Michael Wayne McDerman – Hermitage, TN
January 9, 1952 – August 6, 2026
Our hearts are broken as we, the family of Michael Wayne McDerman, announce his peaceful passing on Thursday, August 6, 2026, ending his 15-year battle with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, following a stroke in 2011. We rejoice that he is now in the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ.
A 1968 graduate of Hume Fogg Technical High School, Michael grew up in West Nashville. He excelled in most sports even then, with a particular talent for baseball and softball. His love for the game would eventually take him across and outside the U.S. with the International Law Enforcement Olympics. Until his death, he loved to watch MLB on TV, especially the Atlanta Braves. He later became an avid golfer, sporting a 2 handicap. If he wasn’t working, you could usually find him on the golf course or in a field hitting shag balls. Weather wasn’t a factor in his decision to golf or not to golf. If the course was open, he and his friends would be there, whether it was below freezing or a 100° heat wave. Michael was also a skilled bowler, often bowling a perfect game, and enjoyed playing darts. His balance eventually restricted many of his activities, but not before he spent countless hours fishing at Percy Priest Lake. It wasn’t unusual for him to be hooking up his boat at 3 a.m. to get an early start fishing with his best friend, Tommy Lewis.
He was later limited to his recliner or bed, with 24 hours daily of police/detective shows or MLB.
Michael was deeply loved by his family and his many friends, never hesitating to return that love. His love and protective nature were always on display. In addition to his given name, he became widely known as Paco-a name bestowed on him by his oldest granddaughter.
Michael served as an MNPD patrolman and detective from the early 1970s until 1987, then briefly working as a private investigator. He eventually became a truck driver, racking up in excess of one million safe miles for AAA Cooper. His career was cut short in 2011 following a stroke.
He had an amazing sense of humor and was always ready with a witty comment or a joke. He was the epitome of the early bird, often showing up at church two hours early to visit and have coffee with the other early birds. He was extremely handy and seemed able to fix anything. He was a fastidious dresser and always seemed to find room for just one more baseball cap.
Michael was a longtime member of Cornerstone Nashville Church, getting baptized on August 7, 2005. Thank you, Brother Everett Carrick, for leading him to the Lord.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandson and best buddy, Colby Chase; mother, Virginia Hodgins; and sister, Wanda Cansler.
He is survived by his adoring wife of 38 years, Dianne McDerman; daughters, Dana Lackey Wood (Rodney), Tracy Lackey Chase (Jamie), Stephanie McDerman Thorpe (Trent); grandchildren, Lauren Chase Dulaney (Nicholas), Kristin Wood, Katie Wood, Carter Thorpe (Shelby), Madison Thorpe Smith (Jordan), Kenna Thorpe; siblings, Sandra McDerman Sala (Joe), Paul McDerman (Tina), Rodger Hodgins, Susie Hodgins; and a host of other relatives and friends.
The house will seem empty and our hearts will continue to ache, but we celebrate his renewed body and mind. We love you, Michael/Paco.
Visitation with family and friends will take place on Monday, August 10, noon to 3 p.m. at Sellars Funeral Home, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, followed by a Celebration of Life, with Pastor Herb Hardcastle of Cornerstone Nashville officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens at 654 W. Division Street.
Pallbearers:
Mark Brewer
Jamie Chase
Nicholas Dulaney
Matthew Oakes
Paul Wingler
Rodney Wood
Honorary Pallbearer:
Colby Chase
Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, 615-758-5459, obituary line 615-758-8818, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet.
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