Jerald Nue Popplewell, 76, of Russell Springs, KY passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, KY. He was born on October 8, 1949 in Somerset, KY to the late Desoto Popplewell, Jr. and Letha Marie Smith Popplewell Osborne.
Jerald was a member of Pine Grove Separate Baptist Church and later Jamestown First Baptist Church. He was a 1967 graduate of Russell County High School and later attended Berea College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. Jerald enjoyed a long career in human services including 25 years at Oakwood in Somerset where he began working at its opening in 1972. After retiring in 1997, he extended his career with supported community living agencies including First Source in Somerset, and Outlook and Independent Opportunities in Tennessee. For several years, he also worked as a trainer for the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute. Jerald concluded his career as a foster care case manager with NECCO in Somerset.
Jerald was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He played basketball for Russell County High School and competed on the swim and soccer teams at Berea College. He later enjoyed coaching youth league soccer, playing racquetball, and cheering on his children during their high school sports activities. More recently, he was an avid UK Wildcats fan serving as a “side-court recliner coach” for every game.
After retirement, Jerald enjoyed his morning breakfast meetings with friends at Eli Country Store, his weekly men’s prayer group, tending to his hay farm, visiting with family and friends, and taking his grandchildren to the creek.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, David Popplewell and stepfather, Willard Osborne.
SURVIVORS:
His wife: Marisa Campbell Popplewell of Russell Springs
2 children: Jared (and Leslie) Popplewell of Russell Springs and Jessica (and Eric) Bumm of Nicholasville
2 step-children: Brad (and Melissa) Wilkerson of Russell Springs, and Scott (and Mindy) Wilkerson of Columbia
9 grandchildren: Sophia (& Presley) Bumm; Erica, Allie, Brailee, and Ava Wilkerson; Lilly and Kinnett Wills; Bryson Harris; and Breann Franklin
Great grandchild: Lennon Wills
2 sisters: Sondra (& the late Jim) Valentine and Lila (& Johnny B.) Cooper of Russell Springs
A host of nieces & nephews
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Scott Russell and Bro. Don Finch officiating
Burial: Pine Grove (Sunshine) Cemetery
Visitation: After 10:00 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home
The funeral service will be livestreamed and can be viewed on Jerald’s obituary page of the funeral home’s website.
Pallbearers: Derek Popplewell, Kenny Popplewell, Tyler Popplewell, Don Finch, and Zach Gillespie
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pine Grove Cemetery fund or to Jamestown First Baptist Church. Donations can be made at the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
