant Chief, First Assistant Chief, and Chief. He also served as one of the early County Fire Coordinators. He witnessed tremendous changes in the fire service and was proud to be part of efforts that placed greater emphasis on the health, safety, and well-being of firefighters.

In the early 1990s, Danny’s doctors advised him that, because of health concerns, he should no longer enter smoke-filled environments. His answer reflected the faith and determination that guided his entire life:

“God put me here to help others, and I will continue to do that until He calls me home.”

And he did.

Though he could no longer safely enter burning structures, Danny never considered stepping away from service. He continued to serve the Decatur Volunteer Fire Department as a safety officer, pump operator, apparatus driver, advisor and remained active in his community by responding to Emergency Medical Responder calls. His dedication did not go unnoticed, and he was honored as EMR of the Year several times.

In the early 2000s, Danny’s passion for emergency medical services led him to become an active member of the Mississippi Emergency Medical Technicians Association (MEMTA) Board. He played an important role in planning and organizing conferences and educational opportunities, helping ensure that the next generation of EMS professionals had access to continuing education and the knowledge needed to keep their skills, practices, and training current.

For Danny, serving others was never simply about answering a call. He wanted to make sure those who answered the call were properly trained, properly equipped, and, most importantly, able to return safely to their own families at the end of the day.

That was Danny’s heart.

He found a way to serve for as long as he possibly could, always ready to give his time, lend a hand, and put the needs of others ahead of his own. Service was not merely something Danny did; it was woven into the very fabric of who he was. It was also a legacy he passed on to his family and to so many throughout the community.

A Christmas Tradition

Danny and Merita also shared a special love for Christmas and for bringing joy to others. In 1987, they decided to create something that would spread a little Christmas cheer to everyone who passed their home.

At the end of their carport, they built a large “Santa Stop Here” stop sign shape was cut out from two 4-by-8-foot sheets of plywood, surrounding it with lights and Christmas trees. What began as a simple Christmas display soon became much more.

Before long, Danny and Merita, along with their family, were decorating much of the Town of Decatur and helping transform the community into a place filled with Christmas lights, memories, and wonder. One of their most memorable contributions was the large Nativity scene along Highway 15 South, which became a beloved part of Decatur’s Christmas tradition.

For Danny and Merita, Christmas was about far more than decorations. It was about giving folks something to smile about, creating cherished memories for children, and sharing the joy and wonder of the season with friends and neighbors. Whenever possible, they preferred to put up the decorations quietly at night, like Santa and his elves, so the community could awaken the next morning to a joyful Christmas surprise. They never sought recognition or praise for what they did. For them, the only reward they needed was to see the smiles and excitement on the faces of children, both the young and the young at heart. That quiet generosity and love for others were true reflections of Danny and Merita and the spirit in which they lived.

A Legacy of Love and Service

Danny lived a life defined by service—to his family, his church, his community, his fellow service members, firefighters, and EMS professionals, and to countless people who simply needed someone willing to help.

Danny was the kind of man who believed in showing up, lending a hand, and looking after his neighbors. He believed that if God had given him the ability to help someone, then he ought to do it—and he lived by that belief.

His legacy will live on in the people he served, the lives he touched, the Christmas traditions he helped create, the service members, firefighters, and EMS professionals he encouraged, and, most of all, in the family he loved so dearly.

Acknowledgement of Gratitude 

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the sitters who cared for Danny and especially to Ms. Beth Grant, who remained by his side near the end and cared for him with the love and devotion of family.

For more than five decades, Danny answered the call to serve his community. Now, his earthly service is complete. The final call has come for him to go home, and we trust that he has been welcomed into the arms of the Savior he served so faithfully. He is whole and healed now—walking, talking, and breathing freely once again.

Until we meet again—Danny Boy, Daddy, Paw, DVFD 408.

Ministers

Scott Engle, Mark Vincent and Kenny Lang will officiate the service.

Pallbearers

Joshua Cherry, William Cherry, Jon Cherry, Justin Jones, Shawn Chambers, and Steven Davis.

Honorary Pallbearers

Current and past members of the Decatur Volunteer Fire Department; current and past Decatur aldermen and alderwomen; mayors; and Town of Decatur clerk staff and officers

Newton County Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cherry Family. 

An online guest book can be viewed and signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com.