Rev. Dr. M.R. Cherry

The Reverend Doctor Millard Ross Cherry, affectionately known to all as "Cherry," died on Friday, October 5th, 2012 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Cherry was born in Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky on December 2nd, 1921. He was baptized as a teenager and licensed to preach at 19. He served as pastor from the age of 20 in the state of Arkansas and later in Taylorsville, Kentucky. Cherry held a B.A. from Ouachita Baptist University (1944) and a B.D. (1948) and Doctor of Theology (1957) degrees from Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. In 1957 Cherry made the significant decision to come to Canada, where he became Professor of Systematic Theology in the School of Theology at Acadia University. He deeply cherished his Canadian citizenship, which he was granted in 1970. Cherry’s contribution to Nova Scotia and beyond has been truly remarkable. At Acadia he served on numerous boards and committees over a twenty-five year period. Especially notable was his service as Dean of Theology (1963-71), the first Principal of Acadia Divinity College (1968-71) and Associate Dean of Acadia Divinity College (1971-80). In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Canadian Theological Education he received three honorary degrees from Pine Hill Divinity Hall (1970), McMaster Divinity College (1982) and Acadia University (1988). Cherry made a vital contribution to denominational and ecumenical life, serving the United Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces on the Standards for Ordination and Candidates Committee, Credentials Committee, Ordination Council and the Recruiting Committee. In addition, he was a popular guest lecturer and preacher in seminaries and churches of several denominations across Canada. Following retirement from Acadia, Cherry was interim pastor at Wolfville Baptist Church and St. Andrews United Church, Wolfville (1988). He then pastored Pereaux Baptist Church (1988-94). Cherry was predeceased by his father Daniel Borthic Cherry, his mother Nema Brown Hatter Cherry, and his brother, Billy Jeff (Ruth) Cherry. He is survived by his nephew Daniel Potts (Danita) Cherry and their children Lauren, Jeffrey and Alexander, all of Kentucky. Though a bachelor, Cherry was a devoted and fatherly mentor to generations of students and their families. He eagerly and generously offered unconditional love in his role as counselor and friend and his ecumenical, inclusive spirit was particularly cherished by all who knew and loved him. To celebrate his 80th birthday in 2001, over 400 friends assembled at Atlantic Theatre Festival in Wolfville to honour Cherry for his contribution to the Acadia University family, the people of the Annapolis Valley and far beyond. At this time Cherry was honoured with a life membership in the Wolfville Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellowship in tribute to "his special qualities as a person of unusual warmth, kindness, community spirit and service." More recently Cherry was inducted into the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his many years as an ardent supporter and encourager of all Axe teams. Cherry’s many friends are grateful for the loving care he received from all the medical staff at the Valley Regional Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, October 10th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Pereaux Baptist Church, Reverend Gary Manthorne and Dr. Mark Parent officiating. A reception will follow in Cherry Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cherry’s memory would be appreciated to Pereaux Baptist Church or the Millard R. Cherry Chair of Christian Thought and Ethics in Acadia Divinity College, 36 Horton Avenue, Wolfville, NS  B4P 2R6. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.  On line inquiries and condolences may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.